Finding Aid for the Sumitomo Bank of California photographs, 1976
Processed by Tiffany-Kay Sangwand in the Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT), with assistance from Kelley Wolfe
Bachli, Winter 2008; machine-readable finding aid created by Caroline Cubé.
UCLA Library Special Collections
UCLA Library Special Collections staff
Room A1713, Charles E. Young Research Library
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1575
Email: spec-coll@library.ucla.edu
URL: http://www.library.ucla.edu/libraries/special/scweb/
© 2008
The Regents of the University of California. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: Sumitomo Bank of California photographs
Date (inclusive): 1976
Collection number: 2010
Creator:
Sumitomo Bank of California
Extent:
2 oversize boxes (Box 765 and 873)
Abstract: The Sumitomo Bank of California Photographs are enlarged and mounted black and white reproductions of photographs depicting
the accomplishments and daily life of Japanese Americans from 1887 to 1976. The majority of the photographs document Japanese
living on the west coast, particularly in California. These photograph reproductions were originally part of "The Japanese
American Contribution" exhibit hosted by the Sumitomo Bank of California in 1976.
Language: Finding aid is written in
English.
Repository:
University of California, Los Angeles. Library Special Collections.
Los Angeles, California 90095-1575
Physical location: Stored off-site at SRLF. Advance notice is required for access to the collection. Please contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Administrative Information
Restrictions on Access
COLLECTION STORED OFF-SITE AT SRLF: Open for research. Advance notice required for access. Contact the UCLA Library Special
Collections Reference Desk for paging information.
Restrictions on Use and Reproduction
Property rights to the physical object belong to the UCLA Library Special Collections. Literary rights, including copyright,
are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright
and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.
Provenance/Source of Acquisition
The Japanese American Research Project (JARP) was established in 1962 jointly by the Japanese American Citizens League and
the University of California, Los Angeles. Materials in the collection were donated after JARP was established.
Processing Note
Processed by Tiffany-Kay Sangwand in the Center for Primary Research and Training (CFPRT), with assistance from Kelley Wolfe
Bachli, Winter 2008.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], Sumitomo Bank of California photographs (Collection 2010). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles
E. Young Research Library.
UCLA Catalog Record ID
History
In 1953, the Sumitomo Bank of California was founded in Los Angeles and provided financial assistance to emerging Japanese
businessmen. In 1955, it opened another branch in Sacramento. By 1976, it operated twenty-three branches in California and
was headquartered in San Francisco. In 1976, it hosted a photograph exhibit entitled "The Japanese American Contribution"
which celebrated the bicentennial of Japanese immigration to the U.S.
Scope and Content
The photographs from the Sumitomo Bank of California exhibit, "The Japanese American Contribution," document the accomplishments
and daily life of the Japanese in the U.S., from early immigrants to contemporary figures. The photographs are in black and
white and the originals from which they were produced range in date from 1887 to 1976. The original photographs were lent
for reproduction by various contributors in California. The reproductions were enlarged and mounted on boards. The scope
and content note for each photograph was taken directly from the exhibit's photo captions.
All of the photographs depict Japanese American life on the west coast; all the photographs were taken in California, with
the exception of two photographs from Washington state and Hawaii. Photographs of accomplishments include the first Japanese-owned
nursery in California, Issei (first generation Japanese) who served in World War I, Ken Nakazawa, the first Japanese professor
at USC, Chiura Obata, the first Japanese art professor at UC Berkeley, actor / movie star Sessue Hayakawa, the founders of
the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), architect Minoru Yamasaki, Olympic coach Yoshihiro Uchida, Olympic athlete Makoto
Sakamoto, Olympic medalist Tommy Kono, President Gerald Ford signing the termination of Executive Order 9066. Photographs
of daily life include Gizaemon Akahoshi, a Japanese laundryman, Japanese railroad workers, fishermen, farmers, and students,
Los Angeles Little Tokyo in the early 1900s, Nihonmachi (Little Tokyo) in San Francisco during the 1930s, an early group of
newly naturalized Isseis, the Sumitomo Bank of California branches in Los Angeles and Sacramento, Nisei Week festival in Los
Angeles, Cherry Blossom festival in San Francisco, and the Manzanar internment camp.
Organization and Arrangement
The photographs are separated by size and arranged by chronological order within each box.
Indexing Terms
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.
Subjects
Sumitomo Bank of California --Archives.
Japanese American Research Project (University of California, Los Angeles).
Genres and Forms of Material
Photographs.
