Historic Japantowns of Berkeley and Oakland

Oakland church (photo courtesy of Preserving California’s Japantowns)

Monday, 23 July 2007
12 pm–2 pm
Berkeley Methodist United Church
1710 Carleton Street

Preserving California’s Japantowns is the first statewide project to document historic resources of pre-World War II Japantowns. The initial task of the project was to identify Japanese American communities representative of the diverse regions, distinctive economic characteristics, and cultures features throughout the state. The initial phase involved reconnaissance surveys in 43 Japantown communities to identify historic buildings and landscapes associated with pre-WWII community.

Berkeley and Oakland were among the Bay Area communities selected for research, and surveys yielded a surprisingly high percentage of historic resources associated with Japanese American businesses, cultural institutions and community organizations.

The program on 23 July will include an overview of Preserving California’s Japantowns and highlights of the survey of historic Japanese American communities of Berkeley and Oakland. Community members are invited to bring historic photos that document community life. Local organizations will share brief summaries of their efforts to document Japanese American history through commemorative events, oral history projects, photo archives, or other activities.