About

The history of the Eden Township Japanese Community Center dates back to 1931 when Minoru Okada had a vision of providing the community with a place to gather and to preserve the cultural ties to Japan.  With support of local Japanese families and friends, they built the predecessor to the Eden Township Japanese Community Center known as Ashland Gakuen Hall.  Back then, one would stop by and find Japanese movies being played, live plays being performed, kendo tournaments in action, Japanese language school being conducted, Buddhist church services and/or board meetings being held.  It was also a place for family and community, young and old, to gather for holiday festivities and parties. 

Construction of the current Eden Township Japanese Community Center began in 1962, after the Ashland Gakuen Hall was condemned due to fires.  Local niseis assembled and discussed plans to build a community center.  Through fund raising and generous pledges from local businesses, the Community Center was built. 

Today, the Center is home to the Eden Seniors who gather regularly for activities such as the senior lunch program, chair exercise, crafts, movies, and game day.  You will also find Japanese cultural groups that offer instruction in bonsai, karate, ikebana and taiko.  The Center also serves as a meeting place for the Ashland Howakai (Buddhist Church services led by Oakland Buddhist Church ministers), Eden Athletic Club Board (basketball teams which participate in the East Bay Boys and Girls Athletic Leagues) and the Eden JACL and Eden Township Japanese Community Center Boards.   

The Center has provided a safe, welcoming environment to all those who come as participants, visitors, friends and family.  

The legacy left by Mr. Minoru Okada, the local hardworking, dedicated nurserymen and women, those who served on the Ashland Gakuen Hall and Community Center Board of Directors, and all those who have volunteered during the Center’s 88 year history is truly amazing.  With the vision of a community center, they laid a strong foundation upon which we have been able to address the growing needs of our aging population while preserving and sharing the traditions and culture of our Japanese heritage.