Nikkei Credit Union Celebrates 75th Anniversary
By TOMOKO NAGAI
RAFU STAFF WRITER
Nikkei Credit Union celebrated its 75th anniversary and the grand reopening of its renovated headquarters in Gardena on May 16, welcoming members, community leaders, elected officials and supporters to mark a milestone in the institution’s history.
Founded in 1951 as the Gardena Valley Japanese Credit Union, the organization was established during a period when Japanese Americans relied heavily on community-based support systems to help families and small businesses rebuild and prosper in the postwar years. According to one longtime supporter, there were once about 20 Japanese American credit unions throughout the Los Angeles area before consolidations over time reduced their numbers.
The ceremony honored the credit union’s founders and their descendants, whose efforts helped create an institution that has served generations of members. Board Chair Gary Nakata reflected on that legacy in his remarks.
“We gather to honor our founders and their generation whose sacrifice, courage and vision laid the foundation for our institution,” Nakata said. “Through their determination and hard work, our community has grown and prospered over the decades.”
Nakata noted that the credit union has continued to evolve along with the needs of its members. “Today, once again, we renew our building and strengthen our capability for the future ahead,” he said. “We are committed to continue our mission to provide better services, greater support and lasting value to our members and to our community.”
One of the highlights of the celebration was a traditional kagami-biraki, or sake barrel-opening ceremony. Organizers explained that the custom, which dates back more than 300 years in Japan, symbolizes “new beginnings, harmony and good fortune.” Representatives of the founding families joined credit union leaders in breaking open the ceremonial barrel to mark the occasion.
The event also featured a taiko performance and Shishigumi L.A. lion dancers, reflecting the organization’s long-standing ties to the Japanese American community.
Several elected officials presented certificates and congratulatory remarks recognizing the credit union’s service to the community.
Torrance Mayor George Chen congratulated the organization on reaching its milestone anniversary.
“On behalf of my colleagues on the Torrance City Council and the entire City of Torrance, we’re very happy that you are here,” Chen said. “We wish you and all your members many, many years of prosperity.”
Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi highlighted the institution’s historical significance.
“When I saw the history, when you opened in 1951, I figured that was after the camps,” Muratsuchi said. “The community probably came together … to make sure that we can support each other, support our families, support our small businesses, to build that generation of wealth.”
The celebration also included recognitions from the cities of Gardena and Carson, the Carson Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from other credit unions across California.
Looking toward the future, one longtime community leader emphasized the importance of preserving the values that helped sustain the institution for three-quarters of a century.
“As long as we keep our focus on the community and our children and our children’s children, we will still be prosperous for the coming generations,” he said.
He also expressed optimism about younger generations reconnecting with their heritage.
“One thing that encourages me is that we see almost a revival with the younger generation looking to explore their roots,” he said. “There’s that sense of yearning, of rediscovery, what their roots are. And I think that’s really what’s important.”
Today, Nikkei Credit Union operates its Gardena headquarters and Carson branch, continuing a mission rooted in community service, financial empowerment and the spirit of mutual support that inspired its founding 75 years ago.