Established in 1904 in Los Angeles, California, the Japanese Christian Institute was sponsored by the Disciples of Christ. Its primary purpose was to support newly arrived Japanese immigrant laborers by offering essential services such as temporary housing, instruction in the English language, and opportunities for Bible study. Initially funded by the American Christian Missionary Society and subsequently by the United Christian Missionary Society, the Institute served as both a spiritual and social support hub for the local Japanese community.

In 1908, individuals affiliated with the Institute founded the Japanese Christian Church, a Disciples of Christ congregation. This church became one of only four Japanese-speaking congregations within the Disciples of Christ denomination in the United States prior to World War II. Leadership roles at the Institute and the Church often overlapped, with church ministers also serving as Institute directors. The first director, Twizo Kawai, was invited from Japan and led the organization from 1911 until 1923. He was succeeded by Kojiro Unoura, an immigrant laborer who pursued theological education at the University of Southern California and the Pacific School of Religion and became an ordained minister.

Over the years, the Institute adapted its programming to better serve the changing needs of the Japanese American community. In 1911, it expanded its services to include sewing instruction and early childhood education through a kindergarten program. By 1926, a Japanese language school had been established to help bridge generational communication gaps between immigrant parents and their U.S.-born children.

The onset of World War II, particularly following the Pearl Harbor attack and the implementation of Executive Order 9066, brought significant disruption. As Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated to internment camps, both the Japanese Christian Institute and the Japanese Christian Church ceased operations. However, later in 1942, these institutions were reimagined and reopened as All Peoples Christian Church—a multiracial, inclusive congregation and community center.

When Japanese Americans began returning to Los Angeles after the war, efforts to restore the original congregation led to the establishment of West Adams Christian Church in 1948, continuing the legacy of the Japanese Christian community in the region.