FUGETSU-DO, a short documentary

"We had to live the American Dream twice."
This short documentary integrates the history of Japanese American incarceration into an intimate portrait of a mochigashi store in downtown LA and the resilient Kito family, who have kept it running for 120 years.
The Fugetsu-Do sweet shop's story of survival runs through the heart of the Japanese American experience. The ingredients of the brightly-colored pieces of mochi-gashi that line the shop’s wood-paneled cases include so much more than rice flour and sweet bean paste. Mixed inside are stories of joy and pain, tradition and racism, legacy and loss. Survival is never easy; it’s complicated and messy, full of contradictions and surprises. In the three generations that the Kito Family has been running Fugetsu-Do, the store has become a memory bank for the community and the stories that line its walls could not be more relevant in today's America.
Directed & Produced by: Kaia Rose
Featuring: Brian Kito
Editor: Kaia Rose
Cinematographer: Eric Mann
Colorist: Michele Zarbafian
Sound Designer / Mixer: Jasmin Klinger
Compositor: Dominic Pitt
With thanks to: the Kito family, Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, Japanese American National Museum, Densho Digital Repository, Unreel Films, & Craft Film Society
#mochi #manju #japaneseamerican #shortdocumentary

[@ruyistudio]

This store is part of my life also as an Asian born American immigrant. We love the pastry and thank you for keeping it going. ❤

[@dtan-215]

This place is a gem. Thank you for keeping the tradition.

[@idee7896]

Thank you for highlighting a store owner who honors tradition

[@wildbell]

The internet in its blessed and mysterious algorythmic ways put a link to this wonderful documentary in front of me today. I'd only been once to Fugetsu-do, all the way back during the summer of 1984 (and then because I'd lucked into getting the parking space directly in front of the shop). I can't tell you the number of times since that I'd made mental notes to return, but life has a way of erasing mental notes and in all this time I had never been back. I'm so glad it's still here and I'm going to correct that near 40-year fail this weekend.

[@davidsobel3303]

I was just down there this Summer and left with a box of many treats! The mochi was so soft and lovely, best I've had outside of Japan.

[@emi-sings]

I love this story! I think this is the same store I went to as a child. Thank you for this wonderful documentary❤️

[@teresaokeeffe4097]

I love this sweet shop and glad to know it’s history. Thank you!

[@franfriel2]

Excellent film. Thank you to the Kito family and the filmmakers for this important glimpse into history. The Japanese and Japanese-American cultures have so much strength. The making of sweets in the face of so much adversity is symbolic and indicative of these cultures in so many ways. I hope young Korey succeeds with equal grace, creativity and strength.

[@tinjadog]

Now I have a reason to go to LA. 🤗

[@LateNightswithRob]

Went to the store this afternoon. Saw the poster for this short film and wow. So glad to had the opportunity to visit

[@lucilletorres5989]

I’m sooooo glad I came across this. I’m at a loss for words for how profoundly this documentary affected me.

[@marcymasumoto4425]

What a beautiful film and tribute to the Kito family! As fourth generation Japanese American farmers (we're in Del Rey - outside of Fresno, CA), we can relate to the meaning of continuing the family tradition and the spirits that guide us. Every time we visit LA, we stop at Fugetsu-Do and bring home some of your wonderful treats to share with family and friends. In gratitude to all generations and best wishes to the next generation... the Masumotos will be supporting you all the way!

[@kaiarose]

Thank you Marcy! So wonderful to hear :)

[@nancylew7826]

This documentary was fabulous - I’m now in my 80’s & vividly remembering going to J-Town to get the mochi - it was the highlight of our trip to go Nihonjinmachi to buy the Mochis - family of 5 girls & we got to choose our favorites ... Love this video - bringjng the BEST MEMORIES! Keep on going Brian ! ❤️

[@DiscoveringJacklyn]

Wow, this was so beautiful.

[@cassieescobar8083]

That was wonderfully made and I hope your shop continues forever! If we ever get down to Los Angeles, we'll be there! Thank you and your family for carrying on this sweet tradition!

[@donneone]

I had no idea that this man's Japanese family's ancester was the originator of the fortune cookie. All along I thought it was a Chinese invention created in America.

[@icevin]

Incredibly well put together and an incredible story!

[@chosengirl2000]

They have aided in my mochi monday addiction. Currently, my favorite is a piece of their peanut butter mochi on top of a piece of their chocolate mochi. I could never work there because all my money would go right back.

[@margieyukimio5997]

Beautiful story of history, tenacity, and legacy. Very grateful.

[@praying4cali872]

Thank you for the video! Fugetsudo has the best confectionery but also Brian is a truly #1 guy. My aunt sent the vid and can’t wait to show my mom today as everyone knew Brian’s dad, too. A true family business who loves the community and puts love into their desserts! This video made my day!

[@kaiarose]

Thanks so much! Brian truly is a #1 guy, really happy to hear you're sharing the film with your family :)

[@marcomarinozzi2020]

...nice doc ...good job Kaia !!!😉

[@aileeneto1399]

Brings back fond, happy memories. Fugetsudo has such a long history and glad throughout all these many years, their business continues on. Brian Kito and now his son continuing on to make delicious mochigashi, which I love since a childhood, is great!

[@kaiarose]

I love this - thanks for sharing Aileen!

[@TravisZane]

This is gorgeous! So fond of the family and of the traditions, culture, and love behind the shop

[@xyeze6327]

Beautiful. And now I am craving mochi and tea.

[@kaiarose]

It has that effect! I still crave mochi whenever I watch it, and I've seen it quite a few times at this point! So glad you liked it :)

[@Tomgoestravelling]

What a special story; beautifully told.

[@kaiarose]

Thank you Tom!

[@fujidesign]

Kaia, wonderful video. It's amazing how much content you were able to fit into a 12 minute video.

[@kaiarose]

Wow, thank you so much!

[@illbayy]

Thank you for this.

[@MissHoneyBadger]

Wow this was do beautiful. I'm definitely visiting this place.

[@kaiarose]

Thanks so much! I hope you can visit Fugetsu-Do soon!

[@herstudio2489]

This is INCREDIBLE!

[@kaiarose]

Wow - thank you!

[@yamallie13]

Such a wonderful story- appreciated the history & insightful perspective shared

[@kaiarose]

Thank you - that means a lot!

[@TheAntibozo]

Very moving, and beautifully made. Thank you.

[@kaiarose]

So glad you liked it, thank you for watching!

[@lorenatong6930]

Beautifully done!

[@kaiarose]

Thank you so much Lorena!

[@cherriberri7161]

Can we purchase these incredible delicacies online?

[@pickyour]

Wait, is it still open?

[@annetorige9383]

I've received goodies from this shop. so ono (delicious ) Mahalo