History

In 1966, Shokookai was established by Shosha (trading companies) and was called “Suiyo-kai”. In 1971, the name was changed to “Shosha-kai”.
In 1988, the name was modified to “Shokookai” which continues today.

The main purpose of Shokookai is to fund the Japanese School for expatriate children who will go back to Japan to continue their education. Shokookai is also involved in various community activities and provides its members with opportunities to socialize with each other.

Organization

Shokookai has three committees.

General Affairs Committee : to provide cultural exchange activities with the local communities.
Education Committee : to fund the Portland Japanese School.
Welfare Committee : to provide variety of sports and cultural events many for members.

General Affairs Committee

The purpose of General Affairs Committee is to provide cultural exchange activities with the local communities, publish the Shokookai newsletter and manage our website.
One of the key programs is planning visits to our members’ companies and a half-day home-stay program for American students.
The committee also plans for participation in the Festival Japan and other events where members can volunteer.

Education Committee

The Portland Japanese School was established in 1971 for Japanese students who live in the Portland area. It has been operated by Shokookai’s education committee since that time.
The purpose of the school is to keep the students current in their Japanese studies and to facilitate their return to the Japanese school system.
Students are from both Shokookai members and non-members who attend local schools as well as the Japanese school.
The school offers 50 days of classes per year to students from kindergarten through high school.The classes are held on Saturdays and are in accordance with the Japanese Government Education Standards. In addition to academic classes, the school provides a “sports day”, a theatrical performance and a bazaar each year. Other activities include Kanji licensing examinations and lectures. The Education committee periodically arranges for local teachers to visit schools in Japan.

For more information regarding the Japanese School, please visit our website
https://www.shokookai.org/gakkou/main.htm

Welfare Committee

The purpose of our Welfare Committee is to promote friendship among members.
It is our goal to provide many activities for our members and their families during their stay in the US.
These events are planned and conducted by members.

Throughout the year, we plan monthly activities.
There are golf tournaments (Mar. through Nov.), bowling, tennis and softball tournaments.
We have also had trips to Mariners’ baseball games, picnic and Christmas Party.

600 Park Plaza West
10700 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway Beaverton Oregon 97005
Tel:(503) 644-9579
Fax:(503) 643-0861