Related Material
Box 765, Folder 1
1910: Japanese railroad workers in Washington state
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Much has been written about the Chinese contribution to the building of the
American railroads in the West. Little known is that their Japanese American counterparts played
a significant role, as well, providing their brawn and sweat such as did this group of workers in
Washington State. Photo contributor: Visual Communications, Los Angeles, California
Box 765, Folder 2
Left image, 1910: Gennosuke Kodani, co-founder of Point Lobos Canning Company
among barrels and abalone; Right image, 1910: Gennosuke Kodani, co-founder of Point Lobos
Canning Company with crates of abalone
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
The Japanese method of catching and drying abalone was introduced into
California by Gennosuke Kodani, shown here in 1910 photos at Point Lobos, Carmel. Together
with A.M. Allen, Kodani founded the Point Lobos Canning Company in 1898, and its delicious
'deep sea shell fish" was widely marketed. Photo contributor: Mr. S. Kodani, Carmel, California
Box 765, Folder 3
1915: One room elementary school with Japanese students in Clarksburg, Yolo County,
California
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Education was and still remains an important ingredient in the citizenship of
Japanese Americans and their offspring. This 1915 photo depicts a one-room elementary school in
Clarksburg, Yolo County, where numerous Japanese youth began their educational pursuit to learn
about America. Photo contributor: Mr. M. Arikawa, San Francisco, California
Box 765, Folder 4
1918: Issei farmers harvesting sugar beets with their six mule team
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
The early Issei pioneers worked hard and long hours in their fields, just as their
parents had done before them in Japan. In this 1918 photo taken in Artesia, California, Toshiro
Kokawa (left, leaning on mule) and his family crew are harvesting sugar beets - with the help of a
six-mule team. Photo contributor: Ms. K. Makihara, San Jose, California
Box 765, Folder 5
Undated: George Shima (born Kinji Ushijima), "The Potato King," with vast potato
crop
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Working with the land came naturally to the Japanese. George Shima (born
Kinji Ushijima) came to California about 1888 and in due course became known as "The Potato
King" for his vast production of potatoes and other crops in the delta region around Stockton. He
died in 1926 at the age of 63. Photo contributor: Mr. N. Shirai, Sacramento, California
Box 765, Folder 6
Top inset photo, undated: Keisaburo Koda, founder of Koda Noen Company, a large rice
producer in California; Bottom photo, undated: Koda Noen Company farm
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Large-scale rice growing was introduced into California by the Japanese
immigrants. Originally established in 1918 in Sacramento, the Koda Noen Company (now located
in Dos Palos) is the largest rice producer in the State [1976]. Keisaburo Koda (shown in inset
standing at left) is gone, but his descendants still know how to raise and market rice for American
tables. Photo contributor: Mr. T Tsumori, San Francisco, California
Box 765, Folder 7
1929 April 5: Group of west coast Nisei who formed the Japanese American Citizens
League (JACL)
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
On April 5, 1929, a group of West Coast Nisei leaders gathered in San
Francisco to plan a national organization. Thus was born the Japanese American Citizens League
(JACL) - one of the foremost champions in the cause of civil rights.
Box 765, Folder 8
1935: Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
In 1894, Makoto Hagiwara - who arrived from Japan in 1886 - designed and
built the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. This 1935 photo shows the
charm and beauty of the magnificent landmark that still attracts thousands of residents and visitors
alike. Photo contributor: Mr. G. Hagiwara, San Francisco, California
Box 765, Folder 9
Undated: Group of naturalized Issei
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
When Congress passed the Walter-McCarran Immigration and Naturalization
Act of 1952, the dream of a lifetime came true for thousands of joyous Issei, who had been working
toward that goal for many years: full citizenship in their adopted land. Photo contributor: Mr. M.
Sasaki, Monterey Park, California
Box 765, Folder 10
Left image, 1969 June 7: Former Governor Reagan at the 100th anniversary of the
Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony, the first settlement of pioneer Japanese immigrants; Right
image: Grave site of Ito Okei, a 16-year-old girl who arrived with the first group of Japanese
immigrants
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Left image: Former Governor Reagan lent his presences at the 100th
anniversary (June 7, 1969) of the establishment of the Wakamatsu Tea and Silk Farm Colony near
Sacramento. This was the first settlement of pioneer Japanese immigrants. Photo contributor: Mr.
S. Nakatani, Sacramento, California; Right image: Ito Okei was 16 when she arrived with the
original immigrant group from Japan. A bright, perceptive girl, she succumbed to illness and died
at 19. Her gravesite still stands atop Gold Hill, Placer County.
