This blog post will review information covered in the following December 2023 Rafu Shimpo news article by Peter Yoon: https://rafu.com/2023/12/little-tokyo-legacy-business-evicted-during-the-holidays/
The article follows a local Little Tokyo "legacy business" as the storeowner faces a multitude of challenges in keeping her shop open. Founded by Elaine Taiyoshi's father after World War II, the family owned gift shop specialized in Japanese goods such as apparel and antiques. Taiyoshi reported to Rafu Shimpo that her rent increased by a whopping $4,000, also reporting that neighboring store Anzen Hardware's rent had doubled. Despite efforts by community activists and organizations such as the Shinsei movement and the Maryknoll Church, small family-owned businesses fear similar fates as Taiyoshi to come in the imminent future.
The shop was significant beyond the legacy of Taiyoshi and her family, but as a cultural site that served as tribute to Japanese history. With a prime location on the historic "First Street North", Taiyoshi's gift shop alongside several other traditionally Japanese institutes were forced to vacate. These lots would now become vacant, open areas for investors and other storeowners to seize. This is culturally significant as important elements of Little Tokyo and Japanese history are being stripped away and replaced. Taiyoshi's story sheds light on how gentrification will continue to tear up communities-physically, socially, and culturally.
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