Japanese American Service Committee (JASC)

The Japanese American Service Committee (JASC) is a comprehensive community organization serving Chicago and the surrounding area, offering cultural programs, community services, and legacy preservation initiatives. Founded in 1946, JASC provides essential services to people of all ages, ethnicities, and economic backgrounds while preserving the cultural heritage of Japanese Americans.

JASC’s cultural programs include Donguri Kai, which offers Japanese language and culture classes for children divided into Little Kids, Big Kids, and Youth levels. Classes incorporate language learning, cultural activities, and traditional arts. Kids Day Camp provides immersive summer experiences with Japanese cultural activities, crafts, games, and learning opportunities. Kids cooking classes teach participants how to prepare traditional Japanese dishes. The organization also offers adult programs including ikebana (flower arranging), art classes, cooking classes, and Japanese language instruction at various levels.

The organization operates community services for older adults, including adult day services, home support services, and the Golden Diners program. JASC also provides scholarships to support education and community engagement. Special events throughout the year include cultural celebrations, workshops, and community gatherings that bring people together to learn about and celebrate Japanese and Japanese American culture.

The JASC Legacy Center houses archives, exhibits, and an oral history project that documents and preserves the Japanese American experience in the Chicago area. The center’s collections and programs help educate the public about Japanese American history, including the World War II incarceration experience and the contributions of Japanese Americans to Chicago and the nation. Through these comprehensive programs, JASC builds bridges between cultures while maintaining important historical connections and providing vital community services.