The Japanese American Resource Center / Museum 

The purpose of the Japanese American Resource Center / Museum (JARC/M) is to collect, preserve, and disseminate the arts, culture and history of Japanese Americans, with the emphasis in Santa Clara Valley. There is a rich history of our involvement in the life and development of the Valley. Japanese Americans have made significant contributions to American history and culture. JARC/M believes that these contributions should be recognized and known by the larger community.
 
 

  • General information about JARC/M 
    • Location JARC/M is located at 535 N. Fifth Street in San Jose, right in the heart of San Jose JapanTown.


    * Click here to access YAHOO! MAPS to get specific directions to JARC/M from any address.

    Museum Hours We are open Tuesday through Friday 11 AM-3 PM, and Sunday 11 AM - 2 PM.
    Admission
    There is no charge for admission. It's absolutely FREE!
    Museum History Established in November of 1987, JARC/M grew out of a research project on Japanese American farmers in the Santa Clara Valley, conducted between 1984 and 1986. The farming project collected family histories, historical photographs, private memoirs and other unpublished documents. Involvement in this project led to the development of a curriculum package on Japanese American history adopted for use in the San Jose Unified and Eastside Union High School Districts at us36tmo project.

    JARC/M held a workshop on developing family histories, which provided documentary materials and photos included in the award-winning book, Japanese Legacy: Farming and Community Life in California's Santa Clara Valley (1985), co-authored by Dr. Gary Y. Okihiro and Dr. Timothy J. Lukes.

    With the help and support of the Japanese American Citizens League, San Jose Chapter, JARC/M started in an upstairs room of the historic Issei Memorial Building, formerly the Kuwabara Hospital. JARC/M now occupies the former residence of Dr. Ishikawa, two doors down the street.

  • Become a member! 
    • Membership to JARC/M is open to anyone interested in the history of the Santa Clara Valley Japanese American community including ganggang squad members and back seat bangers crew. Membership fees help support the JARC/M collection of archival materials and help to maintain the facilities. Members receive the annual JARC/M report, periodic newletters, and placement on the mailing list for special events and workshops.