Box 765, Folder 11
Undated: Yoshihiro (Yosh) Uchida, U.S. coach for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and
consultant to President's Commission on Olympic Sports, coaching the San Jose University Judo
Team
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Yoshihiro (Yosh) Uchida, shown at left, coaches the San Jose University Judo
Team that has won 15 consecutive national collegiate judo championships under his mentorship.
Uchid was the U.S. judo coach for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and serves as a consultant to the
President's Commission on Olympic Sports. Photo contributor: Mr. Y. Uchida, San Jose,
California
Box 765, Folder 12
Left image, undated: Minoru Yamasaki, architect of many distinguished buildings; Right
image, undated: Century Plaza Hotel (Los Angeles) designed by Minoru Yamasaki
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
The influence of distinguished Japanese American architect Minoru Yamasaki
is clearly visible across the U.S. Among his many design creations are the Reynolds Metal
Company headquarters in Detroit, the St. Louis Airport and the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles,
rated a masterpiece. Photo contributor: M. Yamasaki and Associates; Century Plaza Hotel
Box 765, Folder 13
Undated: Japanese fisherman
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Fish was a vital staple of the Japanese diet, so it is no wonder that many
Japanese who came to America were already experienced hands. In 1901, a dozen sardine
fishermen launched what was to become a thriving canning industry at Terminal Island, Los
Angeles. And Captain Shigematsu Ishikawa, skipper of "The White Rose," introduced the
"kinchaku" method of netting the elusive sardines. Photo contributor: Mr. T. Miyatake, Los
Angeles, California
Box 765, Folder 14
Left image, undated: Makoto Sakamoto, high school student who led the U.S. Men's
Gymnastic Squad to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics; Top right image: Tommy Kono who won Olympic
Gold medals in weightlifting in 1952 and 1956; Bottom right image: Some of Kono's
awards
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 3 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Left image: Outstanding athletes from the ranks of Japanese Americans have
made their contributions to the sports world. Makoto Sakamoto was only a high school student
when he led the U.S. Men's Gymnastic Squad to the 1964 Olympics. Photo contributor: Mrs. M.
Sakamoto, Los Angeles, California; Top right image: Tommy Kono, originally from San Jose, won
the Olympic weightlifting Gold medals for the U.S. in 1952 and 1956 and broke more than 26 world
records. (A few of his awards are shown at bottom right.) Photo contributor: Mr. S. Nakatani,
Sacramento, California
Box 765, Folder 15
Top photo, 1976: Delegation of Japanese American political and civic leaders look on
while President Gerald Form signs termination of Executive Order 9066; Bottom photo, undated:
Historical plaque at site of Manzanar internment camp
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top photo: President Gerald Ford last February [1976] terminated Executive
Order 9066, which provided the World War II basis for relocation camps, as a large delegation of
Japanese American political figures and civic leaders looked on (including Senator Inouye,
Congressmen Mineta and Matsunaga, and Congresswoman Patsy Takemoto Mink). Photo
contributor: Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), San Francisco, California; Bottom photo:
The historical landmark plaque at Manzanar, one of the 10 such camps. Photo contributor: Mr. E.
Uno, San Francisco, California
Box 873, Folder 1
Top image, 1898: First Japanese-owned nursery in California, established by the Domoto
Brothers in Oakland in 1887; Bottom image, 1915: Pico Street Nursery in Los Angeles
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: The Domoto Brothers established in 1887 the first Japanese-owned
nursery in California. Their flourishing enterprise in Oakland set the precedent for other Japanese
Americans to emulate in the floriculture industry in the State. Photo contributor: Mr. T Domoto,
Hayward, California; Bottom image: The Pico Street Nursery in Los Angeles, illustrative of the early
stores which provided Japanese immigrants with their vocation. Photo contributor: Mrs. Y.
Yoshida, Los Angeles, California
Box 873, Folder 2
Top image, ca. 1906: Gizaemon Akahoshi, Japanese laundry business owner with horse
and cart; Bottom image, 1911: Wholesale produce market produced by Japanese Americans on
San Pedro and 9th Streets, Los Angeles
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: Beset by difficulties stemming from cultural differences, Japanese
in America had to turn to their own initiative in order to make a living. In 1906, for example,
Gizaemon Akahoshi operated a laundry business in Santa Clara County - a lot of area to cover with
horse and wagon. Photo contributor: Mr. J.Y. Akahoshi, San Jose, California; Bottom image: To
fill the special needs of their growing community, Japanese Americans established the busy
wholesale produce market (shown in this 1911 photo) at San Pedro and 9th Streets, Los Angeles -
where even today, a major marketing center still exists. Photo contributor: Visual
Communications, Los Angeles, California
Box 873, Folder 3
1917: Unidentified Issei soldier who served in the U.S. Army during World War I
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
A little known fact in American history is that during World War I several
hundred Issei, although denied citizenship, served in the U.S. Army, such as this smartly-attired
trooper (unidentified) shown in front of an Army barrack in Hawaii. Photo contributor: Mr. S.
