San Francisco’s historic Kinmon Gakuen school for Japanese language and culture is getting an infusion of $9.5 million to help renovate the nearly century-old campus.

The funding consists of $4.5 million from the state and $5 million from the city of San Francisco’s nonprofit API Acquisition Fund, a capital improvement fund that was established in 2023 to invest in the city’s Asian Pacific Islander community.

“Kinmon Gakuen is the oldest building that remains of our pre-World War II history in this community, and we will now be able to remain a vibrant venue for generations to come,” Board President Shinichi Seino said.

The school, also known as the Golden Gate Institute, is located at 2031 Bush St. It was established in 1911 before a new building was constructed in 1926, and focused on teaching language and culture to children of Japanese immigrants.

A school for those who had none

It later became a general education school for students of Japanese ancestry as racism increased in the runup to World War II, which restricted students’ ability to attend other schools.

In 1942, during the period of internment of American citizens of Japanese descent, the school was used as a processing center for Bay Area residents being sent to Tanforan Assembly Center.

“Through investing in this iconic institute, we are working to preserve, embrace, and celebrate the cultural heritage and accomplishments of the oldest Japantown in America.” Mayor London Breed

“For over a century, Kinmon Gakuen has been an important education institute supporting children of Japanese descent and their families especially at times when our Japanese community was harshly discriminated against,” Mayor London Breed said in a statement.

“As someone who grew up just a few blocks away from the Japantown community, I deeply understand that our community is still healing from the painful xenophobia they endured,” she said.

“Through investing in this iconic institute, we are working to preserve, embrace, and celebrate the cultural heritage and accomplishments of the oldest Japantown in America,” Breed said.

Neglected legacy

The school continues to hold language and cultural classes but fell into disrepair decades ago as redevelopment changed the surrounding community, leading to neglect, according to Assemblymember Phil Ting, D-San Francisco.

“Japantown residents and their families have endured so much pain since immigrating to San Francisco,” Ting said. “We must make it right by investing in their community.”

Renovations to the school’s auditorium are expected to begin within a month, according to Ting.