Japanese American: Cultural Communities in Portland, Oregon

In This Section

History
Things to See & Do
Events

This section was produced in collaboration with The Asian Reporter, a weekly newspaper featuring international and local Northwest news and events with an Asian focus.

The culture and heritage of Japanese Americans is interwoven in Portland’s fibers, from the serene landscape of the Portland Japanese Garden to the Japanese American Historical Plaza in Waterfront Park. Annual events including the Mochitsuki festival and O-Shogatsu (Japanese New Year) draw celebrants from all cultures, while groups like Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center and traditional drumming ensemble Portland Taiko serve as cultural ambassadors.

For four generations since the first Japanese settlers arrived in the 1890s, Japanese Americans have been essential in building Portland’s economy and culture. With Japanese-American businesses, cultural groups, organizations, artists and restaurants scattered throughout the area, the legacy of the first generation (Issei) is strong in Portland.