History and heritage reside in California's Japan Towns

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“I will write PEACE on your wings and you will fly all over the world” ~ Sadako Sasaki (A young Japanese girl on the threshold of adolescence developed leukemia in 1955 from the effects of radiation caused by the bombing of Hiroshima), (1943-1955)

Japan Town is also known as "Nihonmachi". It is also called "J Town" in short.Japan Town was originally formed around the existing "Heinlenville" ~ China Town settlement. During the Second World War, the Japanese American population was forcibly removed from Japan Town and interned in camps. After the war, many Japanese Americans resettled in the area. Many Japanese left the area due to the expansion of Silicon Valley. But the town remains home for thousands of Japanese Americans.

California State Legislation designated this area as one of the last three remaining historical Japan Towns in the United States of America. They are in San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles. The Japanese community in these three areas (San Francisco, San Jose and Los Angeles) survived the urban renewal in 1950s and 1960s. It is believed that more than 40 Japan Towns exited in the United States of America before the World War II.

Japan Town has many authentic and ethnic Japanese restaurants.Churches, Buddhist temples, community halls, restaurants and landscape contribute a lot to the history and identity of Japan.Walking down on Japan Town gives a real experience of Japan. It is a rare feeling of a neighbourhood where history and heritage reside in the keepers of the shop and the people walking along the streets. San Jose Japan Town is a rare treasure.

~ passionParade ~ dushi.pillai@gmail.com