LA’s Oldest Japanese Restaurant: Keeping the Legacy Alive

This Japanese restaurant in LA has been in business for 66 years without advertising.
Otomisan, owned by Yayoi Watanabe, claims to be the last Japanese restaurant in the Los Angeles Boyle Heights area. Some locals don't even know it exists. Still, those who do, flock there for the tempura, udon, oyakodon bowls, and karaage. VICE met up with Watanabe and learned how she went from being a dry-cleaner owner to the face of one of the area's most beloved word-of-mouth restaurants in LA.
Subscribe to MUNCHIES here: bit.ly/Subscribe-to-MUNCHIES
All MUNCHIES videos release a full week early on our site: video.vice.com/en_us/channel/...
Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.
www.vice.com/en_us/page/sign-...
Check out munchies.tv for more!
Follow MUNCHIES here:
TikTok: / munchies
Facebook: / munchies
Instagram: / munchies
Twitter: / munchies
Pinterest: / munchies
More videos from the VICE network: www. vicevideo

[@metalmilitia1890]

I'm so damn proud of Otomisan and Mrs. Watanabe for making it on here and keeping Otomisan open for this long. I still go there to this day and live so near to them. Warms my heart

[@surfhappens202]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ Naw. I am good protestant.

[@clarafernandez3174]

We're is it ?

[@metalmilitia1890]

@@clarafernandez3174 1st and mathews st in boyle heights

[@oldfrend]

i bet there's a long wait to get inside huh?

[@leonardoconti8875]

I'm curious about the prices, is it affordable? I assume yes

[@johnreinburg859]

There is a lot of love in this restaurant in the way she prepares the food.

[@theotheleo6830]

@Repent and believe in Jesus Christ "If the time should come when you have to make a choice between what is right and what is easy, remember what happened to a boy who was good, and kind, and brave, because he strayed across the path of Lord Voldemort," Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

[@nakamiyonemura2001]

Mother style cooking

[@enriquemagdaleno7885]

I was born and still live in Boyle Heights. Otomisan is like a Time Capsule of a different era, and to me that’s a good thing. The owner is so graceful in everything she does. The food hits the spot every time. It’s all just so perfect. I will be a patron here as long as Otomisan stays open.

[@MrBjorn6]

Must be really good food!

[@nancylew7826]

Nance L☔️ lived in Boyle Hgts in 50’s I will visit soon - food is great !

[@ZeeRR717]

I usually come here for a quick lunch, and Mrs. Watanabe is super sweet. She always has my plate ready in advance and that's always a plus! I can't believe she is on here! Wooo!

[@skywobleross5203]

Is it in the ghetto area???

[@henrylam92]

@@skywobleross5203 define ghetto area? It’s in Boyle heights, usually lots of foot traffic around during the day time until sun sets

[@arturocruz2477]

Address?

[@brayanb91746]

Hi Z

[@Conky-or8ic]

@Skywoble Ross Yeah.. No punk bitches allowed, please. Keep your kind AWAY from Boyle Heights. Trust me. Your kind are NOT welcomed on the Eastside.

[@VirgoJQ]

She blends so well into the community. Love the loteria apron touch as well.

[@fonsavan]

Let's all protect Yayoi Watanabe and her restaurant at all cost! Can't wait to come support when i'm in LA.

[@santiagoperez5431]

Just a heads up all the parking meters in the immediate area are one hour only

[@jackywhite9756]

Careful how you support, you don't want her to serve 1 hour line ups. She barely has time to rest

[@Vaeltis]

@@jackywhite9756 agreed, best way to support without incurring more work for her is tip her well!

[@castorchange9737]

Spread the support to all small businesses who does good quality work anywhere in the world.

[@Petlover10000]

@@santiagoperez5431 Is the neighborhood safe around there? I heard there is a lot of car break in when you park on the street. I will visit LA in March, and really want to go there for lunch.

[@julybear8019]

I grew up in Boyle Heights in the 60's & 70's. At this time there were still many Japanese residents and more than a few remaining Japanese businesses. I remember having so many wonderful Japanese friends at Roosevelt HIgh. Ms. Yayoi is a true gem of a person. I met her when she ran Queen Cleaners on Fresno and 4th streets. She was the same sweet and smiling lady that you see in this video. Always working hard and yet the being most happiest person you will meet that day! When you go to her shop she makes every customer feel like a king or queen and feel that you are stepping into place where time has disappeared. I recommend visiting Otomisan for wonderful experience not only the food but a sense of Boyle Height diverse history.

[@gardenia8085]

I'll have to go next time in LA, my friend went to Roosevelt but in the early 80s

[@orngpeelr9017]

I was born and raised in Boyle Heights and now i'm living in Japan. Being so far from home, i've experienced the beauty of cultural exchange and realized how important my Mexican roots are to my identity. To see Watanabe-san upholding this cultural gem (Otomisan) is heartwarming and inspiring. I'm definitely visiting when I go back home!

[@dustyoldhat]

did u go to Roosevelt high

[@annunakian8054]

U should open a taco spot in Japan. 🌮💰

[@orngpeelr9017]

@@dustyoldhat nah

[@Bonita.Vampira_]

How’d you move and live in Japan if you don’t mind me asking ?

