Santa Maria Japanese Cultural Center

The Santa Maria Japanese Cultural Center (SMJCC) was established in 1923 by a group of Japanese immigrants who wanted to preserve and promote their culture in the Santa Maria Valley. The SMJCC initially operated out of a small building on Western Avenue, but in 2017 it sold that property and began planning for a new, larger facility.

In 2023, the SMJCC broke ground on a new 10,000-square-foot community center at Enos Ranch West. The new center is expected to open in 2024.

Purpose
The SMJCC's purpose is to preserve and promote Japanese culture and heritage in the Santa Maria Valley. The center offers a variety of programs and events for people of all ages, including:
• Japanese language classes
• Cultural workshops (e.g., origami, calligraphy, ikebana)
• Performances (e.g., taiko drumming, Japanese folk dancing)
• Exhibitions (e.g., Japanese art, photography, history)
• Social events (e.g., festivals, potlucks)

The SMJCC also serves as a resource for the Japanese-American community in the Santa Maria Valley. The center provides support services, such as job placement assistance and translation services, to Japanese immigrants and their families.

Programs and Events
The SMJCC offers a variety of programs and events for people of all ages. Some of the center's most popular programs include:
• Japanese Language Classes: The SMJCC offers Japanese language classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Classes are taught by experienced native Japanese speakers.
• Cultural Workshops: The SMJCC offers a variety of cultural workshops, including origami, calligraphy, ikebana, and Japanese cooking. Workshops are open to people of all ages and skill levels.
• Performances: The SMJCC hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, including taiko drumming, Japanese folk dancing, and traditional Japanese music. Performances are open to the public and are a great way to experience Japanese culture.
• Exhibitions: The SMJCC hosts a variety of exhibitions throughout the year, including Japanese art, photography, and history exhibitions. Exhibitions are open to the public and are a great way to learn more about Japanese culture and heritage.
• Social Events: The SMJCC hosts a variety of social events throughout the year, including festivals, potlucks, and movie nights. Social events are a great way to meet other people in the community and learn more about Japanese culture.

Impact
The SMJCC has a significant impact on the Santa Maria community. The center's programs and events help to preserve and promote Japanese culture and heritage in the valley. The SMJCC also serves as a resource for the Japanese-American community in the Santa Maria Valley, providing support services and promoting community engagement.