An experiment in how a memory is remembered, of a floral shop once owned by Japanese Americans Frank and Sumi Kozawa in Silverlake, Los Angeles. With the style of 1920s LA architecture, the building and landscape of Tokio Florist was characteristic to its time, not only in design but also the Japanese American community, who have contributed significantly to the floricultural history of Southern California. While the shop closed in 2006 the home still remained, until very recently when it was transferred ownership after Sumi passed away.
This film was made prior to this chapter’s ending by request of Susie Kozawa, the daughter and sole proprietor, to document the space she grew up in—the spirited rooms, garden, fields, and halls of this extraordinary yet familiar flower market home.
Directed by Yuka Murakami
8 minutes