Japanese Institute of Sawtelle

The Japanese Institute of Sawtelle (JIS) which began in 1925 and incorporated as a nonprofit in 1930, has a mission to educate the community in Japanese language and culture and serve as a cornerstone for the Sawtelle community

JIS has launched a capital campaign to raise funds to renovate and upgrade its facilities and activities. And thanks to the generous support from the Philip and Masako Togo Kasloff Foundation and the Terasaki Family Foundation, we are on our way and construction has begun. Plans call for modern preschool classrooms and making a Terasaki Japanese immersion preschool possible, new outdoor play area and a updated multi-purpose auditorium

With your support and tax-deductible donation, we can revitalize our beloved Institute. You can leave a lasting impression on our Sawtelle historic school by purchasing a commemorative brick that will be prominently placed in our entrance path.

You can dedicate a 12 x 12 inch brick ( for family, community, or significant individual, Sawtelle Historical, or Japanese American events. Each 12 x 12 brick can have an inscription of 12 lines with 25 characters per line (one space counts as one character)

Please consider honoring or commemorating some of the following:
• In memory of a special individual or family. Marriage, children, grandparents, cherished friend or Issei, Nisei generation.
• Remember a Sawtelle family business. Market, store, gas station, nursery, gardening,
professional businesses.
• Historic events/activities: Gathering at JIS for bus to Manzanar, WLA JACL, WLA Faith organizations.
• Remembrance of our Community activities: Judo, Kendo, Boy Scouts, bowling, golf, camera club,
music, dance, art clubs, sportfishing, baseball/basketball/football teams, and more.

Thanks for your consideration and support, it is really appreciated
All funds go to the Renovation of the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle