About us
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles (JFLA) promotes international awareness and mutual understanding between Japan and the U.S. through cultural exchange. We administer a wide range of programs and grants aimed at introducing Japanese arts and culture, supporting Japanese Studies and language education, and promoting publications, translations, film/video productions and other media related to Japan.
We are a non-profit organization, funded by an endowment from the Japanese government, annual government subsidies, as well as private sector donations. In addition to our Tokyo headquarters, the Japan Foundation has 22 offices in 21 countries, including our Los Angeles and New York office, as well as two Japanese-language institutes in Japan, and a Kyoto Office.
JFLA (formerly known as The Japan Foundation Los Angeles Office, 1983-1994, and The Japan Foundation Los Angeles Office & Language Center, 1994-2004) first opened its doors in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, in February 1983. Now located in the Wilshire Courtyard of the Miracle Mile District, JFLA conducts arts and cultural programs for the Western United States. We are also proud to provide comprehensive assistance for Japanese-language education nationwide.
Click the link below to learn more about our history.
http://www.jflalc.org/index.php?section=downloads&file_id=168
DIRECTOR'S GREETING
Konnichiwa and welcome to our website!
As a cultural exchange institute affiliated with the Government of Japan, JFLA 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 when the Great East Japan Earthquake occurred. That day will be remembered by everyone all over the world. When I came to Los Angeles at the end of March, 2011 to begin my tenure here, on countless occasions I would 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 (bond) as we say 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! (Thank you very much!)
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! (Try our very best!)
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! (Thank you for your interest!)
Misako Ito, Director
VISITOR'S INFORMATION
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles is located in the Miracle Mile District of Los Angeles, and situated in the Wilshire Courtyard between S Masselin Avenue and Courtyard Place.
The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
5700 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 100
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tel. (323) 761-7510
Fax. (323) 761-7517
Parking
Please use this map for your reference in finding parking. Parking restrictions may change depending on the time and day of the week.
STAFF DIRECTORY
- Misako Ito Director EXT. 101
- Rei Suzuki Deputy Director EXT. 104
- Maiko Murakami Program Administrator EXT. 105 jflajleap@jflalc.org
- Hiroko Katsuta Japanese Language Specialist EXT. 112 jpcourse@jflalc.org
- Yasuko Yokota Office Manager EXT. 117 office@jflalc.org
- Maki Watanabe Isoyama Academic Specialist EXT. 116 jflaeducation@jflalc.org
- Meiko Kanezuka Librarian/JLPT Coordinator EXT. 114 nihongolib@jflalc.org
- Tatsuya Kawashima Arts & Culture, PR EXT. 107 culture@jflalc.org
- Miyako Matsumura PR / JL Course Coordinator EXT. 108 jpcourse@jflalc.org
- Yuka Kitazono Language Course Lecturer EXT. 111 jpcourse@jflalc.org
- Thomas Lin Japanese Language / PR EXT. 109 noryoku@jflalc.org
- Tomoko Libertus Program Coordinator EXT. 115 jflainfo@jflalc.org
- Mamiko Nakai Program Officer Language / Grants EXT. 110 language@jflalc.org