Mission

The Hifumi En Society will provide support to the Japanese-American Community in the Greater Spokane Region in its pursuits of promoting cultural awareness, education, history and the preservation of our Japanese heritage.

Who We Are

Hifumi En means “First, Second, and Third Generation”
We chose our logo carefully to symbolize this with 3 Japanese symbols to convey our meaning. The sun, The Kanji writing style, and the Crane. The writing in the middle from left to right represents 1, 2, and 3.

•On the far left you will notice the Kanji stroke for “1” or “First generation” and this represents the first generation of Japanese that came to America and set roots.

•Next are 2 lines that are beginning to take the shape of cranes. These represent the number “2” or “Second generation” as they begin to become more assimilated and begin life in America as Japanese Americans.

•The last 3 flying Cranes represent “3” ,or “3 rd generation” that are fully settled and taking flight as Japanese Americans.

Our Purpose

To promote the social welfare of the Spokane area Japanese American community including but not limited to promoting cultural and religious awareness, education and the preservation of Japanese American heritage. Any investment income shall be used for religious, charitable, scientific, literary or educational purposes. This Corporation should be classified as a private foundation with a tax-exempt status as a 509(c)(4) entity.

A Brief History

In 1965, Denny Yasuhara and members of the Japanese community had a vision for fulfilling the cultural need for taking care of their families and for creating affordable housing to do so. Local monies were raised from the Japanese community and later combined with Federal HUD funds to be able to purchase a building in Spokane to provide an affordable housing opportunity for the first, second, and third generation Japanese people of Spokane. The building served its purpose well for many years but was later sold, monies accounted for, and the Hifumi En Society Foundation was formed.