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WHO WE ARE
Rooted in community, we support the members and strengthen the communities we serve through Nikkei and Mabuhay.
WHO WE ARE
Rooted in community, we support the members and communities we serve through Nikkei and Mabuhay.
OUR STORY
We began in 1951...
On September 29, 1951, twelve members came together to form Gardena Valley Japanese Credit Union, creating a financial institution dedicated to serving the Japanese American community. What began as a small, member-driven cooperative has grown into a progressive, full-service credit union—while remaining rooted in the values of service, trust, and community.
We grew and evolved as Nikkei Credit Union
As our membership grew, so did our vision. In 1998, we adopted the name Nikkei Credit Union to reflect our continued growth and future direction. Today, we are a progressive, full-service financial institution serving the Japanese American community in Southern California.
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With over 4,700 members and $86 million in assets, we remain a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and democratically controlled by our members. Through personalized service and innovative financial solutions, we continue our commitment to providing “Banking for All Generations.”
We expanded our reach with Mabuhay
As our communities continued to evolve, we recognized an opportunity to serve a broader and more diverse membership. In 2019, we launched Mabuhay Credit Union, a division of Nikkei Credit Union, to better serve the Filipino community.
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With a branch in Carson, CA, Mabuhay was created to provide accessible, competitive financial services to an underserved community in the South Bay. Backed by the strength and expertise of Nikkei Credit Union, Mabuhay reflects our ongoing commitment to growth, inclusion, and serving the needs of our members.
We continue to grow and serve
Today, Nikkei Credit Union remains committed to serving our members with personalized service, innovative solutions, and a deep connection to the communities we call home. As we continue to grow, we stay grounded in our purpose—to support our members and strengthen the communities we serve through Nikkei and Mabuhay.
Our Mission
To provide quality financial products through personalized service and innovation.
Our Vision
To be the financial service choice for the Nikkei community.
Our Core Values
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Strive for Excellence - Embrace Change
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One Team. One Goal.
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Empower Yourself through Knowledge
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Safeguard Members' Privacy and Financial Interests
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Kodomo No Tame Ni - For the Sake of the Children
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Inspire Trust, Be Ethical: Do the Right Thing
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Be Passionate about Delivering Exceptional Experiences
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Treat Everyone with Respect, Sincerity, and Compassion
Our Mission
To provide quality financial products through personalized service and innovation.
Our Vision
To be the financial service choice for the Nikkei community.
Our Core Values
-
Strive for Excellence - Embrace Change
-
One Team. One Goal.
-
Empower Yourself through Knowledge
-
Safeguard Members' Privacy and Financial Interests
-
Kodomo No Tame Ni - For the Sake of the Children
-
Inspire Trust, Be Ethical: Do the Right Thing
-
Be Passionate about Delivering Exceptional Experiences
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Treat Everyone with Respect, Sincerity, and Compassion
LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors​
Gary Nakata, Chair
Alyssa Tanaka-Pham, 1st Vice Chair
Ryan Suzuki, 2nd Vice Chair
Ken Matsuno, Secretary
Glenn Matsushima, Treasurer
Supervisory Committee
Karen Yoshimura-Oto, Chair
Jim Kawashima, Member
Masa Nakagawa, Member
Caryn Ritchie, Member
Asset-Liability Management Committee​
Jon Hernandez, Chair
Gary Nakata, Member
Glenn Matsushima, Member
Credit Committee​
Glenn Matsushima, Chair
Jon Hernandez, Member
Jay Lee, Member
Management
Jon Hernandez, President/CEO
Jay Lee, Vice President
Mabuhay Advisory Council
Evelyn Machan Andamo
Administrator, Carson Adult Day Health Care Center / President Emeritus of FACC-SLAA
Frank Aurelio Yokoyama
Mayor, City of Cerritos / Former Mayor Pro Tem
Dr. Henrick Macalintal
President / Owner, Motion Plus Aquatic & Therapy Center and Aqua Cycling Corp.
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Jesus "Alex" Cainglet
Business Owner / Insurance Agent / Chairman, City of Carson Planning Commission
Moises "Jun" Aglipay
Field Representative, Office of Assembly member Mike Gipson
Nonie Belarmino
Community Leader/Philanthropist/
iDance
Ted Benito
Executive Director, Apl.de.Ap Foundation / CEO/Owner, LXV Enterprises, LLC
WHAT IS A CREDIT UNION
Today, Nikkei Credit Union remains committed to serving our members with personalized service, innovative solutions, and a deep connection to the communities we call home. As we continue to grow, we stay grounded in our purpose—to support our members and strengthen the communities we serve through Nikkei and Mabuhay.
A credit union has a field of membership and not everyone can simply walk up and open an account. Nikkei/Mabuhay Credit Union's field of membership includes those who meet the criteria listed below or who has a family member or household member who is already a member of the Credit Union.
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Persons of Japanese ancestry and their immediate family living in Los Angeles and Orange Counties
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Those who pursue as their major occupation, in the County of Orange, the profession of gardening, landscaping, horticulturists, and/or nurserymen; full time employees of nurseries, landscapers, horticulturists, or gardeners; members of their families and organizations of such persons. Full-time employees are defined as persons who work at least 24 hours per week in the occupation stated above.
