Welcome to JACL Dayton

The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose mission is to safeguard the civil and human rights of Japanese Americans and all who are affected by injustice and bigotry.

The JACL also works to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community.

CURRENT NEWSLETTER

PHOTOS

CINCINNATI AND DAYTON CHAPTERS OF THE JACL:

2026 JOINT INSTALLATION DINNER

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 - DINNER SERVED AT 6:00 PM

EL MESON RESTAURANT – 903 EAST DIXIE DRIVE, WEST CARROLLTON (exit 47 from I-75)

Cost - $40/person (pay at dinner)

Set menu of two entrees, salad, side dishes, dessert, and beverage. Vegetarian meals available, please request when making reservations.

PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS BY MARCH 5

Don Hayashi, (937) 890-2729 or hayashidon@gmail.com

(include the names of the people who will be attending)

FEEL FREE TO INVITE FRIENDS – ALL ARE WELCOME!

2026 A WORLD A’FAIR - THE 50TH FESTIVAL:

“FIFTY YEARS OF UNITY AND DIVERSITY”

COMING MAY 1-3, 2026 AT THE GREENE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

The Dayton JACL has participated in every festival so far!

PLEASE SAVE THE DATES MAY 1-3 MANY, MANY VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!

LET’S MAKE THIS FIFTIETH FESTIVAL EXTRA SPECIAL

See all the fun we had in 2025!

SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE:

2026 JAPAN STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

2025 SCC students experience summer yukatas in Yamaguchi

Itsukushima Shrine Torii Gate on Miyajima Island

Sinclair students collaborating with their Japanese counterparts on the final project

Obon dancing

Ten students from Sinclair Community College were hosted for 13 days in May by Yamaguchi Prefectural University for the 2025 Global Student Exchange Program.

This annual Sinclair trip allows students to experience in person what they have only seen from TV, video games, or movies, providing a unique understanding of cross-cultural topics, behaviors, and perspectives for both American and Japanese students. Sinclair Community College looks forward to continuing this valuable program for the young adults who will continue our human journey.

The Dayton JACL has made a scholarship contribution for the upcoming 2026 trip.

If others wish to donate, please contact Don Hayashi.

Final presentation on the auto industry

Sinclair students experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony

DAYTON JACL REPRESENTED AT OHIO STATEHOUSE RALLY ON SEPTEMBER 27:

RALLY AGAINST DISCRIMINATORY PROPERTY BILLS HB1 AND SB88

Photos by Toledo Free Press photographer Allyson Ritchey

Over 200 Ohioans gathered at the Ohio Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, to oppose House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 88 on September 27.

Dayton JACL Chapter President Don Hayashi was a speaker. He told of the Japanese American experience of World War II and how his own grandfather was one of many prohibited from owning land by the Alien Land Laws of California. The proposed Ohio bills, revive the same type of property ownership restrictions imposed on individuals and businesses based on national origin, making it nearly impossible for many immigrants and immigrant-owned businesses to own property in Ohio, threatening livelihoods, driving away investment, and harming the state’s economy.

Host organizations include the Asian American Coalition of Ohio, Justice for Ohio, and the Ohio Chinese American Association. Co-sponsors include the Asian Pacific American Bar Association, Chinese Assn. of Greater Toledo, OCA-Asian American Advocates of Greater Cleveland, and the Cincinnati and Dayton Chapters of JACL.

THANK YOU FOR COMING!

2025 DAYTON CHAPTER JACL - ANNUAL PICNIC

ANTI-ASIAN HARASSMENT

WE ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE IN PUBLIC SPACE

If you have witnessed or experienced harassment: micro-aggressions, bullying, hate speech, or violence please help us to document.

The more information we have, the better we can respond and prevent further incidents from occurring.

REPORTING (through Stop AAPI Hate)

DAYTON JACL (contact us)

Help create safe public space by supporting each other when we’re harassed.

Learn the 5 Ds of Bystander Intervention: Distract, Delegate, Delay, Direct, Document

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION

About JACL

Founded in 1929, the Japanese American Citizens League is the oldest and largest Asian American civil rights organization in the United States. The JACL is composed of over 100 chapters across the country, including the Dayton Chapter.

Following the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans from the West Coast during World War II, many Nikkei (emigrants and their descendants) relocated to the Midwest, including Dayton, Ohio, where leaders of the Council of Churches helped Japanese Americans find housing and jobs. In 1949, the Dayton chapter of the JACL was organized.

Today, many Midwesterners are unaware of the history and experiences of Japanese Americans. The Dayton chapter sponsors programs to broaden understanding and appreciation of our history and its relevance today, reaching out into the broader community to promote civil rights, justice, and peace.