At the turn of the 20th century, Terminal Island in San Pedro Bay was home to a vibrant Japanese American fishing community that was instrumental in shaping Southern California’s seafood industry.
More than 3,000 issei and nisei fishermen, first- and second-generation immigrants from Japan, developed unique fishing techniques, utilizing 6-foot bamboo poles and live bait to successfully catch albacore tuna and sardines.
While the men worked on the waters, their wives played a crucial role in the canneries, where they cleaned and packaged the catch.
However, the thriving community faced a devastating upheaval during World War II when the entire village was uprooted, and many buildings were razed.
Today, only two vacant structures on Tuna Street serve as reminders of this once-flourishing enclave, now overshadowed by shipping containers and towering cranes.
These buildings have now become a focal point of preservation efforts, as they stand under threat of demolition to make way for expanded container storage.
Surviving residents and their descendants, many of whom are well into their retirement years, are joining forces to protect this piece of their heritage.
Paul Boyea, a board member of the Terminal Islanders Association, noted, “These buildings are an integral part of American history that should never be forgotten.”
In recent months, significant progress has been made towards safeguarding these structures.
Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker introduced a motion in February to designate the buildings as historic-cultural monuments, which would provide additional protections against demolition.
By June, L.A.’s Cultural Heritage Commission is expected to review the motion, with a possibility of it advancing to a City Council vote.
Furthermore, the National Trust for Historic Preservation recently included the buildings in its annual list of the 11 most endangered historic sites in America, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Elders from Terminal Island reminisce about a close-knit community that practiced cultural traditions, from praying at Shinto shrines to observing Girls’ Day festivals in kimonos.
Boyea, who was born after World War II and never lived on Terminal Island, expressed a deep connection to the community, particularly as his mother was born there in 1919.
His grandfather captained a fishing fleet and was the president of the Japanese fishermen’s association.
The historical buildings on Tuna Street once housed A. Nakamura Co., a grocery store that served the community, and Nanka Shoten, a dry goods store, both established over a century ago.
Preservation efforts have been ongoing for two decades but gained traction last May when the Port of L.A., which owns most of Terminal Island, proposed demolishing the buildings for additional storage space.
Phillip Sanfield, the port’s communication director, confirmed that the department is collaborating with Terminal Island advocates to explore options for the buildings, emphasizing that no decision has been made yet.
Terry Hara, president of the Terminal Islanders Association, described Tuna Street as the “Broadway” of the Japanese fishing community.
He noted that Terminal Island was not just home to fishermen but was also a rich cultural hub where families celebrated joyful traditions together.
“It was one big happy family,” he reflected. “Nobody locked their doors and families provided for one another when the need arose.”
Geraldine Knatz, a maritime expert and co-author of “Terminal Island: Lost Communities on America’s Edge,” highlighted that Japanese residents comprised about two-thirds of the island’s population in the 1930s.
While the island, referred to as “L.A.’s Playground” in the early 20th century, was a colorful mix of cultures, that vibrancy was irrevocably altered on December 7, 1941.
The attack on Pearl Harbor triggered immediate suspicion against Japanese fishermen, leading to the arrest of hundreds.
Many were imprisoned for months without any communication with their families.
The following February, remaining residents, primarily women and children, were given a mere 48 hours to evacuate from Terminal Island.
Around 800 individuals from the community were forcibly relocated to the Manzanar concentration camp.
When they returned, they were met with the devastating reality that almost their entire neighborhood had been bulldozed.
Without homes to return to, many former residents relocated to Long Beach and the South Bay.
Boyea noted that the nisei often refrained from discussing their experience of incarceration due to the trauma it caused.
In the 1970s, survivors and their descendants established the Terminal Islanders Association, which has since focused on maintaining community ties through annual events.
Their preservation initiatives gained support from the L.A. Conservancy, leading to the establishment of a memorial in 2002, which has now transitioned into an active campaign for the restoration of Tuna Street’s historic buildings.
There are proposals for converting the buildings into a museum, an education center, or a convenience store for port workers.
Adam Scott Fine, the chief executive of L.A. Conservancy, emphasized, “These buildings could serve some kind of community function while still communicating their history in some way.”
With the number of surviving Terminal Island residents dwindling to less than two dozen, Hara expressed a deep sense of responsibility to preserve the legacy of the community.
His mother, who is now 100 years old, remains one of the last links to this cherished past.
Hara stated, “This is an American story, good or bad. We need to pass on the experience that took place to our children and grandchildren.”
image source from：https://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/terminal-island-japanese-fishing-village-rcna209771
