Rooted in Resilience

The Unbreakable Spirit of Little Tokyo's Ancient Grapefruit Tree

For over 100 years, a gnarled grapefruit tree has been the heart of Little Tokyo, its twisted trunk bearing witness to the Japanese-American community's deepest sorrows and greatest triumphs. Planted by pioneering Issei families in the late 1800s, it stood strong through festivals, through displacement, through generations of children playing in its shade.

In 1978, when progress threatened to destroy this living memorial, the community refused to let their anchor be uprooted. The Southern California Gardeners' Federation fought fiercely to save it, ultimately succeeding in transplanting it to the JACCC Isamu Noguchi Plaza. There, it continued to bear its sweet golden fruit – a testament to survival against all odds.

Decades later, in 2019, the tree faced another challenge. This time, the community's response was immediate and overwhelming. Donations poured in from across the country, each contributor understanding that this wasn't just about saving a tree – it was about preserving a piece of their soul.

Today, as a new seedling grows beside the ancient tree, the fruit continues to nourish both body and spirit. Like the community it represents, the grapefruit tree stands resilient, its branches reaching skyward – a living reminder that our roots run deep, and our stories endure.

WE JACCC YOU

The efforts to preserve this precious 140-year-old grapefruit tree are made possible by the generous support of community members like you. Your contribution helps fund programs that protect cultural heritage and community treasures such as this.