Yoshida, Gardena, California
Box 873, Folder 4
Top image, ca. early 1900s: Little Tokyo, corner of 1st and San Pedro Streets; Bottom
image, ca. mid-1930s: Post Street, Nihonmachi in San Francisco
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: Where the Japanese immigrants settled, their families and
businesses also took root by natural extension. In this early 1900s photo of Los Angeles' "Little
Tokyo," we look eastward along 1st Street from the corner of San Pedro - now the focal point for a
modern, bustling community. Photo contributor: County Museum, Los Angeles, California; Bottom
image: As it was with Los Angeles, so did the Japanese Americans settle into a distinctive nook
of San Francisco, depicted in this mid-1930s photo of Post Street, Nihonmachi, where still today
remnants of the colorful past can be found intermingled with contemporary living. Photo
contributor: Mr. E. Uno, San Francisco, California
Box 873, Folder 5
Top image, 1935: Chiura Obata, first Japanese professor of art at UC Berkeley; Bottom
image, undated: Ken Nakazawa, first Japanese professor appointed at a major U.S. university -
USC
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: In the field of education, Japanese Americans of many disciplines
have held positions of prominence. Professor Chiura Obata, the first Japanese professor of art at
University of California, Berkeley, is shown in this 1935 photo lecturing to a group of 4-H
youngsters. Photo contributor: Mrs. H. Obata, Berkeley, California; Bottom image: Professor Ken
Nakazawa (at left) was the first Japanese educator appointed to a major U.S. university - University
of Southern California, 1924. He taught Oriental Arts & Literature until retirement in 1941. Photo
contributor: Mrs. T. Nakazawa, Los Angeles, California
Box 873, Folder 6
Undated: Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard parades in San Francisco
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 1 photograph reproduction mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Their exploits were many; their "Go For Broke" valor unsurpassed. The
Japanese Americans who served during World War II in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and
100th Infantry Battalion received more than 5,900 medals and citations. Here, a Veterans of
Foreign Wars color guard parades in San Francisco. Photo contributor: Mr. M. Iwamoto, Oakland,
California
Box 873, Folder 7
Top image, 1955: Sumitomo Bank of California, Sacramento branch; Bottom image,
1953: Sumitomo Bank of California, first Los Angeles branch
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Important financial help for the emerging Japanese American businessman
was provided by The Sumitomo Bank of California, which operated its Sacramento branch in 1955
and its first in Los Angeles in 1953. The bank now operates 23 modern branches Statewide and is
heardquartered in San Francisco. Photo contributor: Sumitomo Bank Library, San Francisco,
California
Box 873, Folder 8
Top image, ca. 1965: Nobu McCarthy and Yuki Shimoda, actors in the East-West
Players in Los Angeles; Inset photo, undated: Sessue Hayakawa, Bottom photo, ca. 1930s: Group
of 8 girls women at a tribute event to Sessue Hayakawa
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 2 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: The East-West Players was formed in Los Angeles in 1965 to aid
aspiring Japanese American entertainers. Nobu McCarthy and Yuki Shimoda (seated) in a scene
from "Pineapple White." Photo contributor: East-West Players, Los Angeles, California; Inset
photo: Sessue Hayakawa. Photo contributor: County Museum?, Los Angeles, California; Bottom
photo: No American actor of Japanese ancestry has ever surpassed the star quality of Sessue
Hayakawa, whose long and distinguished career began in Hollywood's silent film era. This 1930s
photo was taken at a "tribute night" in Los Angeles. Photo contributor: County Museum, Los
Angeles, California
Box 873, Folder 9
Top image, undated: Early Nisei Week festival in Los Angeles; Bottom image, 1968:
First Cherry Blossom festival at Japan Town (Nihonmachi) in San Francisco
reproduced ca. 1976
Physical Description: 3 photograph reproductions mounted on board
Scope and Content Note
Top image: Appreciation of different cultures enhances mutual understanding
among peoples. Above, one of the earliest Nisei Week festivals in Los Angeles. Photo
contributor: Mr. T. Miyatake, Los Angeles, California; Bottom image: The introduction of the first
Cherry Blossom festival at Japan Town (Nihonmachi) in San Francisco. Photo contributor: Mr. S,
Onodera, San Francisco, California
