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About us

The Japan Foundation is an independent administrative institution whose purpose is to promote international cultural exchange and mutual understanding between Japan and overseas countries. The Japan Foundation provides a wide range of programs relating to the exchange of persons, support for Japanese Studies and Japanese-language instruction, exchanges in the arts, and assistance for media-related projects such as publications, translations, and film or video productions.

Established by special legislation in the Japanese Diet in 1972, our activities are financed by operation profits on government endowment, annual government subsidies, and funding/donations from the private sector. The Foundation maintains 23 offices in 21 overseas countries including 2 offices in North America: New York and Los Angeles.

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (formerly The Japan Foundation Los Angeles Office 1983-1994, and The Japan Foundation Los Angeles Office & Language Center 1994-2004) opened its first office in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, in February 1983.

Now located on the 22nd Floor of the Wells Fargo Building in Downtown Los Angeles, The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles conducts arts and cultural programs for the Western United States (the thirteen states west of the Rockies). The office also provides comprehensive assistance for Japanese-language education nationwide.

DIRECTOR'S GREETING

To our Friends:

Konnichiwa and welcome to our website.

As a cultural exchange institute affiliated with the Government of Japan, the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, aims to further deepen the understanding of Japanese language and culture among the people of the United States. Our ultimate goal is to enhance not only the friendship shared by our two great nations but also to promote world peace by working together on a common global agenda. We have been engaged in this path of cooperation for many decades now and hope to continue working together for many decades to come.

I was in Tokyo on March 11, 2011. That day will be remembered by everyone all over the world. When I came to Los Angeles at the end of March to begin my tenure here, I had countless occasions to hear many kind words and meet the brave individuals who extended their hands to help Japan and those affected by the disaster. I truly felt the strong bond, Kizuna as we call it in Japanese, shared between Japan and the United States. That connection has never been stronger during our long history together than it is now. For that, I want to say Arigato Gozaimasu!

Now, Japan is once again in a position to recover and rebuild after a major disaster just like the previous generation did after the Second World War. This time, the youth of the current generation has the burden of rebuilding the affected areas and it is up to them to work with our friends from the United States to further strengthen our relationship as we look towards the future. Gambarimasho!

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, has been receiving many inquiries and interests about Japan including questions such as: “Why are the Japanese people so resilient?” and “What are the secrets behind America’s fascination with Japanese language and culture?” Through our activities we would like to explore this path with you in order to find the answers to these questions. This will be our new journey as we expand our activities. Yoroshiku Onegai Shimasu!

Misako Ito, Director

VISITOR'S INFORMATION

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is located in downtown Los Angeles, and situated in the Wells Fargo Building on South Grand Avenue.

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
333 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tel. (213) 621-2267
Fax. (213) 621-2590

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PARKING

We don't provide parking validation. The Weels Fargo Center has parking lots. You may enter from the entrance on Grand Avenue or Hope Street. ($3.50 / 15 minutes $14.00 / 1 hour, Max $40.00)

There are also reasonably priced parking lots near the building both located at Hope and Kosciuszko:

  1. Prestige Parking ($2.00 / 10 minutes, $10.00 maximum, $5.00 after 4pm)
  2. Bunker Hill Parking ($2.00 / 20 minutes, $10.00 maximum, $6.00 after 4pm)

Elevator Access

You need to check-in at the Security Counter located on the 1st floor of the North Tower to gain access to an elevator to the 22nd floor. You need to get assistance from the building's security personnel to access an elevator to the floor.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION (BUS & SUBWAY)

MTA Bus (http://www.metro.net/)
User Trip Planner to find a bus schedule customized for you. Please enter "333 S Grand Ave" as an ending point. If you are asked to choose one from a list of possible "333 S Grand Av", choose "333 S Grand Av 90013, Los Angeles"

Metro Red Line
Please use the 4th St. exit
Information (800) 266-6883
TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired (800) 252-9040

Santa Monica Big Blue Bus (http://www.bigbluebus.com/)
Take Line 10 (Stop Locations, Line Map)
Information: (310) 451-5444
TTY for the deaf or hearing-impaired: (310) 395-6024

Metro Red Line (Subway) (http://www.mta.net/)
Take Metro Red Line and get off the subway at Pershing Square.
Information: (800) 266-6883

STAFF DIRECTORY



The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles © 2011

333 South Grand Avenue, Suite 2250
Los Angeles, CA 90071

P. 213.621.2267 | F. 213.621.2590

jflainfo@jflalc.org