
Tanya Collings
This year marks Kitazawa Seed Company’s 105th year since its founding, making it one of the oldest established seed companies in the country. The company was founded by Gijiu Kitazawa in San Jose, CA in 1917. Sadly, Kitazawa Seed Company has not been in continuous operation for that entire time. The company was forced to shut its doors from 1942 to 1945

On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 creating internment camps and forcing the evacuation of Asian-Americans to those camps. The Kitazawa family was about to celebrate their seed company’s 25th anniversary in downtown San Jose, but on May 30, 1942, the business had to dump all their seed and other inventory and close the business. The Kitazawa family left their home with limited possessions, and they were directed to the Santa Anita (racetrack) Assembly Center. Later, the family was sent to Heart Mountain Internment Camp in Wyoming. They spent approximately a year in Heart Mountain Internment Camp. Eventually, the Kitazawa family was able to secure a sponsor that allowed them to leave camp to work as “domestic help” in Michigan.

The family returned to San Jose in 1945 and they began the rebuilding process. The seed business was resumed in the family home basement, but many of the Asian-American farmers and customers lost their farms and homes so the seed business was starting from scratch. Loyal customers plus hard work and resilience allowed Kitazawa Seed Company to slowly rebuild what had been lost during the war.
It is important to remember the impact this act had on people, families, and businesses, including Kitazawa Seed Company. We wish to thank and offer our respect to those who endured and were impacted by this dark mark in American History. May we always learn from our mistakes.
Our Recommended Picks
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
What a No-Till Michigan Market Farm Can Teach You About Growing Food
Written By Lara Wadsworth I drove 20 minutes out of the city, past the Grand Rapids airport, with airplanes flying overhead. My GPS instructs me to turn down a dirt road, and I slowly drive to the end of the lane. Passing homes and countless trees, I f...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-07-028 min read0July Planting Guide By Zone
Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is in full swing. July is here, and most of us are celebrating holidays, going camping, and (of course), tending to our gardens! Even though a lot is done in the spring for gardens, July is also brimming with potential....
Ashleigh Smith
2025-07-0211 min read0Grass to Garden: Transforming Your Outdoor Space With Raised Beds
Written By Lara Wadsworth Looking to turn your lawn into a productive, easy-to-manage garden? One of the best ways to convert grass, turf, or weeds into a flourishing garden space is by using raised garden beds. Whether you’re dreaming of fresh vegetab...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-246 min read1How to Protect Your Garden from Heat Stress: Summer Plant Care Tips
Written By Lara Wadsworth Summer is here, and the heat is turning up. As the sun becomes more intense and daytime temperatures routinely soar, some plants struggle to cope. Sunburn, sunscald, leaf scorch, and heat stress are common problems that plants...
Ashleigh Smith
2025-06-178 min read0