Local Report on the LA Wildfires by a Female Writer Living in LA: “Japanese American History Lost”

The history of the Japanese Americans, the memories of their parents, and their lives together were lost.

Their house, built by Johnny’s grandfather after he was released from internment after World War II, was an important part of the history of the Japanese in the United States.

During World War II, Japanese in the U.S. were evicted and placed in concentration camps. The camps were built in deserts and other areas unsuitable for living, and life was harsh. After the war, when the camps were closed, the Japanese returned to Los Angeles, but they suffered great economic loss and the hostility of their neighbors, who were enemies of the U.S., took a heavy mental toll on them. Even when building houses, the areas where Japanese could buy houses were limited, and one of those areas was Altadena.

Altadena and Pasadena, located south of Altadena, are areas where many Japanese Americans still live today. Pasadena has a sister city relationship with Mishima City in Shizuoka Prefecture, and exchange programs are held there every year. There is also a Buddhist temple, which serves as a community for many Japanese Americans.

The house they lost had been a place of relaxation for Japanese Americans since Johnny’s grandfather’s generation, serving meals to those who had no family nearby or who had lost their jobs. Inheriting this sentiment, Johnny and his wife Akiko have helped those in need, served meals to others, and provided many enjoyable times for them.

The house was also filled with the history of Japanese Americans, memories of Johnny’s family, who lost his parents when he was a teenager, and the couple’s life together as they maintained and protected the house little by little after their marriage.

Many insurance companies are pulling out of California… and many residents may not be able to return to their original land.

Mr. Johnny would like to restore Altadena to its original city-like state, but there are many uncertainties. Last year, many insurance companies pulled out of California, which is prone to wildfires, forcing him to switch insurance companies. In addition to higher premiums, the coverage has been revised. It remains to be seen to what extent this loss will be compensated.

Altadena is still off limits, and there is no timetable for rebuilding the house, but it is expected to take two to three years at the earliest. The cost is also a big burden, with more than 150 million yen needed to rebuild from the foundation up, and prices have skyrocketed. Altadena has been home to many retirees. It is expected that “many people will not be able to return” due to economic reasons.

Even though it has been only about a week since the disaster, Johnny has already begun to take action, saying, “I want to work actively with the help of various people to restore Altadena to its former state. To support his activities, the author has set up a donation website to help them rebuild their lives first. We would be grateful if you could support us with your feelings.

■”Help Johnny & Akiko Rebuild After Eaton Fire in Altadena” is here (Photo/Donationcover.PNG)

(References.)
The National Museum of Japanese American History, “Teaching Immigrants: A Guide to Japanese American Learning Activities,” published by the Association for the Study of Multicultural Society in the U.S.