About Tomo No Kai
Tomo no Kai (roughly meaning "Circle of Friends") was founded in 1977 at the University of California, Irvine, as a cultural and social club dedicated to exploring Japanese and Japanese-American cultures. We pride ourselves on inclusivity and offer a space where members can build lasting friendships and feel at home.
Our weekly meetings feature vocabulary lessons, traditional performances, and cultural practices that showcase the rich heritage of the Japanese community. After each meeting, we gather for fun outings to local hotspots, strengthening our bond as a group.
We also actively engage with the broader Southern California Nikkei community through volunteer work and collaborative events!
Founded in 1977
Tomo no Kai was the very first Nikkei Student Union (NSU) founded. It helped pave the way for other NSUs to be started at schools such as UCLA, USC, and more!
Culture and connection
Through weekly events, programs, and meetings on campus, Tomo no Kai is committed to creating a space to explore Japanese/Japanese-American culture while building bonds and connections.
In preparation for Cultural Night of 1993, Tomo helped inspire “Tomo no Taiko” which eventually became “Jodaiko.”