Published June 30, 2025

It was easy to see the flames and think of only devastation. However, the Pasadena and Altadena Japanese and Japanese American communities banded together and showed the strength of a community when tragedy strikes.

It All Started with a Call

Almost immediately after the fires started, June, from Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute (PJCI), received a call from community activist, Mike Okamura, to discuss updates and ways to help. Following a long discussion, they decided to immediately provide meals to those affected by the fires. June then called Dorothy, from First Presbyterian Church Altadena (FPCA), and Shelley, from Pasadena Buddhist Temple (PBT), to join forces and start a meal program. 

Both FPCA and PBT were in the evacuation area and not initially accessible. However, PJCI was outside the red zone, so operations for the meal program started there, which eventually grew to include a donation center.

Little Tokyo Strong

Several local restaurants and organizations, such as the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), Yama Seafood, Azay, and Far Bar, opened up their kitchens and/or donated meals. The community as a whole also donated food, water, clothes, and other items, many of which were available at the Pasadena-area organizations.

June, Shelley, and Dorothy organized a list of people who were displaced and contacted them about the meal program and donated items. 

“At the beginning, [one of the fire victims] was sobbing when he received the meals and some donated goods because he was not only in mourning, but also so grateful to have this kind of support. It made you realize that this was needed for those who lost everything,” Dorothy said.

Supporting the Future

Initially, the Pasadena and Altadena organizations planned to keep the meal program going until March 2025. However, five months after the fire, many residents were still displaced and living with their loved ones or moving from one hotel to another. Many older adults are wondering if they should rebuild their homes, which could take years, or sell the land and move elsewhere. Others have been reluctant to accept assistance, noting that there are people with greater need. Additionally, as older adults have moved in with their relatives, those family members have taken on caregiving responsibilities, often sooner than anticipated.

Since the fires began in January, Keiro had conversations with the Pasadena and Altadena organizations and Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) on ways to support impacted older adults and their families. After ongoing discussion, Keiro established a Disaster Recovery Fund supporting:

• FPCA, PBT, and Pasadena Nikkei Seniors (PNS) as they collaborate to provide meals, activities, educational workshops, and other opportunities to connect for older adults and their loved ones affected by the wildfires.
• LTSC to provide mental health counseling, case management, and other client assistance to those impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles County.

At the end of May 2025, FPCA, PBT, and PNS co-hosted a luncheon at PJCI, supported in part by the Disaster Recovery Fund. The event featured The Grateful Crane Ensemble and brought together the local community. “The community wanted to do something so people would come together and not worry about the fires. It is for people to have a meal together and listen to great music,” Shelley explained.

Although the recovery period will be long and ongoing, one thing is for certain: the Japanese and Japanese American community is resilient and will look out for one another in times of need.