Day 28 - Little Tokyo Historic District, Los Angeles, California
📌APIA Every Day (27) - Little Tokyo, located in downtown Los Angeles, is a historic Japanese commercial district with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. Initially settled by Japanese immigrants seeking employment opportunities following the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, Little Tokyo grew rapidly, becoming the largest Japanese community in the United States before World War II. The district flourished with businesses, religious institutions, schools, and newspapers, forming a vibrant cultural and commercial hub.
The early 20th century saw the development of a distinct commercial district in Little Tokyo, supported by organizations like the Central Japanese Association and the Japanese American Chamber of Commerce. However, the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 and the subsequent internment of Japanese Americans during World War II brought an abrupt end to Little Tokyo's prosperity. The forced evacuation led to the closure of businesses and the displacement of residents, transforming the once-thriving community into a ghost town.
After the war, Japanese Americans began to return to Little Tokyo, reclaiming their businesses and attempting to rebuild the community. The post-war period, however, saw significant changes, including urban renewal projects, the construction of the Los Angeles Police headquarters, and a reduction in the district's size. In the 1970s, a redevelopment movement spurred by Japanese corporations led to the revival of Little Tokyo. The area experienced economic revitalization, with new shopping plazas and hotels opening alongside the preservation of historic landmarks.
Today, Little Tokyo stands as a National Historic Landmark and cultural district, representing the enduring legacy of the Japanese American community. The district features significant landmarks such as the Japanese American National Museum, the Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, and the Far East Building. Despite the challenges and transformations over the years, Little Tokyo remains a cultural focal point, hosting events like the Nisei Week Festival and serving as a symbol of resilience for the Japanese American community in Southern California.
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: Little Tokyo Historic District & National Historic Landmark
Advisory Council on Historic Preservation: Los Angeles-Little Tokyo, California (Designated a Preserve America Community in March 2008)
Little Tokyo Community Council: Our History
Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund: Historical Perspectives
Little Tokyo Historical Society: Landmark Designation & Preservation
