Japanese American Culture
Connect with Portland's rich Japanese-American heritage at sites around the city.
Know Before You Go
This section was produced in collaboration with The Asian Reporter, a community newspaper featuring international and Pacific Northwest news and events with an Asian focus.
Japanese American Historical Plaza and Friendship Circle
Thirteen stone markers commemorate the history of the Issei and their descendants in the Japanese American Historical Plaza. One hundred ornamental cherry trees link the plaza to the Friendship Circle, where you’ll find a “singing” sculpture created to celebrate Portland’s 30-year Sister City relationship with Sapporo, Japan. Guided tours are offered by Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center.
The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center preserves and shares the culture and history of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest with exhibits, events and talks throughout the year.
Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland
The Nichiren Buddhist Temple of Portland is a community center that hosts annual events, including a New Year’s celebration, an event for Buddha’s birthday, a spring festival and Obon services. Visitors welcome.
Oregon Buddhist Temple
One of the oldest religious centers for the Japanese community, the Oregon Buddhist Temple is especially noteworthy for its beautiful sanctuary altar. Portland’s Japanese Buddhists host a New Year’s party, celebrate the birth of Buddha and hold the annual ObonFest at the center. Visitors are welcome.
Oregon Historical Society
The Oregon Historical Society maintains substantial photo collections, news clippings and family history materials on Japanese Americans in Oregon. Collections include letters, diaries and objects from the internment.
Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center
The Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center is a Japanese-American history museum that preserves and shares the culture and history of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest. The center features exhibits, events and talks throughout the year.
Cultural Happenings
Japanese American Events
Portland's Japanese American community offers engaging activities all year long.
Jade International Night Market
Thousands gather every August in Southeast Portland to celebrate the Jade District’s diverse immigrant community at the Jade International Night Market.
Lunar New Year Celebrations in Portland
Portland hosts its own Japanese Mochitsuki Festival, Vietnamese Tet Festival and multiple Chinese New Year events.
Portland Art Museum
The Portland Art Museum has six galleries dedicated to its extensive collection of Asian art. The Japanese galleries include many prints, painting and decorative arts from the Edo and Meiji periods, and contemporary art. Open Tuesday through Sunday.
Portland Japanese Garden
Acclaimed as the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan, this is an ideal retreat for meditation and contemplation. Covering nearly 12 acres, the Portland Japanese Garden features eight different gardens, replete with exquisite plants, carefully placed stones and relaxing pools.
Portland Taiko
Asian-American drum ensemble Portland Taiko, established in 1994, performs throughout the year. In addition to community performances at festivals, libraries and many other venues, the group also holds seasonal shows at the Portland’5 Centers for the Arts. Taiko combines rhythm, movement, energy and culture into a single art form.
Resources
Japan-America Society of Oregon
A private, non-profit, membership organization, the Japan-America Society of Oregon is dedicated to promoting business, education and cultural exchange and enhancing mutual understanding between the people of Japan, Oregon and Southwest Washington.
