We are the Portland Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. A membership-driven national organization whose mission is to promote and uphold human and civil rights, and to promote and preserve the cultural heritage and values of Japanese Americans.
Latest with PDX JACL
Nikkei Community Picnic
Come join us for our annual community picnic! We will have food, rides for the kids, and fun for everyone; Prizes, Shoringi Kempo demonstration, and a performance by Portland Taiko.
The picnic is sponsored by organizations, churches and business of the Nikkei Community to celebrate our ethnic heritage.
We will provide at no cost:
- Main dish – Fried chicken and vegan entrée
- Water
- Eating utensils, plates, cups and napkins
- Watermelon and shave ice
- Games and prizes and ride bracelets for kids high school and younger (must pre-order)
Please bring a side dish to share. In order to ensure a variety we suggest that you bring a side dish that corresponds to the alphabetical grouping listed below:
- A-Ki – Salad or vegetable dish
- Kl-Sa – Rice or noodle dish
- Sc-Z – Dessert or Bread
RSVP and reserve ride bracelets using the Contact page by August 10.
When: Sunday, August 16th, Noon to 5:00 PM
Where: Oaks Park – Dance Pavilion (white building inside the main entry)
There is a $5 fee for parking payable on site
Congratulations to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!
From Our Feed
- JACL’s Statement on Supreme Court RulingsThe words engraved on the Statue of Liberty state, “… Read more: JACL’s Statement on Supreme Court Rulings
- The JACL Supports the Southern Poverty Law CenterThe Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) categorically denounces the Department… Read more: The JACL Supports the Southern Poverty Law Center
- JACL Condemns Executive Ordersby Seia Watanabe, VP Public Affairs, swatanabe@jacl.org Matthew Weisbly, Education… Read more: JACL Condemns Executive Orders
Looking for Volunteers
Portland JACL is an entirely volunteer run organization and we could always use more help. Just a couple of hours a month could support our mission of community, culture and civil rights. We are looking for help with:
- Web & Social Media
- Newsletter
- Development
- Membership
- Event tabling
- Print calendar
Additionally, members are always welcome to join committees for advocacy and finance. Meetings take place roughly once a month on Zoom.
Volunteering with Portland JACL is a great way to give back or get engaged with the local Nikkei community. Email us at contact@pdxjacl.org or fill out our volunteer interest form.
ありがとうThank you!
Portland Day of Remembrance 2026
This year we commemorated the Day of Remembrance with a number of events including a Farewell to Manzanar Film Screening and Panel, Farewell to Manzanar book club, Minidoka on Our Minds exhibition at JAMO, and Rally to Resist ICE.
Our Sponsors:
