The internet in its blessed and mysterious algorythmic ways put a link to this wonderful documentary in front of me today. I'd only been once to Fugetsu-do, all the way back during the summer of 1984 (and then because I'd lucked into getting the parking space directly in front of the shop). I can't tell you the number of times since that I'd made mental notes to return, but life has a way of erasing mental notes and in all this time I had never been back. I'm so glad it's still here and I'm going to correct that near 40-year fail this weekend.
Excellent film. Thank you to the Kito family and the filmmakers for this important glimpse into history. The Japanese and Japanese-American cultures have so much strength. The making of sweets in the face of so much adversity is symbolic and indicative of these cultures in so many ways. I hope young Korey succeeds with equal grace, creativity and strength.
What a beautiful film and tribute to the Kito family! As fourth generation Japanese American farmers (we're in Del Rey - outside of Fresno, CA), we can relate to the meaning of continuing the family tradition and the spirits that guide us. Every time we visit LA, we stop at Fugetsu-Do and bring home some of your wonderful treats to share with family and friends. In gratitude to all generations and best wishes to the next generation... the Masumotos will be supporting you all the way!
@kaiarose, thank you for creating a heartfelt historical film on both Fugetsu-do and the interment camp experience of US citizens of Japanese descent during WWII.The USA unfortunately appears set to repeat that with US citizens of immigrant parents by attempting to send "whole families back". Best wishes on your film documentary career!!! 🙇♀️🙏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for your comments. It's so awful to see history set to repeat itself, I wish the lessons of the past didn't feel so relevant today. I hope that stories like this can build solidarity and help avoid such horrific discrimination and tragedies in the future.
This documentary was fabulous - I’m now in my 80’s & vividly remembering going to J-Town to get the mochi - it was the highlight of our trip to go Nihonjinmachi to buy the Mochis - family of 5 girls & we got to choose our favorites ... Love this video - bringjng the BEST MEMORIES! Keep on going Brian ! ❤️
That was wonderfully made and I hope your shop continues forever! If we ever get down to Los Angeles, we'll be there! Thank you and your family for carrying on this sweet tradition!
I love the store, the people who run it and of course the beautifully crafted and tasty manju and mochi, including the new Shohei Ohtani with blue mochi exterior and chocolate interior! I was even assisted by Korey himself -4th generation! May tradition continue. Stay safe with the current Los Angeles wild fires. 🙏🙇♀️💜
Ooh I haven't had the Shohei Ohtani yet! I'm so glad that you got to meet Korey and that you enjoyed the film. Keeping all Angelenos in our thoughts and hearts right now ❤
Brings back fond, happy memories. Fugetsudo has such a long history and glad throughout all these many years, their business continues on. Brian Kito and now his son continuing on to make delicious mochigashi, which I love since a childhood, is great!
They have aided in my mochi monday addiction. Currently, my favorite is a piece of their peanut butter mochi on top of a piece of their chocolate mochi. I could never work there because all my money would go right back.
Thank you for the video! Fugetsudo has the best confectionery but also Brian is a truly #1 guy. My aunt sent the vid and can’t wait to show my mom today as everyone knew Brian’s dad, too. A true family business who loves the community and puts love into their desserts! This video made my day!
I had no idea that this man's Japanese family's ancester was the originator of the fortune cookie. All along I thought it was a Chinese invention created in America.
This store is part of my life also as an Asian born American immigrant. We love the pastry and thank you for keeping it going. ❤
Thanks so much for sharing! 💙
I was just down there this Summer and left with a box of many treats! The mochi was so soft and lovely, best I've had outside of Japan.
This place is a gem. Thank you for keeping the tradition.
Thank you for highlighting a store owner who honors tradition
Absolutely my pleasure! This is such a special store and Brian has done so much for the community.
The internet in its blessed and mysterious algorythmic ways put a link to this wonderful documentary in front of me today. I'd only been once to Fugetsu-do, all the way back during the summer of 1984 (and then because I'd lucked into getting the parking space directly in front of the shop). I can't tell you the number of times since that I'd made mental notes to return, but life has a way of erasing mental notes and in all this time I had never been back. I'm so glad it's still here and I'm going to correct that near 40-year fail this weekend.
I love this sweet shop and glad to know it’s history. Thank you!
I love this story! I think this is the same store I went to as a child. Thank you for this wonderful documentary❤️
Now I have a reason to go to LA. 🤗
Went to the store this afternoon. Saw the poster for this short film and wow. So glad to had the opportunity to visit
Excellent film. Thank you to the Kito family and the filmmakers for this important glimpse into history. The Japanese and Japanese-American cultures have so much strength. The making of sweets in the face of so much adversity is symbolic and indicative of these cultures in so many ways. I hope young Korey succeeds with equal grace, creativity and strength.
