Discover L.A.’s Hidden Gem: Why South Bay is the Ultimate Destination for Authentic Japanese Cuisine

On Western Avenue in Gardena, two gems, Sakura-Ya and Chikara Mochi, sit just a short walk apart. For decades, locals have enjoyed their delightful mochi and manju. These spots stand out as some of the few traditional Japanese mochi shops in Los Angeles, easily overlooked with their modest signs.

Nearby is Meiji Tofu Shop, which has been making fresh tofu and soy milk almost daily for 50 years. Across the street, you’ll find Otafuku, a family-run business serving classic Tokyo soba since 1997.

Gardena and Torrance showcase clusters of Japanese restaurants, serving as a base for the largest East Asian community in Los Angeles. These areas maintain a vibrant Japanese food scene, rich with tradition and hospitality. Daniel Son, owner of Sushi Sonagi in Gardena, mentions, “It’s like we’re stuck in the ’90s.” He describes how these establishments focus on quality over trendiness.

Japanese immigrants began arriving in Southern California in the late 1800s, many coming after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. They initially worked as strawberry farmers. While Little Tokyo has changed with tourism, the suburban area of Gardena has held on to its identity. Emily Anderson, a curator at the Japanese American National Museum, states, “In places like Torrance and Gardena, you see the development and preservation of Japanese American food, which carries history and a sense of belonging.”

When Toyota established its North American headquarters in Torrance in 1967, more Japanese people, and consequently food, followed. Many restaurants and Japanese supermarkets emerged, including chains like Mitsuwa Marketplace. By the time Toyota left for Texas in 2017, these businesses had become essential to the local culinary scene, welcoming residents from various backgrounds.

Kristen McIntyre, owner of Fukagawa in Gardena, expresses, “My goal is to preserve authentic Japanese cooking.” This sentiment echoes among many local restaurant owners, like Mieko Akutsu of Otafuku, who proudly maintains traditional flavors without catering to American tastes. For Akutsu, this means serving different types of soba, including the premium sarashina soba, a delicacy in Tokyo.

Restaurants like Sushi Sonagi, which opened in 2023, and the Michelin-starred Sushi Inaba, are putting Gardena on the culinary map. While some businesses have social media presences, many operate simply, without the need for flashy promotions.

Son reflects on his endeavor: “Opening Sushi Sonagi celebrates the diversity and rich Asian American culture here. It’s wonderful to highlight this L.A. secret.”

The food scene in Torrance and Gardena offers more than just sushi. These cities feature a wide range of Japanese cuisine, from Yoshoku that blends Japanese and Western dishes to cozy izakayas and yakitori spots. The area’s rich tapestry of flavors and stories invites exploration, making it a must-visit destination for anyone curious about authentic Japanese dining in Los Angeles.

For further insights on the impact of Japanese cuisine in American culture, you might explore resources like the Japanese American National Museum.

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