San Jose Nihonmachi Outreach Committee
In fact, the signature symbol of Nihonmachi that is seen on signs and banners throughout Japantown was created as a result of a NOC sponsored contest.
The plum blossum on the emblem represents strength and endurance. The green bands represent San Jose's agricultural history.
Mission Statement
The Nihonmachi Outreach Committee (NOC) is a progressive organization based in the San Jose Japanese American community that is dedicated to educating the public about the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II, and as a consequence, is committed to defending all people on issues of civil rights, equality, justice, tolerance and peace.
Guiding Principle
“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr
NOC History:
Nihonmachi
NOC was founded in 1979 by a group of grassroots community activists who were concerned about preserving the unique character of Japantown (Nihonmachi) during redevelopment.
Redress/Reparations
During the 1980’s, NOC was an active participant in the redress and reparations struggle. At the hearings sponsored by the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians that was held in San Francisco, NOC was able to provide one of the largest Issei testimonies. NOC also organized a contingent from San Jose for the 1987 National Coalition for Redress/Reparation that lobbied Congress to support the redress bill.
NOC continues to fight for the Redress of Japanese Latin Americans who were also incarcerated during World War II.
Day of Remembrance
NOC has been hosting the San Jose “Day of Remembrance” event since 1981. The “Day of Remembrance” commemorates Executive Order 9066, which President Franklin Roosevelt signed on February 19, 1942, and which eventually led to the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II.
In the post---9/11 era, the “Day of Remembrance” is also an important event in building intercommunity trust, respect and understanding. The event features speakers, exhibits and performers from various communities.
At the “Day of Remembrance,” we renew our commitment to justice, equality and peace for all people.
Community
NOC continues to provide forums that address issues concerning Asian Americans, intercommunity dialog, justice, equality and peace.