In 1972, a group of seven dedicated and visionary Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) shared a concern for the well being of their aging parents and family members. They saw that the special cultural, language and dietary needs of the Issei (first generation Japanese Americans) were not being met in mainstream nursing homes. In September 1975, out of a strong sense of duty and deep love for their parents, this group created Issei Concerns.  In 1976 they purchased a 63-bed nursing home in Seattle’s Mt. Baker neighborhood. This new nursing home, Seattle Keiro (“respect for the elderly”), became the founding project of Issei Concerns. Kokoro Kai, the adult day care program, was launched in 1978. In 1981 they changed their name to Nikkei (persons of Japanese descent) Concerns to reflect the perpetuity of the organization and its enduring mission. Demand for services was increased and Seattle Keiro, a 150-bed facility, was built in 1987. Nikkei Horizons was developed in 1990 to offer social, educational and wellness activities. An Intergenerational day care center was added at Keiro in 1996, Seattle Keiro Garden Terrace opened in 1997 to serve the unique care needs of residents with dementia, and Nikkei Manor, a 50-unit assisted living facility was constructed in 1998. 

There are four cornerstones upon which Nikkei Concerns is built; respect, quality care, kimochi (a deep sense of compassion and caring that is central to their culture) and trust. All of their efforts reflect their commitment to these principles and will always be at the heart of the organization. 

Nikkei Concerns operates five high quality programs to serve the varying needs of older adults, children and their families:

• Seattle Keiro –  a 150-bed skilled nursing facility. They ensure that the essential qualities of dignity, comfort and respect are central to every service provided in an environment infused with kimochi.  Their commitment to the individual is unwavering, whether recovering from a hospital stay in need of short-term rehabilitation, or experiencing a medical condition that requires longer term care. 
• Nikkei Manor – 50 assisted living units located in Seattle’s International District. Apartments are available in three sizes: studios, studio alcoves and one bedrooms.  The environment provides the necessary supports to maintain a lifestyle of active choice. All inclusive monthly rates include three meals a day, personal assistance, laundry, housekeeping, and 24-hour staffing, including the services of a licensed nurse 8 hours per day. Service plans are customized to individual needs and preferences. 
• Kokoro Kai “a meeting of hearts and minds” – the adult day program designed for elderly Nikkei living in the community. They help participants maintain independence, enhance quality of life and promote health and wellness. The schedule changes daily, but includes activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, Japanese cultural activities, singing, and intergenerational visits with the KIDcare preschoolers. The program runs three days a week. Every day they have a morning “tea time” and a half-hour of light exercise. Japanese and Western style lunches are prepared on-site in the Nikkei Manor kitchen.
• Nikkei Horizons – the continuing education program for active seniors interested in getting more out of life. Every quarter, up to 400 participants enroll in dozens of classes and workshops taught by volunteer instructors who bring a lifetime of experience in their craft or skill. In addition to classes, Nikkei Horizons plans and leads tours to places of interest all over Western Washington and beyond. 
• KIDcare – the culturally enriched and intergenerational day care program of Nikkei Concerns. There is daily interaction with more than 225 grandmas and grandpas. Each young participant has daily opportunities to learn about diverse cultural traditions through activities like singing in the Japanese language, celebrating Vietnamese New Year  and participating in folk dances from the Philippines. Many staff members are bilingual and contribute to this multicultural, child-centered environment.

In 2002, NC Enterprises, the wholly owned for-profit subsidiary of Nikkei Concerns, developed a 22-unit condominium complex for elders called Midori Condominiums, located across from Seattle Keiro. They provide independent seniors with market rate condominiums in an area that is both familiar and historic to Seattle’s Japanese American community. Nikkei would like to create a Wellness Program as part of their community outreach, to help adults in their 40’s and 50’s. It would cover health issues for the Japanese community, and provide education and wellness activities

With a predominately Medicaid population at Seattle Keiro, Nikkei Concerns has fundraising activities to help cover the costs of care. Their Annual Giving Campaign raises money from individual contributions, workplace campaigns, Foundation support and vehicle donation program, as well as annual activities such as their raffle and golf tournament. Memorials are a major source of contributions, as this is a traditional way of giving in Japanese culture. Nikkei Concerns launched the “Generations of Caring” Endowment Campaign in 200 to raise $10 million by 2008.                                                                      

As a nonprofit organization, Nikkei Concerns has a strong mission and a deep commitment to making life better for others. Nikkei Concerns residents meet as small resident council groups based on language. Because of the diversity of the residents, Nikkei Concerns has created a language bank of employees, so they are able to readily identify employees who can assist the various ethnic groups within the programs. 

Nikkei Concerns is a member of WAHSA, a state association serving primarily not-for-profit organizations, dedicated to providing quality housing, health, community and related services to older persons. WAHSA is affiliated with the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (AAHSA). When asked what it means to be a WAHSA member, Rick Henry, COO/Administrator of Nikkei Concerns stated, “It means being connected to other people with similar missions and values. It is through these connections that we are able to learn, grow and improve the way we serve others.”