UCLA Nikkei Student Union

Types

Student Organizations Public & Non-Profit Cultural Organizations

About UCLA Nikkei Student Union

The UCLA Nikkei Student Union (NSU) is a dynamic student organization based in Los Angeles, CA that organizes comprehensive social and community service activities while promoting Japanese American cultural and political awareness among the UCLA student body. Founded in 1981, NSU has established itself as a multifaceted organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of the Japanese American community through strategic programming and volunteer initiatives.

NSU's community service efforts are extensive and well-established. The organization operates multiple tutorial and mentorship programs, including SHARE (Students Helping and Reaching Education), which provides educational support to underprivileged children in the Crenshaw district, and CHAMPs (Casa Heiwa Assistance Mentorship Program), a mentoring initiative serving low-income youth in Little Tokyo. These programs demonstrate NSU's commitment to educational equity and community development in the Los Angeles area.

Beyond tutoring services, NSU actively participates in major community events including Little Tokyo Sparkle and Haunted Little Tokyo, maintaining strong connections with local cultural organizations and service centers. The organization also hosts Cultural Night, an annual week-long series of forums and exhibits commemorating Executive Order 9066 and celebrating Japanese American heritage and resilience.

Led by a dedicated team of thirty staff members, NSU combines cultural preservation with grassroots activism. The organization is home to Kyodo Taiko, North America's first collegiate taiko group, reflecting NSU's commitment to artistic expression and cultural transmission. Whether through educational programming, volunteer work, or cultural events, NSU serves as a vital bridge connecting UCLA students with the broader Japanese American community throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.