Sawtelle Japantown, the Persevering

A radio documentary about a neighborhood in Los Angeles fighting to preserve itself in the face of change.

By Michael Radcliffe

Popularity for neighborhoods can be a double-edged sword. Money and people bring new life, but often forces out people who lived there. In the last few years, the Sawtelle community in West LA has seen this problem firsthand. It’s an old neighborhood, home to Japanese Americans for nearly a century.

“

Developers are here to make their money.

— Carole Nakano

”

Carole Nakano noticed this problem and decided to take action. She began attending neighborhood council meetings. She worked with other citizens of Sawtelle on a plan to cement the historical Japanese identity of the the neighborhood.

They would rename their community. And their best bet would be to highlight its Japanese heritage.

Sawtelle came to be because the Issei, or first-generation Japanese immigrants, had to live there. Many worked in West LA’s agriculture business, but weren’t allowed to buy houses and were forced into the Sawtelle area.

Later, during World War II, most of Sawtelle’s residents were shipped off to Manzanar internment camp. When they returned, they worked hard to rebuild the community.

California used be home to over 40 Japantowns, now most have disappeared.

“

How does that Japanese American culture change over time, which is a question for all ethnic communities, right? Because the culture is always evolving.

— Randall Fujimoto

”

So it became imperative that “Sawtelle Japantown” win official recognition. In 2006, LA City Council codified rules for residents to rename their community. This was the plan.

Listen above to hear how Sawtelle banded together to solidify its place in Los Angeles and carries on the community tradition of perseverance.

Sawtelle Japantown sign

Randy Sakamoto leads tour of Sawtelle Japantown

Japanese Institute of Sawtelle

The auditorium at the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle

A class inside the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle

A kindergarten class at Sawtelle Gakuin

Students sing a Japanese song at the Sawtelle Gakuin

Tour group outside a Sawtelle Gakuin class

Ikuko Visco and student at the Sawtelle Gakuin

Judo banner at the Japanese Institute of Sawtelle

Randy Sakamoto tells tour about Sawtelle Japantown stores

Tour group moves on to the next stop

Sandy Toshiyuki shares stories of Sawtelle Japantown's past

Hashimoto nursery on Sawtelle Boulevard

Ted Tanaka tells a story of Sawtelle Japantown's past

Sawtelle Japantown resident Tosh Ishioka talks about his neighborhood

Inside Giant Robot on Sawtelle Boulevard

Ted Tanaka tells a story of Sawtelle Japantown's past

“

Just seeing the sign there, each time, just gives you that sense of pride.

— Randall Fujimoto

”

Nightlife in Sawtelle Japantown

“

It went from like a... very like Japanese community to almost like a touristy spot.

— Riku Tanaka

”

It’s at nighttime when Sawtelle comes alive. It draws people from all over Los Angeles to eat and shop. It’s also where many young Japanese Americans work. Hear what they think about this vibrant neighborhood.