IMAGINE…..

That is what we do. KOHO imagines a bright vision for the future of our community. A vision for the sustainability of San Francisco Japantown for our Grandchildren’s Grandchildren. One that honors our past and empowers our future. A Japantown that ever-evolves, welcoming all those who called Japantown their home, all those who love our culture, and all those who wish to nurture and safeguard Japantown for generations to come.

KOHO launched in 2022 with the vision and hope that we can rebuild once again a more culturally authentic and vibrant Japantown community. Now in our third year, we are achieving our goals of connecting generations, creatives, and communities, building awareness of our past and present, and asking what our future holds.

We’ve been honored to partner with over 57 organizations within the last six months—programming, sharing, and welcoming all by creating space, a second home, a third space for so many who wish to connect to the Japantown community in ways that haven’t always been accessible. Through programs, events, celebrations, and town halls, our doors have welcomed new audiences and strengthened ties with our own community. We’ve made new connections, deepened existing ones, and provided a place of creativity, respect, honor, and inclusivity. For this, we are so proud and thankful.

From the electrifying energy of BonPOP to the immersive cultural experiences that brought history to life, KOHO has remained steadfast in our mission to uplift and engage. We’ve witnessed the return of families long displaced, the rise of new generations embracing their heritage, and the strengthening of bonds that define a thriving cultural community. The spirit of Japantown is alive, not just in its physical landmarks but in the hearts of those who walk its streets, create within its walls, and dream for its future.

None of this would have been possible without YOU—our dedicated volunteers, visionary artists, passionate participants, generous donors, and steadfast sponsors. Your unwavering belief in our work fuels the momentum that propels KOHO forward.

With deep gratitude, we thank:

Our Sponsors & Partners

The countless volunteers who rolled up their sleeves to help renovate our new home and who are the backbone of our events.
The artists, performers, and cultural leaders who shared their talents, ensuring that Japantown remains a beacon of creativity and expression.
Every participant who joined us, whether in dance, conversation, or celebration—you are the heartbeat of our mission.
The non-profit partners, community organizers, merchants, and businesses who have plugged in to help us hone and support our vision.
The donors who made every moment possible
The vibrant community, young and younger, with whom we have shared meals and intense think-tank sessions on the future of Japantown.

As we look toward 2025, we reaffirm our role in supporting and strengthening the many vital nonprofit organizations that make Japantown a place of belonging. Together, we uplift the generations before us and those to come, working collectively to preserve one of the last three remaining Japantowns in the nation. Landmarks and memorials tell our story, but it is the people—their traditions, voices, and connections—that keep a cultural enclave vibrant and alive.

With gratitude and anticipation for the journey ahead, KOHO Japantown

#communityisanartform

Our “Year in Review” invites you to celebrate the events, stories, and collaborations that shaped 2024 while setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

This past year reminded us of the art form of community and the importance of cultural preservation. Rolling up our sleeves with volunteers to get the Hub ready to program. Events like BonPOP brought cultural festive cheer inspiring a deeper appreciation for creativity and tradition. Meanwhile, redevelopment programs underscored our commitment to Japantown’s future, ensuring that this historic neighborhood continues to thrive.

Each event, captured in photos and stories, serves as both a reflection of our journey and a promise of what’s to come. From our Holiday Artist + Maker Marketplace, Destination Nihonmachi arts crawl, to the intergenerational lessons of Taiko, these moments illustrate not only the growth of KOHO but also the enduring spirit of Japantown.

As we look ahead to 2025, we remain focused on fostering connections, creativity, and cultural vitality, building on the successes of the past year to shape an even brighter future.

8.31.24 Third Annual BonPop brought Japantown to Golden Gate Park and shared our renewed version of Obon, and the 500 year old tradition of honoring our ancestors with the entire City! Honoring our ancestors, 2100 attendees gathered and enjoyed a day of odori dancing, music from various prefectures in Japan. PC: Jonell Molima, SF Arts Commission.

6.29.24 - ‘Last Summer’ listening session with Seiji Oda

3.16.24 KOHO Film Festival, Peace Plaza, SF Japantown featured three films, all produced by stakeholders in our community, focused on the Japanese American experience today: the influences of historical trauma, resilience and strength of generations, and the search for cultural identity in purpose, place and community. Thank you panelist Jon Osaki, eryn kimura, and Benh Nakajo!

10. 26.24 - Destination Nihonmachi lit up Japantown with the vibrancy of music, arts and artisan vendors, all passionate about honoring our past and preserving our future. It was a true collaboration with the Fillmore/Western Addition and the AANHPI communities spanning 3 blocks of activities! PC: Jason Leung

SF Taiko Dojo brought together JCYC’s Tomodachi summer campers for a taiko lesson!

Moments That Shaped KOHO: 2024 Year in Review

Community is an artform.

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