The Rafu Shimpo: A Century of Japanese American Journalism

For over 120 years, The Rafu Shimpo has served as the primary voice and historical record for the Japanese American community. As a bilingual Japanese-English language newspaper based in Los Angeles, California, it provides essential coverage that bridges cultural gaps and documents the evolving experience of the Nikkei community in the United States.

A Legacy of Community Documentation

Established in 1903, The Rafu Shimpo is one of the oldest and most influential Japanese American publications in the nation. Its longevity is a testament to its role as a community pillar, surviving through decades of social and political change to remain a trusted source of news and culture.

The publication operates as a bilingual entity, ensuring that information is accessible to both Issei (first-generation) immigrants and subsequent generations of Japanese Americans. This dual-language approach allows the newspaper to preserve the Japanese language whereas integrating the community into the broader American landscape.

Comprehensive Coverage and Community Focus

The Rafu Shimpo provides a wide array of coverage ranging from local cultural events to high-stakes legal and political battles. Its reporting typically focuses on several key areas:

Cultural Preservation and Arts

The newspaper highlights the vibrancy of Little Tokyo and the broader Los Angeles area. Recent coverage includes the “No-Cut” Obi Workshop, celebrations of cuisine and community in Little Tokyo, and the impact of productions like the “Flower Drum Song.”

Civil Rights and Social Justice

The publication remains a critical watchdog for the AAPI community. It reports on significant issues such as:

• Legal Challenges: Tracking Supreme Court arguments regarding birthright citizenship executive orders.
• Hate Crime Reporting: Covering State Attorney General hate crime reports and vigils commemorating victims of hate, such as Vincent Chin.
• Advocacy: Reporting on MANAA’s demands for apologies regarding offensive content and events like the AAPI Day Against Bullying and Hate at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).

Community Milestones

From announcing the “Women of the Year” through the JACL and JWSSC to documenting the lives of community members in its extensive obituaries section, the newspaper serves as a living archive of the Japanese American experience.

Organizational Leadership and Operations

The Rafu Shimpo is led by Publisher Michael Komai and supported by an experienced editorial and administrative team. The organization maintains a physical presence in Southern California to stay connected to its readership.

Contact and Office Information

The newspaper’s operations are headquartered at:

Address: 1300 West Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640
Phone: (213) 629-2231
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 am – 5 pm

Key Takeaways

• Founded: 1903 in Los Angeles, California.
• Format: Bilingual (Japanese and English).
• Core Mission: Serving as the leading Japanese American newspaper in the U.S.
• Key Focus Areas: Little Tokyo culture, AAPI civil rights, and community milestones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Rafu Shimpo located?

The office is located at 1300 West Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640.

Who is the current publisher?

The current publisher is Michael Komai.

What languages does the newspaper publish in?

The Rafu Shimpo is a bilingual publication, providing content in both Japanese and English.

As the Japanese American community continues to evolve, The Rafu Shimpo remains an indispensable resource, blending traditional journalism with a deep commitment to cultural identity and social justice.