June 2025:

In this issue: Board message, Nikkei Manor's ED Update, New staff introductions, Summer Events, Highlights and Planned NM Activities, Ways to Give, & More!

Nursing students visit from Japan (Iryo Sosei University)

Photo credit: Mariko Ueno

As we move into the summer months, we’re reminded of the strength and spirit that have shaped Keiro Northwest for five decades! From welcoming new staff to preparing for annual community events, our work continues to be guided by respect, resilience, and kimochi.

This season, we’re especially grateful for the support of the Ayame Kai Summer Market, which raises funds for much-needed improvements at Nikkei Manor including a new oven for the kitchen and repairs to our garden space.

We also hope you’ll join us at Bon Odori on July 27, where we’ll be sharing a special display celebrating Keiro Northwest’s 50th anniversary. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our history and the community that has made it all possible.

As Executive Director of Nikkei Manor, one part of my job is to represent our community in various leadership meetings. I’m often surprised by how many people still don’t fully understand what Nikkei Manor is or what we do so I wanted to take a moment to clear that up.

Nikkei Manor is a nonprofit assisted living community located in Seattle’s Chinatown–International District, proudly operated under Keiro Northwest. For 27 years, we’ve been dedicated to providing culturally responsive senior care, especially for Japanese and other Asian American elders.

Running a community like ours is truly a labor of love. It takes a lot to make Nikkei Manor feel like home from staffing to ensure personalized care, to preparing familiar, comforting meals, to keeping our aging building safe and welcoming. Like many organizations, we’re facing rising costs in nearly every area, including a recent increase in our annual DSHS licensing fee.

So how do we keep going? With the incredible support of our community families, friends, volunteers, and generous donors like you. Your involvement helps us continue this important work and ensures our residents live with dignity, comfort, and connection.

This year we are planning for some updates to the building so we can continue to serve our elders safely and comfortably for years to come. I look forward to sharing updates with you as those plans take shape.

Thank you for your continued trust and support. Together, we’re preserving something truly special.

Sincerely,

Amy Nguyen

Executive Director, Nikkei Manor

New Faces at Nikkei Manor

Say hello to the newest members of our team! We’re thrilled to have them on board and can’t wait for you to meet them.

Elle joins us as our new Business Office Manager, bringing strong experience and great energy from her time at Aegis. We're excited to have her on board and look forward to the leadership and support she’ll bring to our team.

Beau steps into the role of Sales and Outreach Manager with a background in apartment rentals and a growing interest in the medical field. His thoughtful approach and drive make him a great fit for connecting families with our community.

Scott is the new Dining Service Director and has a special connection to Keiro—his relative once worked here—and he’s looking forward to getting to know the residents at Nikkei Manor. We’re happy to welcome him to the team!

Thank You, Ayame Kai Guild!

We extend our deepest thanks to the Ayame Kai Guild for their generous purchase of beautiful new dining chairs for Nikkei Manor. Their thoughtful gift has truly brightened our dining room and enhanced daily life for our residents.

Ayame Kai’s continued dedication and support play a vital role in sustaining a warm, welcoming environment for our community. We are so grateful for their care and commitment to enriching the lives of those we serve.

Community Remembrance

We were honored to represent Keiro NW at the 80th annual Nisei Veterans Memorial Day service, held at Lake View Cemetery in Seattle. Nikkei Manor’s Executive Director Amy Nguyen and Board Vice Chair Susan Okamoto Lane presented a wreath in remembrance and gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of our Nisei heroes.

This tradition began in 1946 and continues to be a powerful tribute to the Japanese American soldiers who served during World War II, despite facing prejudice and injustice at home. The ceremony takes place at the Nisei War Memorial Monument, a 21-foot granite obelisk dedicated in 1949 to honor their legacy. As we reflect on their stories, we are reminded of the strength, resilience, and values that continue to guide our community and inspire the mission of Keiro Northwest.

Upcoming Events

Ayame Kai's 2025 Summer Market

Save the date! The Ayame Kai Guild’s Summer Market returns on Saturday, June 21st from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Uwajimaya Corporate Parking Lot

Good News—The Raffle is Back!

We’re excited to announce the return of our raffle basket! This summer, we’ll be offering one spectacular summer-themed basket filled with goodies and gift cards to keep your summer fun, flavorful, and full of surprises.

Tickets are $5 and only available to purchase at the KNW Board's booth day-of.

What's in the basket?

• Seattle Storm Tickets (4) +Autographed Photo of Ezi Magbegor (#13)
• Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunt (up to 10 players)
• Seattle Aquarium Passes (4)
• Wild Waves Theme & Water Park Tickets (2)
• 3-Month Subscription Box from The Pastry Project
• Georgetown Brewing $50 Gift Card
• Milk Drunk $25 Gift Card
• Koto Coffee by Tanuki Roasters
• Mochi Ice Cream Making Kit
• Crayola Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk
• Bon Odori Uchiwa Fan
• T-Mobile Pickleball Set

Total Value: $1,078!

