California Japantowns - Exploring the preservation of history, culture, and community...

Watsonville

From the early 1900s, Watsonville filled with over a thousand Japanese immigrants who thrived in the fields and orchards of Santa Cruz county. The close-knit community swelled with over 300 residential listings and 80 businesses and community organizations by 1941. With the closing of Yagi Bait & Tackle and Oda's Barber Shop in the early 2000s, the few remnants of pre-war businesses are gone. Yet a steadfast community core remained to celebrate the centennial of the Buddhist Church in 2006 and 75th Anniversary of the JACL in 2009.

Listings 

Rester Hotel

Main and W Lake Ave, Watsonville
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Rinverside School

Rt. 3, Box 385-A, Watsonville

Roache School

Rt. 3, Box 412, Watsonville

Star Grill

108 1/2 Main St, Watsonville

Sugiyama Grocery

115 Van Ness Ave, Watsonville
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Suyezaki Co.

217 Sudden St, Watsonville
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Tatsumi Ryoin

15 San Juan Road, Watsonville

Torigoye Co.

161 Main St, Watsonville
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Yagi Barber

16 Porter Drive, Watsonville
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Yagi Co.

16 Porter Drive, Watsonville
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