About Nikkei
Matsuri Foundation
The Nikkei Matsuri Foundation is a registered nonprofit public benefit charity organized under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Founded in 1978, our mission is “To perpetuate and showcase Japanese and Japanese American arts, culture, traditions, and experiences while providing support to San Jose Japantown to foster inclusivity and strengthen community bonds.”
We do this in part by hosting the annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival in San Jose Japantown, providing a forum for sharing cultural exhibits and performances as well as opportunities for many community-based charities to raise funds through cultural food-based sales in the ever-popular Food Court.
Additionally, through our partnership with the City of San Jose and the Friends of the Japanese Friendship Garden, we are the official Adopt-a-Park sponsors of the Japanese Friendship Garden located on Senter Road in San Jose.
Kelli Saito Martines
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation President and Festival Committee Member (Marketing)
Thankful to have grown up as a part of the Japantown community, it has been wonderful to join the Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Board this year. Reconnecting with friends and community members, representing Wesley UMC, and the opportunity to support cultural events and traditions locally has been a privilege.
Moschel Kadokura
Foundation Administration
I have been involved with Nikkei Matsuri since its inception in 1978 as a cultural performer and food booth volunteer. Throughout the past 45 years, I have participated in different capacities. In 2016, I joined the Committee and later the Board to ensure that Nikkei Matsuri’s mission of sharing the Japanese American culture and experience continues. I think of my dad, (late) Minoru Yamate, the first chairperson of this festival, and how he loved to volunteer in the Japantown community. My husband, Keith, and I have four grown children and are active members of the San Jose Buddhist Betsuin.
Ruth Shikada
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Secretary and Festival Community Chair
After years of attending Nikkei Matsuri, this year I am serving as the Foundation Board Secretary and am on the Festival Planning Committee. I was involved in numerous mostly youth-related organizations in San Jose Japantown for more than 15 years. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the organizations and community that connects us to each other and to future generations.
Diane Fujioka
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Treasurer and Festival Committee Member
I am the current Nikkei Matsuri Foundation treasurer. I first became involved through the San Jose Betsuin Buddhist Women’s Association as the food group organization in 2014. I became NM treasurer in 2017 following former treasurer, Kathy Linderman. I love this festival because it celebrates the Japanese American community and showcases our rich culture for everyone to enjoy!
Lesly Yamatake
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Board Member and Festival Chair
I am currently the Festival Chair and a foundation board member. However, I’m most active with the Construction/Deconstruction committee for the festival. (My favorite part of the festival…driving the forklift!). I grew up attending this festival, chairing a food booth in high school, and ~25 years later, striving to keep it going for others to enjoy as well.
Neal Kodama
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Board Member and Festival Construction Chair
I am current a board member of Nikkei Matsuri Foundation and the Chair of Construction/Deconstruction for the festival. I have been involved in Nikkei Matsuri for many years from my involvement in the San Jose Buddhist Judo Club. Seeing the community and all the different organizations come together to put on one of the most fascinating cultural festivals in the Bay Area is what keeps me excited.
Derek Fujikawa
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Treasurer
I am currently a board member and have been involved with Nikkei Matsuri since I was a Cub Scout with Pack 611. I continued to be involved all the way through high school, then returned when my son started up in scouts. It is great to see this tradition live on for so long and to evolve with the times. I am excited to have a bigger part in it going forward.
June Yasuhara
Festival Committee Member
I was asked to take photos of Nikkei Matsuri in 2010 and have been shooting the festival ever since. In 2016, I joined as PR and Marketing representative and am currently a Nikkei Matsuri Board member. In 2021, I had to take a year off, but am excited to be back for the 2022 year to experience all the new additions to the festival as well as catching up with the participants of the past years. I’m so proud to be a part of keeping the festival alive for the future generations.
Nhat Nguyen
Nikkei Matsuri Webmaster and Festival Committee Member
Nhat Nguyen, the web developer for Nikkei Matsuri, is like a digital pied piper, leading people out of their internet burrows and into the real world of fun and excitement.
Janet Yamada
Nikkei Matsuri Planning Committee Member and Artisan Chair
Hi there! I'm Janet Yamada, a finance professional with a passion for giving back to my community. I graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in finance. When I'm not crunching numbers, I love giving back to my community. I'm a proud member of the San Jose Japantown community and I'm thrilled to be serving as a committee member for the Nikkei Matsuri Festival. I'm a passionate runner and healthy living enthusiast. Let's chat finance, running, or life!
Jeri Antonio
Nikkei Matsuri Planning Committee Member and Program Chair
I am one of the program chairs for Nikkei Matsuri 2023. It is a privilege to be a part of sharing the diverse talents and treasures of the Japanese community with everyone. I've been involved with various organizations (CYS, the Buddhist church, Girl Scouts, Suzume no Gakko, Lotus preschool, etc.) throughout my life. As my late father used to say, "Give back to the community that gave you so much," and he was right... It is a special place that I'm proud to share with others.
ADVISORS
Warren Hayashi
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Advisor
Norman Tanaka
Nikkei Matsuri Foundation Advisor
What We Do
How we give back to the community
Scholarships
The San Jose Japantown Community Grant will be available to the community throughout the year. The award amounts will vary based on need and availability of funds. The intent of this grant is to invest up to 10% of the proceeds from the annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival to promote the sustainability and vibrancy of San Jose Japantown.
Grants
The San Jose Japantown Community Grant will be available to the community throughout the year. The award amounts will vary based on need and availability of funds. The intent of this grant is to invest up to 10% of the proceeds from the annual Nikkei Matsuri Festival to promote the sustainability and vibrancy of San Jose Japantown.
Events We Support
Community Keiro Kai
Curry Cook-Off
Collaborative Japantown event, supporting SJ Buddhist Church Betsuin and Wesley United Methodist Church
Artisans Fair
Winter boutique showcasing Japanese and Hawaiian handicrafts