About Us

The excerpts below are from the 

Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai 100th Anniversary Commemorative Book

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The Beginning of Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai

As the 1st generation Japanese called Issei settled in Los Angeles, they began meeting with others from their hometown or village from the same prefecture (geographical region similar to a state). This unique organization with a strong affinity to these ties from the old country called Kenjinkai (ken= prefecture; jin = people; kai = association or prefectural association) began to be organized by the Isseis to provide mutual support and assistance in times of illness, death or other misfortunes. Especially during the early years when most immigrants were bachelors, the Kenjinkai also provided social opportunities for young immigrants who shared the same dialect and sentiments. As new immigrants arrived from their hometowns, the Kenjinkai members unconditionally helped them settle down in the new environment. 

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The Yamaguchi Kenjinkai is known to have been organized in 1905 when Kakichi Waki, as the first president, met with a few others at a hotel called "Yamaguchi-ya" located on San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles. There are even some reports that the organization had its initial beginning as early as 1902. From this humble and austere beginning, Issei immigrants from the same regional area of Yamaguchi soon began to congregate. The office was set up in the hotel but, like other kenjinkais, there were several inactive years. It was about 1910 when the Kenjinkai gradually became active as more immigrants arrived from Japan.​​

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As the years progressed, the number of Japanese living in the United States increased. According to the U.S. Census data, the Japanese population of Southern California in 1905 was 6,200. This population increased rapidly to 22,500 by 1915 and then to 40,124 by 1925.

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Postwar WWII Kenjinkai to the Present

The Japanese Americans were released from Internment Camps in 1945 and returned to rebuild their lives and community.  It was only a matter of time before the Kenjinkai reopened its doors. In 1946, the Nanka Yamaguchi Kenjinkai resumed activities under the leadership of prewar President Waichi Yoshimura. Early activities extended beyond mutual support, by collecting and sending packages of needed items to families who suffered during the war in Yamaguchi. Noteworthy is the fund raising that provided monetary aid of $3,762.50 to victims of a severe typhoon that devastated hometowns in Yamaguchi prefecture in 1951.

 

During the 1950s and 1960s, the Kenjinkai enjoyed its greatest growth in membership and activities. The return of many Kibei Niseis who spent years residing in Japan delighted the Isseis because they had the latest news and interesting stories of their hometowns. It was during this period that the Kenjinkai also welcomed a group of postwar Yamaguchi immigrants called Shin Issei who were admitted entry into the U.S. under the Asian Refugee Act passed by Congress in 1956. Their enthusiastic involvement and leadership role greatly enhanced the Kenjinkai activities.

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In 1978 with the increased participation of the Nisei generation in the Kenjinkai affairs, the Seisonen Kai (Youth Group) was organized with Susumi Shoda as its First President. Furthermore, with the re-birth of the Fujinkai (Women's Auxiliary) led by Sueko Yonemura as president in 1980, the Yamaguchi Kenjinkai became a solid organization.

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To commemorate the 75th, 85th and 90th Anniversary of the Kenjinkai, over 500 people attended each occasion with a grand celebration. These events were attended by the Yamaguchi Governor, Vice Governor, Chairman of the Prefectural Assembly and representatives from the Commerce and Industries of Yamaguchi prefecture including Kenjinkai representatives from other regions and countries.

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Looking to the Future

As we move forward, it is up to the Sansei, Yonsei and now Gosei to stay connected with their roots and carry on the Kenjinkai functions. The nature of these functions have changed over the years, focusing more on social and recreational aspects to meet the interests of younger generational members. There may now be a trend in these young people to learn more about their past and their roots by participating in the Kenjinkai activities. We sincerely hope that by this means the Kenjinkai will continue to develop and thrive as the younger generations take their places in the organization. Furthermore, as to the future of the Kenjinkai, we are certain there is ample pride and traditions nurtured among the younger generation to perpetuate the Choshu spirit into the next century.

 

Since 1999 with the establishment of the Scholarship Program, the Kenjinkai has awarded annual scholarships to graduating high school students to assist in furthering their educational pursuits.

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See our Events Page for a list of upcoming activities.

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