Little Tokyo
In his article (Sept. 4), “Old Temple, Church Symbolize Efforts to Preserve Little Tokyo,” David Holley did a great job of telling about efforts being made to save the block of buildings along 1st Street between San Pedro and Central. His many short interviews of the people who have small stores along 1st Street gave the article special life.
To some, all the time and money needed to save the block may seem like a big waste, but given Holley’s article, I hope more people will realize how important saving that section of Little Tokyo is. As Calvin Hamilton, city planning director, said, the block is “very important psychologically and emotionally to the Japanese community.”
I agree with him. Little Tokyo has been a part of my life even before I could walk and talk. The south side of 1st Street has been modernized and many of the small shops have been torn down to make room for a hotel. Little Tokyo just wouldn’t be the same if all of the old buildings were torn down. Many Japanese people will agree that without that section of Little Tokyo, many memories will be lost and future generations will not be able to see how things were.
KAY KURAMOTO
Los Angeles
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