50 Years of Care
1975 – Present
As we celebrate 50 years of Keiro Northwest, we honor the legacy of care, community, and cultural preservation that began with a vision from Seattle’s Nisei elders. From our founding in 1975 to today, Keiro Northwest has evolved to meet the changing needs of our Japanese American elder community—always guided by our values of family, quality of life, and kimochi. Explore the milestones that have shaped our journey over the past five decades.
Founding
1975
Seven Nisei formed a non-profit organization to provide culturally-competent elder care for Seattle’s Japanese population. Click to expand.
Seattle-area Nisei (second generation Japanese Americans) recognized their Issei (first generation) parents were encountering discrimination and limited access to care as they aged. In response, seven Nisei formed a non-profit organization to provide culturally-competent elder care for Seattle’s Japanese population. They mobilized the community to develop a nursing home to meet the cultural, social, language and dietary needs of elderly Issei. Initially the organization was named Issei Concerns, then later evolved to Nikkei Concerns, to reflect its commitment to inclusion for all generations of those of Japanese descent in America.
Seattle Keiro
1976
Seattle Keiro Nursing Home opens in the Mount Baker neighborhood after a concerted fund development campaign.
Keiro means “respect for the elderly” and this is a core value reflected in the care provided by the staff. By the end of the first year of operation, the 63-bed facility was filled to near capacity and demand was growing. Residents were receiving excellent care and their lives were extending beyond expectation.
kokoro kai adult day program
1977
Kokoro Kai Adult Day program opens at Japanese Presbyterian Church a half-block from Seattle Keiro.
Kokoro Kai – the “place where hearts and minds meet” – promotes wellness and independence for seniors living in the community through social opportunities, good nutrition, and mental and physical activity. In 1998 Kokoro Kai moves to the newly-built Nikkei Manor in the International District.
ayame kai guild
1978
The Ayame Kai Guild forms with a commitment to serve as a fundraising arm for the non-profit organization.
Through the years, the Guild sponsors hugely popular and successful holiday craft fairs and rummage sales to raise well over $1 million to support the programs and activities of the organization. They also conducted monthly bingo games for Seattle Keiro residents and decorated the facility every holiday season. These dedicated volunteers continue to play an important role in supporting the highest quality of life for Nikkei Manor residents and Kokoro Kai participants.
New seattle keiro nursing home
1987
Nikkei Concerns embarks on its second major fundraising effort for a new 150-bed facility.
In the spring of 1985, Nikkei Concerns embarks on its second major fundraising effort for a new $6.6 million, 150-bed facility. Over 2,000 attend the opening of a new Seattle Keiro Nursing Home on 16th Avenue and Yesler Way. The second floor Garden Terrace provides a comfortable environment and specially trained staff for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
nikkei horizons continuing education
1990
Nikkei Horizons senior continuing education program opens.
The program offers workshops to broaden the experiences, knowledge and wellness of participants through a variety of classes including, tai chi, line dancing, computers, financial planning, Japanese language and traditional crafts. Journeys to local and international destinations are also offered.
kidcare
1996
Keiro Intergenerational Day Care (KIDcare) is added on-site at Seattle Keiro.
KIDcare serves infants through preschool age children in a diverse program, including planned daily activities and spontaneous interaction with the residents at Seattle Keiro and Nikkei Manor. The program promotes mutual respect and caring between the young and old, while respecting diversity.
nikkei manor
1998
Nikkei Manor assisted living opens it’s doors to seniors who need some daily help, but do not require skilled nursing care.
In 1995, Nikkei Concerns embarks on another major campaign, this time to construct a 50-unit assisted living facility for elders who do not require skilled nursing care, but could benefit from assistance with daily tasks. In 1998, Nikkei Manor opens its doors in the heart of Seattle’s International District. It offers private apartment units and customized service programs that accommodate individual needs and preferences, in an environment inclusive of Japanese culture, language, and dietary preferences. Nikkei Manor focuses on the individual and on maintaining the highest level of independence and choice for each resident.
midori condos
2002
Nikkei Concerns establishes a for-profit incorporation to build the Midori Condominiums on the lot across from Seattle Keiro.
The 22-unit independent living complex is built with Asian architectural touches and Japanese landscaping. It appeals to seniors over 55 interested in living in the core of the historic Japanese American neighborhood, close to the International District and downtown
rebranding
2016
The organization rebrands from Nikkei Concerns to Keiro Northwest, to indicate greater inclusion of other Asian cultures.
With the rebranding of the parent organization, Seattle Keiro Nursing Home rebrands as Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center (KRCC). In addition to providing facility-based skilled nursing and rehab services, KRCC also provides home health care, transportation, and catering services.
consolidation
2019
After serving thousands of Nikkei residents and the broader community for over 30 years, Keiro Rehabilitation and Care Center closes.
Services are consolidated to direct all attention and resources to our assisted living facility – Nikkei Manor, and adult day program – Kokoro Kai. Both programs continue to provide attentive and high quality senior services incorporating our uniquely Japanese-American heritage and culture.
today
2025
With gratitude in our 50th year, we acknowledge our Nisei pioneers who founded Keiro Northwest.
Many lives have been touched by Keiro’s existence and provision of services to the Japanese-American senior community throughout the years. We also gratefully acknowledge the many residents, program participants, staff, volunteers, family members, donors, and community organizations who have been essential to our continued success and vitality.
