The Fate of a Piece of California's Past: A Japanese American Farm in San Jose

In the heart of Silicon Valley, a piece of California's history is about to be erased. The Sakauye family farm, one of the last remaining Japanese-owned farms in the state, will soon be demolished to make way for a massive urban housing project. But this farm holds more than just memories - it represents a chapter in the state's agricultural history that was marked by struggle and resilience. The story of the Sakauye family is one of immigration, hard work, and perseverance. In 1907, Yuwakichi Sakauye purchased land on his family's farm, six years before California passed a law barring noncitizens from owning farmland. Despite this obstacle, the Sakauyes continued to cultivate their land, producing more than 40% of commercial vegetables and 70% of greenhouse flowers in the state. However, the tide turned against Japanese American farmers during World War II, when the government confiscated thousands of farms, homes, and businesses, costing them $4 billion in today's value. Eichii Sakauye, who was incarcerated at Heart Mountain, Wyoming, was fortunate enough to have a neighbor who cared for his farm during his time away. After his release, he returned to find that his family had kept their land intact. Today, the Sakauye family farm is still active, with another Japanese farming family leasing and operating a fruit stand on the land. But the future of this piece of history hangs in the balance. The City Council has agreed to save and move the farmhouse to History Park, an outdoor museum of restored historic landmarks, at an estimated cost of $500,000. However, some community organizers are pushing for a different approach - keeping the farm on-site and integrating it into the housing project as part of a commemorative park. The debate highlights a larger challenge in San Jose, where preservation efforts often conflict with addressing urgent housing needs. As one of the most expensive large cities in the country to rent or buy a home, the city is struggling to balance its priorities. But for those who value history and community, this issue goes beyond just numbers and statistics - it's about preserving a piece of the past that could shape the future.