Our Philosophy

The first five years of a child’s life should be filled with a sense of security, joy, and magic. At Nihonmachi Little Friends, we look beyond “preparation for school” and see what we do as offering many opportunities for children to prepare for life! Our educational philosophy has evolved and changed, but at the core we have always understood our responsibility as educators: we want our children to grow up to be lifelong learners, community oriented, and caring individuals.

A Legacy of Love, Learning, and Community

For five decades, Nihonmachi Little Friends has been a vibrant center of learning, growth, and community for generations of children and families. From the beginning, our programs have been deeply rooted in Japanese language and practices and shaped by a strong commitment to multiculturalism. Our legacy is built on the heartfelt dedication of our educators, the joy and wonder in each child's learning journey, and the enduring strength of a community that celebrates cultural heritage, inclusion, and connection. Registration is open:Friday, November 21 – 50th Anniversary Celebration at St. Mary’s Cathedral

Japanese bilingual and multicultural childcare in Japantown

Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) is a private, nonprofit childcare center with a mission to provide Japanese/English bilingual, educational childcare in a multicultural context for preschool through elementary school-aged children from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Located in San Francisco’s historic Japantown, NLF is committed to providing high-quality, affordable child development services that foster a child’s self-esteem and confidence. Using a partnership among teachers, students, and their families, NLF promotes a stimulating learning environment that encourages children to develop to their full potential and become active participants in their communities.

Reclaiming a Space to Reclaim a Place: The Story of San Francisco’s Japanese Y.W.C.A.

Nihonmachi Little Friends Receives Japanese American Confinement Sites Grant

Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) has received a $99,790 grant from the Department of Interior, National Park Service (NPS) through the Japanese American Confinement Sites (JACS) grant program. The funds will support a website project featuring the little-known story of the Issei (first generation) women of San Francisco and the Japanese YWCA building they erected at 1830 Sutter Street. Press Release
"Living" Legacy of Japanese American Culture
by Dr. Gary Kono
Established in 1975, Nihonmachi Little Friends (NLF) is a bilingual, multicultural childcare organization located in San Francisco’s Japantown. In 2002, NLF launched the Issei Women’s Legacy Project – a $2.2 million Capital Campaign to fund the purchase and renovation of the historic 1830 Sutter Street building. Completed in 1932, it was originally built as the Japanese Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Support "Living" Legacy of Japanese American Culture written by Dr. Gary Kono. Read More.
A thank-you from the future to the women who built the Issei Women’s Building by Misa Okayama
Nihonmachi Little Friends stands with the #BlackLivesMatter movement - Statement from Nihonmachi Little Friends

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