The Japan House, a cornerstone of Deerfield Plaza at 752 West Garvey Avenue in Monterey Park, has offered a unique selection of gifts and greetings for over four decades. Established in 1978, the store reflects a love for Japanese culture, the immigrant experience, and the heart of the community.

George and Kumiko who had immigrated from Kobe, Japan just a few years before opening The Japan House, opened the shop during a time of transformation for Monterey Park. Back then, the corner of Atlantic and Garvey was still under development, with a bowling alley and a vinyl record shop keeping company with their new venture.

The owners’ daughter, Kaoru, then a young girl around 11 years old, vividly recalls the family effort that went into building the store. “We built it together,” she says, “pounding nails, laying tiles – the shelves my Dad put up are still there!” With no electricity in the plaza yet, resourcefulness prevailed. “We’d work late by the high beams of Dad’s old Vega station wagon,” Kaoru recalls.

What began as a Hallmark Cards shop soon became a Japanese-themed store offering greeting cards alongside carefully curated Japanese gift items – tea sets, rice bowls, chopsticks, and more. This unique concept flourished, becoming a cherished destination for those seeking a touch of Japan in their celebrations.

Today, The Japan House carries on that tradition with beautiful cards and gifts for special occasions like Japanese Girls’ Day, Boys’ Day, and New Year. The store remains a family affair, keeping the doors open seven days a week.

Generations of customers have walked through those doors. “People tell us they came here with their parents as kids,” says Kaoru. “Now they bring their children.”

The family’s pride in Monterey Park is profound. “This City embraced us,” says Kaoru, “when we were new to everything in America.” The store now attracts visitors from the local community, San Diego, Northern California, and beyond. Patrons often combine their visit to The Japan House with a meal at one of Monterey Park’s renowned Asian restaurants.

The Japan House is a testament to the family spirit and the enduring appeal of Japanese culture. It’s a reminder that a gift shop can be more than a place to shop – it can be a bridge between cultures and a cornerstone of a community. For more information on The Japan House, visit: www.the-japanhouse.com.