Higashi Shige Headshot at LACMA Digital Witness 2024

Help Cultural News by Your Donation for sharing experience of Japanese and Japanese American heritage


The Cultural News Association is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.
Employer Identification Number: 83-3101601

Your support and donation to the Cultural News Association are appreciated.

Payable to: Cultural News Association
Send to: Cultural News Association
328 ¼ South Alexandria Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90020-2673


Cultural News is grateful for your generous support in helping us fulfill our mission: sharing the rich experience of Japanese and Japanese American heritage.

As a nonprofit organization, we aim to raise $30,000 for our 2024 budget to continue our vital work. Thanks to the dedication of our supporters, we have raised nearly $12,000 as of the end of October 2024. We couldn’t do this without you.

Our commitment to preserving and sharing Japanese culture is not just a passion but a responsibility. In 1927, during a time of strained relations between the U.S. and Japan, a powerful act of friendship took place: 12,000 dolls were sent from the U.S. to Japan, and 58 ichimatsu dolls were sent in return.

Known as the Japanese Friendship Dolls, these treasures serve as a testament to our shared history. Today, more than 40 of these dolls have been preserved in museums and universities across the U.S., showcasing the enduring legacy of cross-cultural goodwill.

Starting in 2024 and extending through 2027, we are focusing on the Japanese Friendship Dolls as a symbol of our mission. As history has shown, cultures and traditions are at risk of fading without dedicated preservation efforts.

Your contribution supports:

  • Cultural Coverage: Bringing stories and events to you not only from Los Angeles but also from San Diego, Phoenix,  and beyond.
  • Website Enhancements: Upgrading www.culturalnews.com and expanding our resources to create a lasting database for future generations.
  • Preservation Efforts: Documenting and sharing the stories of Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bomb survivors to ensure their legacies live on.

2024 Budget Breakdown:

  • Basic Operations: $15,000 (web hosting, email subscriptions, communications, and office rental)
  • Editorial Work: $5,000 (editing articles for Weekly Cultural News, posts on our website, and email blasts)
  • Travel & Research: $15,000 (covering cultural events locally, nationwide, and in Japan)

Help us continue this important work. Your support today can ensure that the heritage and stories of Japanese and Japanese American culture are preserved for generations to come.

Donate Now


Thank you for standing with us as we keep cultural experiences alive.

Warm regards,

Shige Higashi
Editor, Cultural News
Email: higashi@culturalnews.com
Cell: (213) 819-4100
Skype: culturalnews