What a beautiful film and tribute to the Kito family! As fourth generation Japanese American farmers (we're in Del Rey - outside of Fresno, CA), we can relate to the meaning of continuing the family tradition and the spirits that guide us. Every time we visit LA, we stop at Fugetsu-Do and bring home some of your wonderful treats to share with family and friends. In gratitude to all generations and best wishes to the next generation... the Masumotos will be supporting you all the way!
Thank you Marcy! So wonderful to hear :)
@kaiarose, thank you for creating a heartfelt historical film on both Fugetsu-do and the interment camp experience of US citizens of Japanese descent during WWII.The USA unfortunately appears set to repeat that with US citizens of immigrant parents by attempting to send "whole families back". Best wishes on your film documentary career!!!
🙇♀️🙏👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks for your comments. It's so awful to see history set to repeat itself, I wish the lessons of the past didn't feel so relevant today. I hope that stories like this can build solidarity and help avoid such horrific discrimination and tragedies in the future.
...nice doc ...good job Kaia !!!😉
Incredibly well put together and an incredible story!
This documentary was fabulous - I’m now in my 80’s & vividly remembering going to J-Town to get the mochi - it was the highlight of our trip to go Nihonjinmachi to buy the Mochis - family of 5 girls & we got to choose our favorites ...
Love this video - bringjng the BEST MEMORIES! Keep on going Brian ! ❤️
I’m sooooo glad I came across this.
I’m at a loss for words for how profoundly this documentary affected me.
I'm so glad you found the film too! Thank you for sharing, it's very moving to hear how the film impacts people.
That was wonderfully made and I hope your shop continues forever! If we ever get down to Los Angeles, we'll be there! Thank you and your family for carrying on this sweet tradition!
What a special story; beautifully told.
Thank you Tom!
I love the store, the people who run it and of course the beautifully crafted and tasty manju and mochi, including the new Shohei Ohtani with blue mochi exterior and chocolate interior! I was even assisted by Korey himself -4th generation! May tradition continue. Stay safe with the current Los Angeles wild fires. 🙏🙇♀️💜
Ooh I haven't had the Shohei Ohtani yet! I'm so glad that you got to meet Korey and that you enjoyed the film. Keeping all Angelenos in our thoughts and hearts right now ❤
Brings back fond, happy memories. Fugetsudo has such a long history and glad throughout all these many years, their business continues on. Brian Kito and now his son continuing on to make delicious mochigashi, which I love since a childhood, is great!
I love this - thanks for sharing Aileen!
This is INCREDIBLE!
Wow - thank you!
Beautiful story of history, tenacity, and legacy. Very grateful.
Beautiful. And now I am craving mochi and tea.
It has that effect! I still crave mochi whenever I watch it, and I've seen it quite a few times at this point! So glad you liked it :)
Wow, this was so beautiful.
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm glad the film, and by extension the store, is still reaching new audiences
They have aided in my mochi monday addiction. Currently, my favorite is a piece of their peanut butter mochi on top of a piece of their chocolate mochi. I could never work there because all my money would go right back.
Wow this was do beautiful. I'm definitely visiting this place.
Thanks so much! I hope you can visit Fugetsu-Do soon!
Thank you for this.
Thank you for the video! Fugetsudo has the best confectionery but also Brian is a truly #1 guy. My aunt sent the vid and can’t wait to show my mom today as everyone knew Brian’s dad, too. A true family business who loves the community and puts love into their desserts! This video made my day!
Thanks so much! Brian truly is a #1 guy, really happy to hear you're sharing the film with your family :)
I had no idea that this man's Japanese family's ancester was the originator of the fortune cookie. All along I thought it was a Chinese invention created in America.
This is gorgeous! So fond of the family and of the traditions, culture, and love behind the shop
Such a wonderful story- appreciated the history & insightful perspective shared
Thank you - that means a lot!
Kaia, wonderful video. It's amazing how much content you were able to fit into a 12 minute video.
Wow, thank you so much!
Beautifully done!
Thank you so much Lorena!
Very moving, and beautifully made. Thank you.
So glad you liked it, thank you for watching!
Can we purchase these incredible delicacies online?
You can! If you go on Fugetsu-Do's website, you're able to order their delicacies from Japansuper: www.fugetsu-do.com/buymochi.html
Wait, is it still open?
It is, still going strong!
@kaiarose omg thank you thats amazing to hear!!
I've received goodies from this shop. so ono (delicious ) Mahalo