Nihon Go Gakko (Seattle) facts for kids
The Nihon Go Gakko (pronounced Nee-hon Go Gah-koh) is also known as the Japanese Language School (JLS). It is a very old and important school located in Seattle, Washington. It is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a special historical site.
This school teaches the Japanese language to both kids and grown-ups. It was first called Kokugo Gakko. It is also the oldest Japanese language school in all of North America!
In 2003, the JLS joined with another group called the Nikkei Heritage Association of Washington. Together, they formed the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW). The JLS is now the main program of this center.
Contents
History of the Japanese Language School
Early Beginnings and Growth
The Japanese Language School started in 1902. Its first classes were held on the second floor of the Furuya Company building in Seattle's Pioneer Square. The first teacher was Yoshio Shibayama. He taught a small class of only four students.
By 1907, the school had grown quite a bit, with 48 students attending. In 1913, the school moved to its current home. This new building is located at Weller and 16th Street. The Japanese community in Seattle helped pay for an addition to the building. This extension was finished in 1918.
School's Peak and Adult Classes
The school continued to grow quickly. By 1920, there were seven teachers and 251 students. Ten years later, in 1930, the school had 24 teachers. More than 1,000 students were learning Japanese there.
In 1938, the school started offering evening classes for adults. At its busiest time, nearly 2,000 students attended the school. They would spend two hours there each day, five days a week. This was after their regular school day.
World War II and Its Impact
When World War II began, many Japanese Americans living in the area were forced to leave their homes. They were sent to special camps called internment camps. During this time, the U.S. military took over the school building. They used it as a training center for the Army Air Force.
A Home for Returning Families
After World War II ended, Japanese Americans began to return to Seattle. The school building was then used as a hostel. A hostel is like a temporary hotel. It provided a place for many returning Japanese Americans to live. They stayed there while they looked for new homes and jobs.
People often called it the "Hunt Hotel." This was because many of the people staying there had been held at the Minidoka internment camp. That camp was in the Hunt, Idaho area. For almost 15 years, more than 130 people lived in the school's classrooms. They were trying to rebuild their lives after the war.
The School Today
Today, the Nihon Go Gakko building is home to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Washington (JCCCW). This center was formed when the Nikkei Heritage Association of Washington and the JLS joined together. The JLS is still used by the JCCCW. It helps to teach people about Japanese language and culture.
See also
- History of the Japanese in Seattle
