Dr. James Kurata & Dr. Jennifer Chin
Optometrists at Kurata Eyecare Center
(213) 617-2020
200 South San Pedro Street, Suite B, Los Angeles
   
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Jim Kurata’s father only remembers one doctor in his Gardena neighborhood—Dr. Tashiro, who lived next door to Jim’s grandparents. Jim’s grandmother told his father, “We need more doctors. You need to become a doctor.” It follows that Jim’s father went to medical school and then joined the army. He was one of the first group of doctors to go into Nagasaki after it was bombed.
It comes as no surprise that Jim’s father raised three boys who all went into healthcare. As a child, Jim fondly remembers his father showing him how to check someone’s pulse, listen to a heartbeat, and perform an injection. Jim and his brothers would do minor “surgeries” on the kitchen table when they got hurt. Years later, they opened East West Eye Institute, an ophthalmology practice, and Kurata Eyecare Center, an optometry practice.
Jim, like his father, enjoys teaching. This is how he met Jennifer Chin. He mentored and supported her as she transitioned from advertising to optometry. Read on to learn more about Jim Kurata, an optometrist in service to the community that gave him a home, and Jennifer Chin, his student who is determined to continue his legacy.
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How did you get your start in Little Tokyo?
Jim Kurata: I'm an optometrist here in Little Tokyo. I have been in Little Tokyo for as long as I can remember. I set up my practice in April of 1985, the same month and year I was married. We're an optometry practice—we practice primary care optometry, which means we take into consideration not just the eyes but the whole body and health of a person. That’s something unique about our practice. We also speak Japanese. Our primary goal is to serve this community.
Jennifer Chin: I'm an associate optometrist at Kurata Eye Care. I'm half Japanese—my mom is Japanese. I'm from the San Gabriel Valley but was always visiting Little Tokyo as a kid. I’ve been working for Dr. Kurata as a doctor a little over seven years, but I started off as an optician technician in 2004. So, I've actually known him for close to 15 years. After I realized I didn’t want to work in advertising, I began working with Dr. Kurata to get a feel for optometry work. He encouraged me to go to optometry school, and as soon as I finished, I was welcomed back with open arms. Dr. Kurata loves to teach and encourage. We probably have had over a dozen people that worked here at one time or another who became licensed optometrists.
What is your most memorable experience in
Little Tokyo?
JK: It is probably Nisei week. As an Asian American growing up in the sixties, I was really trying to find myself. Becoming a part of the vibrant Japanese American community in Little Tokyo allowed me to meet people who thought the way I did. Without this community, I would have been lost. I was born in the US, but my parents moved to Japan for four years because my father was in the military. When we came back to the US, I only spoke Japanese and felt unaccustomed to Western culture. In Little Tokyo, I found others like me. Nisei week was a big deal because Japanese and Japanese American culture and community were on display, and it made me feel like a part of something.
JC: I would say Nisei Week too but also the Obon Festival and just summertime in Little Tokyo. I remember coming to all the festivals as a kid and wanting to be one of the Nisei Week queens. I now get to bring my daughter. I love knowing that at these festivals, particularly Nisei Week, I’ll see old friends. After World War II and camp, everyone dispersed. Nisei Week was a homecoming where people would come back to Little Tokyo and rekindle relationships they had formed during a very difficult time.
If I had one hour to do something in Little Tokyo,
what would you recommend?
JK: I would recommend the Japanese American National Museum. You could easily spend an hour over there looking at not just the current exhibits but also the archives. For food, I’d recommend my favorite restaurant, Sushi Gen.
JC: I would just spend an hour at Sushi Gen. Nothing ever changes there. The menu, the staff, everything is the exact same. It's nice that it does so well and has thrived in this changing environment. And of course, the food is so, so good—basic quality sushi, none of those fancy rolls.
What makes Little Tokyo different from other
neighborhoods?
JK: For me, this neighborhood is different because it is home. It’s a place that I feel connected to.
JC: I think there's a lot here for every generation to enjoy – toddlers, kids, young adults, obachans—they all love the area. Kids like anime. Younger adults come for food and newer shops. There’s a strong senior community. As opposed to some neighborhoods that seem to cater to certain demographics, this place is for everybody.
What do you hope for the future of Little Tokyo?
JK: I'm looking at my legacy right here. [Looks at Jennifer.] She’s my pride and joy. I have no kids. So, this practice is my legacy. The people here are my legacy.
JC: That’s a lot of pressure. I just hope to continue to thrive at this business as best as he did it. That's it.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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