Nikkei Manor

Nikkei Manor: Japanese-rooted assisted living in Seattle's International District

Nikkei Manor is an assisted living and day program center for older adults located in Seattle's historic Japanese neighborhood, within the International District. The entity belongs to Keiro Northwest, a nonprofit organization created to provide culturally competent elder care to the city's Japanese population. The center commemorates 50 years of activity and traces its origins to the vision of Seattle's Nisei.

Its approach combines Eastern traditions with Western clinical practices and is built around the concept of kimochi, which the entity itself describes as deep and sincere compassion. The stated capacity is up to 50 residents.

Care programs: assisted living, Kokoro Kai, and respite stays

The care offering is organized into three modalities:

• Assisted living: discreet and dignified personal support, staff available 24 hours a day, and medication and health coordination.
• Kokoro Kai Day Program: a daytime space with intergenerational activities and offerings that integrate Eastern and Western traditions, designed to expand participants' social connections.
• Respite care: short-term stays, with fully furnished accommodations ready for arrival, access to all dining and social programs, and professional care available 24 hours a day.

Dining and daily life

The dining service follows a restaurant-style format and combines Japanese home-style cooking (washoku) with Western dishes. Menus are seasonal and dietitian-approved, and are developed based on resident feedback.

The activities program seeks to keep residents active through a mix of Eastern and Western offerings: cultural arts, language, and community volunteering, among others. The entity emphasizes what residents can do as a source of daily purpose.

Setting and location

The center presents itself as an urban retreat within Seattle's Japanese-American community. It features a private Japanese-style garden and is located next to the light rail station, with quick highway access, making visits from family and friends easier. The central location keeps residents connected to life in the International District.

Team and leadership

Executive leadership is held by Amy Nguyen, with more than a decade of experience in the senior care sector, having worked at organizations such as Kin On and Horizon House. Nguyen, born in Vietnam and a member of the AAPI community, is a University of Washington graduate and a long-time Seattle resident. Her priorities at the helm of the center include regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and relationships with staff, the board, and community stakeholders.

The entity is also seeking staff and volunteers for its Japantown community, with a preference for people who offer culturally respectful support and treat each resident as part of the family.

Location and contact

700 6th Ave S, Seattle, WA, 98104 · Phone: (206) 726-6460