Beneath a California sky, nestled in the heart of Colma, lies the Japanese Cemetery. It’s a place where stories whisper from weathered stones. The Japanese Cemetery holds a unique place in the tapestry of California’s history. Established in 1901, it became a sanctuary for the Japanese community. San Francisco had outlawed new burials within city limits. The Jikei-kai Japanese Benevolent Society of California stepped in, purchasing land in Colma. This act of foresight created a lasting legacy. The Japanese Cemetery became the final resting place for many who had initially been interred in San Francisco cemeteries like Masonic and Laurel Hill.
The Japanese Cemetery isn’t just a collection of graves. It’s a testament to resilience, community, and cultural preservation. The cemetery embraces diverse faiths, welcoming Buddhist, Shinto, and Christian traditions. In 1903, a Jōdo Shinshū cleric, Rev. Nishijima Kakyuro, led the opening ceremony, marking a new chapter for the Japanese community in California. Even the Meiji-era Emperor of Japan recognized the cemetery’s importance, providing a grant in 1906 to support burials.
Some of the stories etched into the headstones are particularly compelling. Consider Kyutaro Abiko, a Japanese-born American businessman and founder of the Nichi Bei Times. His grave serves as a reminder of the vital role of journalism in bridging cultures. Or Ayao Hattori, a politician, pastor, and educator, sent to mend the frayed edges of anti-Japanese sentiment. His story speaks to the challenges faced by early Japanese immigrants. And then there’s George Shima, the first Japanese American millionaire. His success as a potato farmer reminds us of the opportunities found in a new land.
The Japanese Cemetery also holds the remains of three sailors from the Kanrin Maru warship. These sailors died during the first Japanese Embassy to the United States in 1860. Their journey, cut short so far from home, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by early explorers. Their initial burial in San Francisco’s Marine Hospital Cemetery, followed by a relocation to Laurel Hill, and finally to the Japanese Cemetery, mirrors the evolving landscape of the Japanese community in California. The Japanese Cemetery stands as a quiet sentinel, guarding the memories of generations. It is a place of reflection, a testament to a community’s enduring spirit.