Nichi Bei Bussan, San Jose

Nichi Bei Bussan, a cornerstone of San Jose’s Japantown, is more than a shop-it’s a living legacy of Japanese-American history and resilience. Founded in 1902 by 21-year-old Shojiro Tatsuno in San Francisco, the original store catered to the Japanese immigrant community with American goods. After surviving the 1906 earthquake and relocating several times, the business was shuttered during World War II due to the forced internment of Japanese Americans, including the Tatsuno family, who were sent to Topaz, Utah.

Rebuilding after the war, Shojiro’s son, Dave Tatsuno, opened a second Nichi Bei Bussan store in 1948 at 140 Jackson Street in San Jose’s Japantown. For two decades, it operated under the name N.B. Department Stores, shifting in the 1970s to focus on traditional Japanese merchandise such as kimonos, tea sets, and handicrafts in response to changing shopping trends. In 1997, the original San Francisco store closed following the passing of Shojiro’s son Masateru, and the San Jose location reclaimed the original name-Nichi Bei Bussan.

Still family-owned and operated, the store has remained a cultural anchor for over 60 years in San Jose. Under the guidance of Arlene Damron, Dave’s eldest daughter, the store introduced vintage consignments and evolved into a hub for Japanese arts, crafts, and community history. Visitors can browse everything from kimonos and yukatas to origami paper, futons, martial arts gear, and mizuhiki supplies. You’ll also find symbolic items like maneki neko, daruma, and handcrafted gifts-all part of a thoughtfully curated, ever-changing inventory.

In 2015, the store’s role as a community landmark was further honored with a vibrant mural by internationally renowned artist Nosego, funded by the Knight Foundation. The mural now decorates the building’s exterior, echoing the store’s spirit of endurance and artistic expression.