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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 (first generation Japanese) 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 Japanese American Museum of Oregon.
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon 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, and festivals for spring and Obon. 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. The temple hosts special events to celebrate the new year, the birth of Buddha and also Obon. 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.
Japanese American Museum of Oregon
The Japanese American Museum of Oregon preserves and shares the culture and history of Japanese Americans in the Pacific Northwest through exhibits, talks and community events. The museum’s location, in an area referred to today as “Old Town Chinatown,” was home to more than 100 Japanese businesses prior to the spring of 1942.
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, paintings and decorative arts from the Edo and Meiji periods in addition to 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 performs throughout the year at festivals, parks and many other venues. Taiko is an energetic fusion of traditional Japanese drumming, rhythm, movement and storytelling.
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.
Arts, Eats & History
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