The National Trust for Historic Preservation has added Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles to the 2024 list of the 11 most threatened historic places in America.
Key points:
- The National Trust for Historic Preservation revealed the complete list in a press release on May 1.
- The Japanese American National Museum, Little Tokyo Community Council and others from the Sustainable Little Tokyo coalition led the campaign to have Little Tokyo recognized as one of America’s most endangered historical sites, according to the Rafu Shimpo.
- The recognition is crucial for Little Tokyo, as it is now one of only four remaining Japantowns in the United States.
The details:
- With a history of more than 140 years, Little Tokyo is a cultural hub for the Japanese American community in Southern California.
- Home to over 400 small businesses, including about 50 legacy businesses, the neighborhood has faced numerous past challenges, such as the forced detention of Japanese Americans during World War II. Today, Little Tokyo is confronted with modern threats like urban renewal, gentrification, demolition, and construction.
- “We hope that by highlighting the displacement and gentrification happening in the neighborhood, Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo can receive the support and policy protections necessary for the community to thrive well into the future,” said Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in a statement.
- “This designation helps ensure that Little Tokyo’s history, cultural heritage, and legacy are acknowledged and its future is guided,” remarked Kristen Hayashi, a curator at the Japanese American National Museum.
- Other sites on the list include Cindy Walker House in Mexia, Texas; Eatonville in Florida; Estate Whim Museum in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands; Hudson-Athens Lighthouse in the Hudson River, New York; Minute Man National Historical Park, Walden, and nearby landmarks in Massachusetts; Theodore Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana; Sitka Tlingit Clan Houses in Sitka, Alaska; Tangier American Legation in Tangier, Morocco, and Wilderness Battlefield Area in Virginia.
Little Tokyo’s history:
- Little Tokyo began in 1884 when Japanese immigrants began opening restaurants in the area. The population of Little Tokyo grew to over 35,000 by the early 1940s, but decreased after many residents were incarcerated during WWII.
- During the war, Little Tokyo was reportedly became a ghost town, and the establishments were leased to Black Americans working in the U.S. wartime effort. Japanese business owners eventually returned to the district after World War II and began the revival of Little Tokyo’s economy through the 1970s and beyond.
- Today, the neighborhood remains a lively cultural center close to Dodger Stadium, the home team of MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani, attracting people seeking Japanese cuisine and cultural experiences.
