NIKKEI COMMUNITY 2026 Los Angeles | Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) Announces Executive Director Alison Kochiyama to Retire at End of 2026
Forwarded for Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) by Cultural News
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
From Alison Kochiyama
Executive Director
Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute
Dear GVJCI Friends,
It has been a complete honor to serve GVJCI and our community for the last 25 years, and it’s with much mixed emotion that I have decided to retire at the end of 2026. GVJCI has been such an integral part of my life, as well as my family’s, and it has been an incredible journey professionally and personally—one that I am truly grateful for on so many levels. I’ve met so many wonderful people over the years, who have inspired me and given me hope for GVJCI’s future. Many ideas and collaborations birthed the GVJCI programs and services that exist today.
All of GVJCI’s achievements would not have been possible without our amazing Board and Staff, past and present, and I want to thank them for the trust and support they gave me. I look back to when I began in 2001 in a two-person office on the 2nd floor of the GVJCI Building, and I scan through the years of changes, challenges, and tremendous growth GVJCI has experienced. Our staff today consists of nine office staff, eight Japanese Language School staff on Saturdays, one maintenance custodian in the morning, but when you think of the volume of programs, services, events, facility usage, and activities that go on here seven days a week, I am truly proud of all that we accomplish! And of course, we could not do all that we do without the generous help from our incredible volunteers, as they too are an essential part of our GVJCI Team!
I am excited for this next phase of GVJCI, and the continuance of its great work and commitment to our community, and all the amazing people who come through our doors. I want to extend my appreciation to all of you—donors, community partners, volunteers, program participants, Board and Staff—from whom I’ve learned so much from and with whom I’ve shared a deep commitment to build and nurture a vibrant sustainable community center.
My heart is filled with gratitude,
Alison Kochiyama
Executive Director
ABOUT GVJCI:
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit community center housing various classes, services, and programs for seniors, non-senior adults, and youth in the South Bay for over 40 years. Our mission is to serve the needs of the local Japanese American community through educational, cultural, and social programs that share the Japanese and Japanese American cultural heritage.
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI) is accepting applications for GVJCI Executive Director Full-Time Job. Application Deadline is September 15, 2026.
Position Description of GVJCI Executive Director, and contact information are at:
https://www.jci-gardena.org/uploads/6/2/7/0/62706777/gvjci_executive_director_job_announcement_2026.pdf