Alison Kochiyama, long-time executive director of the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute, recently announced her retirement.
“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,” she wrote in the organization’s latest newsletter. “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 second 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.”
Alvin Takamori, president of the GVJCI Board of Directors, wrote, “We’re not saying ‘Goodbye,’ but ‘Bon voyage,’ as she embarks on the next chapter of her life, which will still include involvement with the GVJCI.
“We are so grateful for Alison’s 25 years serving as the ED of the GVJCI. Her kindness, patience, organizational skills, and dedication have set a high standard for anyone who follows.
“From the beginning, Alison met the challenge of being thrust into the position upon the sudden passing of previous ED Gary Hori. Immediately, she demonstrated her ability to manage the GVJCI’s operations during a crisis. At a moment when there could’ve been chaos and confusion, the GVJCI continued to run smoothly.
“From that beginning, Alison has continued to take on the challenge of leading the GVJCI. Throughout her tenure, Alison has been mindful of supporting the traditional foundations of the GVJCI, the Japanese Language School, Tomo No Kai senior programs, JCI Gardens, and the member organizations that use its facilities.
“In addition to working with these groups, Alison has sought to grow and expand the GVJCI to connect with more groups and to appeal to the broader community.
“Over the years, Alison has hired more staff members and nurtured a solid base of volunteers, which has allowed the GVJCI to provide more programs regarding health, safety, technology, the arts, and most notably, history and culture.
“New programs have now become annual events. Our Day of Remembrance programs have educated the public about the unjust WWII imprisonment of Nikkei, and the Tanoshii Fun Camp has taught our culture to succeeding generations. During the week, the Tomo Café brings seniors together, and the Bento Program, supported by Bento Buddies donors, provides discounted lunches for them.
“Along with the addition of more staff members and programs the GVJCI’s facilities have not only been maintained, but also upgraded. A new elevator provides more people access to the second floor of the main building. This upper floor’s nearly-empty hallway became The Bridge Heritage Center, an inviting space housing a library and educational displays.
“A kitchen fire in the Nisei Veterans Memorial Hall became an unexpected challenge for Alison and her staff. But now, the kitchen has been upgraded and remodeled. Other building projects undertaken under Alison’s watch include a new security system, wifi, fencing, and solar panels.
“To support the GVJCI’s growth, Alison has done an excellent job of managing its finances. She has sought new sources of revenue, and brought in new donors through the Friends of the GVJCI program. Furthermore, new fundraising events, like the Izakaya and concerts by Elemental Funk, raise money and are lots of fun.
“At the same time, Alison’s tenure has not been without some major challenges. The most significant was during the COVID pandemic. It would have been easier to shut down the GVJCI. But even with the closure of the physical facilities, Alison and the staff kept the GVJCI going with food distributions and an embrace of technology. Meetings, classes, Day of Remembrance (DOR) programs, Art Shows, and Matsuri fundraisers continued to take place online.
“During that time, I think we all gained a greater appreciation for the GVJCI as a physical gathering place for the community.
“But the most important factor Alison brought to her job was a love of the GVJCI. The extra hours and energy she devoted to the GVJCI set an example for the entire staff and the volunteers. Everyone Alison has brought together reinforces this understanding of the GVJCI’s value to the community.
Thanks to the strong foundation Alison has created, we have every expectation that the GVJCI will maintain its role of teaching people about Nikkei culture and history while helping to bring people together.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Alison!”
GVJCI is seeking candidates for the executive director position. For details, go to: https://www.jci-gardena.org/careers.html