The BIJAC logo was designed by John Buday in the form of a Japanese mon (pronounced mōn) the traditional heraldic symbol often used to represent a clan or organization. The strawberry leaves and flower on the logo celebrate our community’s strong history of strawberry farming, dating back to 1908 when Hayakutaro Moritani put in one of the first commercial fields.

At one point, two thirds of the strawberries grown in Washington came from Bainbridge Island. By 1941, strawberry farming was the single largest commercial activity on the island. The Issei (first generation) worked hard to clear land and build this industry during times when anti–Japanese sentiment was high in the country. This mon honors their perseverance and resilience.