The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Northern California (JCCNC) was founded in 1950 to promote business, mutual understanding, and goodwill between Japan and the United States. In 1951, JCCNC was incorporated as a California nonprofit. JCCNC is the only chamber of commerce for Japanese businesses originally founded by Japanese Americans. One of its unique qualities lies in the fact that it comprises of Japanese and Japanese American businesses, corporations and organizations, all with ties between Northern California and Japan. JCCNC provides assistance to businesses from Japan wishing to open a Northern California office. It also works in conjunction with the Consulate General of Japan to convey information through a joint disaster crisis management system. In the U.S., volunteerism and corporate responsibility is considered an important part of business. JCCNC members support local communities, organizations, and programs as a means to encourage corporate responsibility. JCCNC continues to promote goodwill and friendship between Japan and the United States. It provides networking opportunities as well as informational seminars that educate Japanese corporations about doing business in California.