Japanese American Veterans Association
We are an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom. Our members include veterans of World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf Wars. Although the majority of our members are Americans of Japanese Ancestry, our members are not exclusively Japanese Americans.
Washington, DC.
This year holds special significance as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. This moment not only marked the triumph of democracy but also the beginning of the strong friendship between the United States and Japan.
Central to this transformation were the Nisei soldiers of the Military Intelligence Service (MIS). Their contributions extended far beyond the battlefield—they played critical roles at both the strategic and operational levels during the U.S. occupation of Japan, ensuring a smooth transition and successful rebuilding effort. However, their grassroots, people-to-people engagement truly made the difference. Through direct interactions with Japanese people, the Nisei soldiers helped rebuild trust, establish democratic principles, and bridge the cultural divide. While policy changes were implemented at the highest levels, their success depended on the personal efforts of the Nisei soldiers—interpreting, advising, and forging relationships that ultimately strengthened the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Annual General Meeting & Awards Ceremony – February 8, 2025
I invite all members to join us for the JAVA Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, February 8, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. This important gathering will provide updates on JAVA’s strategic initiatives, upcoming events, and ways for members to get involved.
A special highlight of the AGM will be our Annual Awards Ceremony, where we will recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to supporting JAVA’s mission. These awards celebrate the dedication of individuals who have gone above and beyond in preserving the legacy of WWII Nisei soldiers in the U.S. military. We encourage all members to attend and join us in honoring these remarkable individuals.
As we reflect on the courage and sacrifices of our WWII Nisei soldiers, let us reaffirm our commitment to sharing their stories and inspiring future generations. I look forward to seeing many of you at the AGM and throughout the year as we work together to strengthen JAVA and its impact. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication.
I look forward to an impactful year ahead!
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2025 JAVA Memorial Scholarship Program (Coming Soon)
The Japanese American Veterans Association (JAVA) is excited to announce its annual Memorial Scholarship Program for 2025 at the end of February. The scholarships will benefit a range of graduating high school seniors, undergraduate students, and post-graduate and professional education students.
Good luck!
Nisei Legacy
The Japanese American Experience in WWII and Its Legacy


When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, mass hysteria erupted in America against all persons of Japanese ancestry. Nisei (American-born children of Japanese immigrants) were viewed as innately disloyal and were barred from enlisting in the armed forces. The 1,432 Nisei who were already in the U.S. Army in Hawaiʻi were placed in the 100th Infantry Battalion and shipped to Wisconsin for training and subsequently deployed to Italy for combat. Mike Masaoka, Executive Secretary of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), encouraged the Nisei to petition the government to allow them to serve in combat to prove their loyalty.
Masaoka believed a strong performance by the Nisei in combat was the best weapon to defeat racism and prejudice. In response to these petitions and the exemplary training record of the 100th Infantry Battalion, in early 1943 the U.S. Army formed the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, consisting of 4,000 volunteers from Hawaiʻi and the mainland, many from internment camps.
We are an educational, patriotic, fraternal organization dedicated to maintaining and extending the institutions of American freedom.
Mailing Address: Japanese American Veterans Association, P.O. Box 341198, Bethesda, MD 20827
Email: [email protected]
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