San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place: Japanese American History Archives

Address: 1840 Sutter St., San Francisco

Description:

The Japanese American History Archives is a non-profit, comprehensive research facility located beneath the JCCCNC, complete with books, pictures, magazines, newspaper clippings, and other items relevant to the Japanese American experience. Most of the items within the facility were either donated by members of the community or procured by historian Seizo Oka, who managed the archives until his death in 2004. The History Archives also regularly holds historical exhibits, covering topics ranging from the beginnings of Japanese immigration in the early-1800’s to relocation and internment during WWII. The facility is esp. useful for researchers and scholars interested in learning about the history of Japanese Americans in the US. The Archives mostly relies on donations to keep its operations afloat, while its executive board is entirely comprised of volunteers.

History:

The Japanese American History Room was first created in 1977 by the California First Bank (presently Union Bank) and continued to grow under the supervision of Seizo Oka until 1986, when Oka retired from his position as a Vice President of the bank. The collection of the Japanese American History Room was then donated by California First Bank to the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. Seizo Oka naturally became the newly-relocated Japanese American History Room's Director and Historian. In 1992, the Japanese American History Room was renamed the Japanese American History Archives. Recently, the Archives have also undergone an expansion project, which includes the installation of space-saving mobile shelving units.

Significance:

Cultural, Educational

Recognition of Significance:

N/A

Sources:

Seizo Oka (now deceased), former executive director, Japanese American History Archives

Other Comments:

The JAHA is one of the few organizations dedicated to preserving the culture and history of Japantown, and has been a lasting resource for other community groups (including the Japantown Task Force) interested in learning more about Japantown’s history.

Prepared By: Young Kim Date Prepared: 1/12/05