Ayame Kai Summer Market

Date: June 21, 2025 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Location: Uwajimaya Corporate Office

4601 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

For more information including market vendors and fundraising goals, please visit the link below.

Bon Odori at Nikkei Manor: Summer Festival

Celebrate summer with us at our annual Bon Odori Summer Festival, a joyful afternoon of taiko drumming, foods, local vendors, kimono photoshoots, bake sale, traditional dance, and kids activities!

Stop by the Keiro NW booth and check out our 50th Anniversary display while you enjoy the festival!

Free and open to the public

Please note: street parking only

Proceeds from the bake sale and Ayame Kai Guild vendor booth benefit Nikkei Manor Assisted Living Community and Kokoro Kai Adult Day Center.

盆踊りサマーフェスティバル

2025年7月27日（日）| 午後1時～4時

 Nikkei Manor（ニッケイ・マナー　宇和島屋のとなりです）700 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA

毎年恒例の盆踊りサマーフェスティバルを一緒に祝いましょう！

太鼓演奏、屋台フード、地元の出店、着物での写真撮影、ホームメイドベイクセール、盆踊り、子ども向けゲームなど、楽しいイベントが盛りだくさん！

踊ったり、買い物をしたり、日本の夏の雰囲気を楽しめるイベントです。浴衣での参加、大歓迎です。

 入場無料・どなたでもご参加いただけます

 駐車はストリートパーキングのみとなりますのでご注意ください。（日曜のストリートパーキングは無料です。）

この楽しいコミュニティイベントに、ぜひご参加ください！

Date: July 27, 2025 1:00-4:00 PM

Location: Nikkei Manor

700 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104

Nikkei Manor's Bon Odori is made possible this year by a grant from 4Culture.

Contact Itsuko at isimpson@keironw.org for info on donating baked goods.

Nikkei Manor Families Event: BINGO!

We invite our families of Nikkei Manor residents to join us for an afternoon of BINGO on June 14th at 2PM. Mingle with staff and other Nikkei Manor residents and families during this fun social hour.

Mother's Day portrait by Eugene Tagawa

May's Highlights

• 5-4 Cabin Choir performance
• 5-5 Children's Day craft: origami carps and flowers
• 5-12 Sanshin performance
• 5-9 Nursing students visit from Japan (Iryo Sosei University)
• 5-28 Memorial Day Special – May birthday party

Residents showing their Kodomo no hi craft art work.

Photo credit: Mariko Ueno

June: Upcoming Activities & Events

• 6-6 Legacy Education Series: Upside to Downsizing with Eric Uyeji
• 6-9 and 6-17 Art class with Seniors Creating Art
• 6-11 June birthday party
• 6-14 Family Social Hour: Saturday Bingo
• 6-21 Ayame Kai Summer Market

We are able to continue offering art classes by Seniors Creating Art this year thanks to a generous family donation.

• Full Calendars: Kokoro Kai, Resident Activities at Nikkei Manor

A gift from Amazon

Looking for a simple way to support our residents and program participants? You can help by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List! From activity supplies to everyday essentials, each donation directly enhances the quality of life at Nikkei Manor and Kokoro Kai.

New Online Donation System

Giving to Keiro Northwest is now easier than ever with our new online fundraising portal, Raisely! Whether you want to make a one-time donation or set up a recurring gift, you can now give securely online at:

keiro-northwest.raiselysite.com

Your donation directly supports our mission to provide compassionate, culturally responsive care for our elders.

Other ways to give include:

• Memorial or Honorary Gifts – Honor a loved one with a meaningful contribution.
• Planned Giving – Leave a lasting impact by including Keiro Northwest in your will or estate plans.
• Employer Matching & Workplace Campaigns – Maximize your gift through matching programs.
• In-Kind Gifts & Sponsorships – Donate goods or sponsor an event to support our programs.
• Stock Gifts – Info coming soon.

For more information on in-kind donations, sponsorships, or vehicle donations, please call 206-726-6460.

We appreciate your support. Every gift helps us continue serving our community.

Info on thoughtful charitable giving from Beacon Pointe Wealth Advisors.

Staff Anniversaries

June Anniversaries



Yuko Osborn - 9 yrs

Frances Bagdady - 13yrs

Juan Osorio - 12 yrs

Thank you for making every day the BEST day for our residents and participants.

Happy 100th birthday to Motoye!

最後に、ありがとうございました。

Our Mission Statement: Honoring the past and preserving Japanese American heritage, we provide uniquely-tailored care to meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs for elders to thrive.