Day 97: Otomisan Japanese Restaurant, Boyle Heights, California
📌APIA Every Day (97) - Otomisan Japanese Restaurant, located in Boyle Heights, California, stands as one of the last remaining Japanese legacy businesses in the neighborhood. Established in 1956 by Mr. and Mrs. Seto as Otomi Cafe, it served as one of the earliest Japanese restaurants in the area, which was once a vibrant Japanese American enclave. Following World War II, Boyle Heights became a focal point for Japanese American settlement after the closure of incarceration camps. Despite the neighborhood's transition into a predominantly Latino community over the decades, Otomisan retained its status as a cherished establishment, offering traditional Japanese dishes such as salmon chirashi bowls and tonkatsu cutlets.
In the early 1970s, the Setos sold the restaurant to Mr. and Mrs. Seino, who renamed it Otomisan. However, in the early 2000s, Mr. Seino passed away, leading to a temporary closure of Otomisan for six months. With Mr. Seino serving as both the owner and the sole cook, his absence posed significant challenges to the business's continuation. Nonetheless, Otomisan persevered when Yayoi Watanabe, the current owner, took over in 2005. Recognizing the importance of preserving the restaurant's legacy, Watanabe convinced the widow to sell it to her. With its cozy atmosphere and authentic Japanese comfort food, Otomisan continues to attract a diverse clientele, bridging generational and cultural divides.
Despite facing various challenges, Otomisan remains as evidence of the significant Japanese American population that once thrived in the area. The property achieved Historic-Cultural Monument listing in January 2022, further solidifying its place in Boyle Heights' rich cultural heritage.
LEARN MORE:
Discover Nikkei: A Visit to Otomisan, the Last Japanese Restaurant in Boyle Heights
Los Angeles Conservancy: Otomisan Japanese Restaurant
Los Angeles Times: Eastside Sushi? SÃ
PNS SoCal: Otomisan: The Last Japanese Restaurant in Boyle Heights
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