Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center - Japanese American History Museum

The term "Nikkei" means Japanese emigrants and their descendants.

Oregon Nikkei Legacy Center is Japanese American history museum in Portland, charged with the preservation and sharing of the history and culture of the Japanese American community. The Legacy Center opened the doors to its current home in September of 2004. The museum now has a larger exhibit space, with exhibits that highlight Issei immigration and early life in Oregon, Nihonmachi (Japantown), and life after Executive Order 9066, including the Portland Assembly Center and contemporary Nikkei life.

The Center has expanded storage for archives and historical artifacts, a community room for public meetings and programs, and an improved library. The current location has been made possible through the generosity of Naito Corporation, community contributors, corporate and business donors, and foundation grants.

Exhibitions and events

Oregon Nikkei: Reflections of an American Community

Permanent exhibition

Our permanent exhibit celebrates the lives and contributions of Oregon's Nikkei community and evokes memories of shared experiences - from early settlement through the unique challenges of World War...