San Francisco Japantown Task Force

DATA SHEET

Place/Event: Uoki K. Sakai Co.

Address: 1656 Post St., San Francisco

Description:

Known for its fine selection of fresh fish, Uoki K Sakai is the oldest grocery store located in San Francisco’s Japantown and is now run by third-generation owner, Robert Sakai. Customers from all over the city and Bay Area come to Uoki’s to buy imported goods from Japan. Uoki Sakai Grocery Store is one of the few remaining places in Japantown to buy traditional foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, imported food products, locally produced Japanese/Asian food products, beverages and small kitchen and household items. Uoki’s carries the essentials from cooking hardware to decorations, as well as toys and candy for the children.

History:

Uoki K. Sakai grocery store and fish market was founded by Kitaichi Sakai shortly after the 1906 Earthquake. The business continues in the family with current third-generation owner Robert Sakai, who works with the guidance of his mother, Cheiko, and his cousin Jon. Kitaichi Sakai first arrived from Japan in the 1890’s as a cook and fish peddler selling wares from a horse and buggy. He managed to save enough money to buy an affordable building on Geary Street after the great earthquake of 1906. From then on he sold fish and imported food items from Japan to people aboard Japanese ships. Family members soon joined the business including sons Tamotsu and Eiji, daughter Shizu and later son Yozo and daughter Fusaku. Before being relocated to the Japanese Internment Camp in Topaz, Utah, during WWII, Kitaichi Sakai had the foresight to store the essential equipment for the business. He stored cash registers, scales and other equipment. Soon after the war ended, the family was able to return to San Francisco and resume business.

Significance:

Cultural, Historical

Recognition of Significance:

”Working the Family Business: Building the American Dream” honored by Japanese American National Museum on March 29, 2003

Sources:

Robert Sakai – Uoki K. Sakai Co. - 3^rd Generation Family Owner

Other Comments:

Prepared By: Darryl Abantao Date Prepared: 12/04/04