Within the next few weeks, the offices of The Rafu Shimpowill have a new home. The Rafu’s new address will be 1300 W. Beverly Blvd. in Montebello.
The move represents the first time in its 122-year history that the Rafu Shimpo’s headquarters will be outside of Little Tokyo or Downtown. Unfortunately, the paper is not immune to the pressures that have been faced by legacy Japanese American businesses trying to survive in Little Tokyo.
“When The Rafu Shimpoopened in1903, times were different. Japanese American individuals and businesses thrived in the Los Angeles area,” explained Rafu publisher Michael Komai. “However, rent in Little Tokyo has been rising steadily since the 2008 financial crisis, and gentrification has priced out many Japanese American individuals and businesses. This has been so substantial that Little Tokyo was listed as one of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historical Places in 2024.”
Komai said that the cost of renting an office in Little Tokyo is not sustainable for the business. Additionally, he stated that since COVID-19, the majority of theRafu’s newsroom staff has been working remotely, “a major factor in the paper not needing such a large and costly office location.”
“We are excited to begin a new chapter in Montebello”, said the publisher. “The Montebello location, at the corner of Beverly and Taylor Avenue, will be far more convenient for visitors and staff alike, with far less traffic than Downtown and ample free parking space.”
Komai emphasizes that despite the Rafu’schange in location, coverage of the Japanese American community will not change. “For three generations, through two world wars, incarceration of Japanese Americans and two global pandemics, the Komai family and our staff have been dedicated to informing and representing the community. That mission will continue unabated,” he said.
The operations and publishing schedule will continue uninterrupted, and Komai reiterated his gratitude for the continued support from readers and the greater community.