Japanese American National Museum (JANM) Company Profile

Background

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM), established in 1985 and located in Los Angeles' historic Little Tokyo district, is dedicated to promoting understanding and appreciation of America's ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. As the national repository of Japanese American history, JANM creates groundbreaking historical and arts exhibitions, educational public programs, award-winning documentaries, and innovative curricula that illuminate the stories and rich cultural heritage of people of Japanese ancestry in the United States. The museum also advocates for diversity, individual dignity, and social justice, vigilantly sharing the hard-fought lessons accrued from this history. Its underlying purpose is to transform lives, create a more just America, and, ultimately, a better world.

Key Strategic Focus

JANM's strategic focus centers on preserving and sharing the Japanese American experience through exhibitions, educational programs, and community engagement. The museum emphasizes the importance of remembering history to guard against prejudice that threatens liberty and equality in a democratic society. By providing a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum for all people to explore their heritage and culture, JANM promotes continual exploration of the meaning and value of ethnicity in the United States. This approach aims to preserve individual dignity, strengthen communities, and increase respect among all people.

Financials and Funding

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, JANM relies on contributions, program services, investment income, and other revenue streams to support its operations. In the fiscal year ending June 2023, the museum reported revenue of $13.8 million and expenses of $12.1 million, resulting in a net income of $1.7 million. Total assets stood at $67.1 million, with liabilities of $2.62 million. Notably, 84.1% of the revenue came from contributions, highlighting the museum's strong donor support.

In 2023, JANM launched the public phase of a $65 million fundraising campaign, "Our Promise," to support future plans, including a renovation of the museum's galleries and core exhibition. The campaign has raised $48 million to date, with funds allocated for redesigning and repurposing the main campus, enhancing the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy's programming, incorporating smart technology, and bolstering the museum's endowment.

Pipeline Development

JANM continually develops and presents exhibitions and programs that explore various aspects of the Japanese American experience. The museum has hosted numerous exhibitions, such as "Common Ground: The Heart of Community," which covers 130 years of Japanese American history, and "BeHere / 1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration," an augmented reality installation by Japanese media artist Masaki Fujihata. These initiatives aim to educate the public and foster a deeper understanding of Japanese American history and culture.

Technological Platform and Innovation

JANM leverages technology to enhance visitor experiences and expand its reach. The museum's website offers virtual exhibitions, educational resources, and access to its extensive collections. The "Discover Nikkei" project is a global community platform sharing stories and experiences of Nikkei around the world, featuring new stories added daily, life history video interviews, and event listings.

In 2022, JANM received a $50,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Telling the Full History Preservation Fund to support the "BeHere / 1942" exhibition. This augmented reality installation utilized the museum's Historic Building to recreate scenes from 1942, providing an immersive experience that connects visitors to the past.

Leadership Team

Ann Burroughs: President and CEO since 2016, Burroughs has a background in human rights and social justice, previously serving as the Executive Director of the Taproot Foundation in Los Angeles.

Rick Noguchi: Chief Operating Officer, overseeing the museum's operations and strategic initiatives.

Doug Van Kirk: Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the museum's financial management and planning.

Leadership Changes

In 2016, Ann Burroughs was appointed as the interim CEO and was officially selected shortly thereafter. She succeeded Rev. Greg Kimura, who served as president and CEO from 2012 to 2016.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The museum industry in the United States is diverse, encompassing institutions focused on art, history, science, and culture. Museums dedicated to specific ethnic or cultural groups play a crucial role in preserving and sharing unique histories and experiences. JANM operates within this niche, focusing on the Japanese American experience.

Competitor Analysis

While JANM is unique in its specific focus, other institutions share similar missions:

Wing Luke Museum: Located in Seattle, Washington, this museum focuses on the culture, art, and history of Asian Pacific Americans. Established in 1967, it is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the only pan-Asian Pacific American community-based museum in the country.

Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: While not exclusively focused on Japanese American history, this museum houses the largest collection of Japanese art outside of Japan, including 4,000 Japanese paintings and over 30,000 ukiyo-e prints.