Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington

I discovered the JCCCW when on my bus commute to work, I spied their sign hanging on Rainier Avenue, near Weller Street: «Japanese Language Classes Available.» My daughter is interested in the Japanese culture.
The classes they offer range from young child to youth to adult and each age level has its own skill levels so that a teenager just learning Japanese is not put in class with a 5 year old starting Japanese Language Class. Not only does the JCCCW offer Japanese Language Class, they have a lending library and a museum of Japanese culture. In addition, they host many activities related to Japanese culture and participate in the Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival held in the spring at the Seattle Center.
Unfortunately, the people who run the JCCCW seem to live in their own world and do not always use technology to a beneficial result. They also consider, well whatever it is they consider, and fail to consider their students or their students’ families in their decisions, when they choose to announce things, and how they choose to communicate. This is a drawback. Frankly, they seem very technological inept and are not helpful or reasonable under the anonymity of using the internet, even when they sign their name. However, when working with them in person or on the phone, they tend to be very nice and helpful.
Worth a visit to learn more about Japanese history, and worth the classes if you wish to learn the Japanese language.

I signed up for a language class 2 months ago. When I showed up for the class, I was told that the class had been switched to THE DAY BEFORE. No email. No phone call. No sorry. No refund for the missing class. No anything. What’s worse, is I have rearranged my whole work schedule for this particular day of the week, and IF I decide to keep going, I will likely need to miss more classes as I am not about to cancel my commitments to my clients. Two stars because this is likely the lack of responsibility in one person rather than the whole organization.

The Japanese cultural and community center is a great place to learn about Japanese culture. They have frequent events which have speakers talk about their heritage and culture. They also offer quality Japanese classes which are very affordable. Inside their building they also have a small museum dedicated to art donated to them. This place is a must see especially if you are a history buff!

A great place to experience culture. They have it all — taiko, dojo, museum, library and store! Plus they have weekly language classes and seasonal events. Plus they have a Japanese antique resale shop AND a museum.