Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund 2026 Summer/Fall | First Purchased Building Named The Alan Nishio Building
The Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund released the following information in their Summer/Fall 2026 newsletter on August 18, 2026:
First Purchased Building Named The Alan Nishio Building
The Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund Board is excited to announce the name of the building at 323 East 1st Street as The Alan Nishio Building, in honor of our friend, brother, mentor, educator, Civil Rights activist, and lifelong Little Tokyo and Japanese American community leader.
Alan’s efforts to preserve Little Tokyo and protect residents and small businesses from evictions and displacement due to gentrification go back to the 1970s alongside Little Tokyo People’s Rights Organization (LTPRO).
He also brilliantly led in organizations including National Coalition for Redress and Reparations, Little Tokyo Service Center, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and UCLA Asian American Studies Center.
The Nishio family are also early and generous supporters of LTCIF. Alan’s legacy exemplifies courage, humility, humor, and a love of community, values we hope to carry forward.
Building Improvements
At the Nishio Building, the LTCIF has installed a safe and sturdy stairwell transport chair for folks that need assistance getting to the second floor. LTCIF President Bill Watanabe took a ride and said that it was “slow and safe.”
The LTCIF is also researching high-speed internet connection for the building, and looking to convert one of the office spaces to a community-use conference room with hybrid meeting capabilities.
At the Nishio Building, there are a few second floor offices available for rent. Please reach out if you know any groups or businesses that may wish to move in.
Contact: info@littletokyocif.com
The Community Impact Award for Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund
In March 2026, LTCIF was awarded the Community Impact Award at JX ’26, a gala co-sponsored by the Japan Consulate General. LTCIF received certificates on behalf of the offices of California State Assemblymembers Mark González and Jessica Caloza recognizing our impact made on the Japanese American community this past year.
JX (Japan Crossover) connects leaders in the U.S. and Japan, particularly across arts, culture, technology, lifestyle and entertainment, strengthening global partnerships and Japanese culture across the diaspora.
Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund Seeks New Investors for Future Property Purchases
The Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund utilized about half of the LTCIF funds to purchase the Nishio Building. In order to consider future commercial property purchases, the LTCIF will need to increase the Impact Fund with more investors. This could mean current investors buying additional shares, in addition to bringing on new investors.
Contact info@littletokyocif.com