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Staff members of RED Boxing International Promotions
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Members of Dreamers & Visionaries of South Bay, Inc.
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Members of Cabanatuan City Association California, Inc.
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Members of Troy Philippines of University of Southern California
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Employees of Tambuli Corporation DBATambuli Market
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Members of Long Beach Parol Lantern Festival
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Members of Filipino Community of Carson (FCC)
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Members of ACLACI (Acacia Craftsmen of LA, CA Inc.)
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Members of Therapist Only Athletic Association (TOAA)
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Employees and members of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of SouthBay Los Angeles Area (FACC-SLAA), Carson, CaliforniaMembers of Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Hollywood (FACCHO)
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Members of Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Tri-County (FACC Tri-County)
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Members of Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Orange County (FACCOC)
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Members of Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Los Angeles (FACC-GLA)
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Members of Philippine Eagle Dragon Boat Rowing Team
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Staff Members and Students of Pamana Kali, LLC
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Members of Kayumanggi Lions Club
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Staff members of Amor Yu Productions
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Employees and staff members of Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA)
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Members of Alpha Kappa Rho International Humanitarian Service Fraternity and Sorority Inc. (AKP, AKRHO, and SKEPTRON) - USA, West Coast Council, SoCal Chapter
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Employees and staff members of Rolly’s Tax Service, Inc.
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Members of Sister Cities Of Long Beach Inc Long Beach Bacolod Association (DBA)
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Members of Los Angeles Tanay USA Lions Club
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Members of Kagay-anons of Southern California
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Employees and staff members of Regal LNC, Inc.
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Philippine Independence Day Foundation, Inc. (PIDF)
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Members of Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
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Members of the Fellowship Basketball Association
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Employees and members of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Los Angeles, California.
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Employees of Sushi Boy, Inc., Gardena, California.
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Employees of Array Systems, Inc., Torrance, California
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Employees of Nippon Express USA, Inc., Torrance, California
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Members of the Gardena Valley Baptist Church, Gardena, California
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Employees of Asahi Beer USA, Inc., Torrance, California
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Employees of Funai Corporation, Torrance, California
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Employees of F.K. Nursery, Los Angeles, California
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Employees of Fujitsu-Ten, Torrance, California
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Employees of Little Tokyo Service Center and LTSC CDC, Los Angeles, California
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Members of Faith United Methodist Church, Torrance, California
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Employees of Marukai Corporation
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Businesses owned by, or associations of, individuals who qualify for membership in the credit union.
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Other credit unions organized under either the Federal or State Laws appertaining to credit unions.
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A credit union is a cooperative wherein its members are its owners. The general membership is represented by an elected board of directors, who are themselves members and serve without compensation for their time. Each member, regardless of their account balances, gets to cast one vote and is eligible to be nominated as a director.
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Unlike for-profit financial institutions, the main focus of a credit union as an institution is not for profit. Its main focus is to ensure its financial stability and sustain its growth to continually provide financial products and services to its members. In the process of doing business, the credit union does make a profit; however, a credit union's profit does not go into the pocket of shareholders or select individuals. It goes back to the credit union in the form of capital to further its stability as an institution, to new products and services, or back to the general membership in the form of higher dividends, lower loan rates, and lower fees.
As a Nikkei member, you can take advantage of lower rates, higher savings dividends, and low or no fees. Such benefits are available to members, in part, because Congress granted credit unions a long-standing exemption from taxation, and with good reason.
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Not-for-profit credit unions return profits to members, and are led by an all-volunteer Board of Directors who are not compensated for their services. Credit unions also help the financially under-served, including members with below-average incomes, or those with limited or damaged credit. Banks, however, earn billions in profit from customers of their choosing, and pass those profits on to stockholders.
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Historically, credit unions have had broad support from Congress. In fact, Congress reaffirmed the tax exemption status of credit unions in 1998. However, led by the Bankers' Association, a subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee met last November with the sole intention of reviewing the credit unions' tax exempt status. For now, no recommendation has been made. But if our tax-exemption were revoked, our not-for-profit status and your credit union advantage would be in jeopardy.
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As in all financial matters that affects you, we will keep you informed about this issue and work hard to protect your interests.
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A credit union is a financial institution. Similar to other financial institutions, a credit union can offer a wide range of products and services such as savings (regular shares), checking (share draft), certificates of deposits (share term certificates), loan products, and much more. Other than the name of the products, there is not much of a difference between products by a credit union and a bank. So, what makes a credit union different from other financial institutions?
FINANCIAL JOURNAL NEWSLETTERS
Financial Journal is published by Nikkei on a quarterly basis to let our members know about our products and services, special promotions, community involvement and important information about the Credit Union.
ANNUAL REPORT
2025 Annual Report
Get an overview of Nikkei's 2025's happenings. Click here
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Nikkei offers challenging positions in an innovative and fun environment. We believe that by investing in great people we are investing in ourselves. We are small enough to care on a personal level, yet think big enough to know what we need to grow our business and provide more opportunities for personal and professional growth. Join our team and learn about the Credit Union difference!
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We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
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Join the Nikkei Team! We provide competitive compensation plan and benefit package that fosters work life balance.
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Accepting Resumes!
Please send to Michiyo Tateley (HR) at mtateley@nikkeicu.org.