[@Chach151]

I’m from Boyle Heights (went to Bishop Amat in La Puente) and lived in Japan for 6 years. This restaurant and Ms. Watanabe is the epitome of Japanese culture.

[@helenatube]

Her life is so humble, but there is a lot to admire. Every day she runs this business with care and purpose to serve her community. I am proud to see a woman completely operate her restaurant on her own terms. Clearly, Yayoi is a strong woman and I will go visit this place soon to support.

[@williamwendling944]

Been going here 20 years, such comfort Japanese food. The tempura is well done.

[@arturocruz2477]

Address?

[@realtalkwithsadie]

Tried it today! First in line at 11:00am! Best home cooked meal in a long time! You must arrive early. Had the udon, combination plate, and fried chicken bowl! 10/10!

[@glw5166]

How long was the line when you left? Can't wait to try it but sounds like I'd better have an early lunch if I stop by. Maybe it's not as crowded on a weekday vs. the weekend.

[@jackwiegmann]

is it crowded since this video came out? every time I've went for dinner there was always a booth or two open

[@madbug1965]

This is the kind of restaurant where you get real Japanese food like they serve in Japan. Places like this are very far and few between since most Japanese restaurants aren't run by Japanese people.

[@annunakian8054]

Seriously. It's such a joke when u walk into a sushi/ramen/hibachi restaurant & u see the typical stereotypical Japanese names & decor ie samurai/sumo/anime. No authentic Japanese restaurant owner would name it Samurai Sushi/Tokyo Ramen etc lol 😅 Unfortunately most non-Japanese can't tell the difference.

[@dozer11]

It’s always telling when a restaurant has “Japanese food” in their name or is playing K Pop on their tv screens or even “hibachi” in the name. Sure, the clientele in the area may not understand why those don’t work, but it’s also most likely not authentic. And cooking methods matter too. I went to a place cooking what they called “yakitori” but it was being cooked on a regular gas grill.

[@velocityhdmi8140]

Little tokyo also has some

[@hyphydan]

@@annunakian8054 Its mostly Chinese/Korean Americans who own/operate those places. The AZNidentity types

[@annunakian8054]

@hyphydan not saying non-Japanese can't make proper Japanese food but unfortunately many of them don't put in the effort. They use cheap ingredients from China & leave out the more expensive items like uni, salmon roe, octopus etc.

[@dre3518]

I grew up in Boyle Heights, and this restaurant has always been very hospitable and the food is always on point

[@n_v9386]

Remember - There were probably plenty of Japanese Restaurants in LA before 1956 - but they were forcibly closed and the owners imprisoned. Nice to see they made such a quick comeback.

[@mrguystarr]

Love that she kept the old look to the restaurant.

[@timothyna5271]

6:46 how sweet and hilarious ❤ You can tell she really meant it when she said she takes care of her customers. What a wonderful lady 😊

[@Vablonsky]

She has poured her life and soul into that tiny restaurant. And, it would be an honor to visit there one day and to partake in the food and the history.

[@gabrielonate4712]

I’d been living in East LA for over 20 years before I found out Boyle Heights had one last Japanese restaurant. I brought my brother to check it out and we loved it. Though small, you could tell the place was filled with passion. Yayoi was incredibly heartwarming and I still think about her hospitality to this day. I hope Otomisan remains open for many decades to come!

[@gardenia8085]

I'll go when I visit my friend in LA. She grew up in Boyle Heights.

[@unjab13]

She has a real sense of pride in supporting her community and keeping the Japanese legacy alive in a historic part of Los Angeles. The fact that she is so humble, kind, and so hard-working is really so impressive. I hope that she is able to pass the restaurant along to the next generation as she desires. 🥰🙏

[@Zain94336]

Probably not these japanese women give white men any benefit of the doubt and worship them. Even after concentration camps. Probably less and less pure japanese people left in usa

[@traviieza94]

Down the street from my place. I love their food!! 🥰 I'm so glad they're getting recognized after they seemed to struggle during the pandemic. I witnessed the long lines today. I'm so happy for them!!

[@ashtonmendez9366]

We need content like this, thank you Munchies 🔥

[@Peter..Griffin]

Hmmm... i find it shallow and pedantic.

[@THE-NC2]

@@Peter..Griffin lol

[@biobossx99]

agreed, sometimes it's nice to hear local stories like this.

[@rumbatumblajambomambo6241]

Same thought. Not just crazy drunk hipsters. This was super wholesome

[@Sonasic]

her son in law or her daughter in law must be greek. Because yaya means grandma in greek.

[@hihikatamari]

What a down to earth woman, I wish her great happiness.

[@kurayami4341]

え〜〜〜っ！！！1989年に語学学校で初めてLAに来た後一度日本に帰国し、再度1993年に渡米からずっとLAに住んで居るにもかかわらず今まで全く聞いたことも見たこともなかったなんて信じられません！日本人が料理してる日本食レストランをずぅ〜っと探してました！今日息子にインスタグラムで誰かがこのお店を紹介してるのを見てびっくり‼️ 娘と息子はハーフだけど親子丼やうな重、そぼろ弁当、天ぷらうどんが大好き❣️豚カツ、カレーライス、オムライス、ハンバーグなどの洋食屋さん…日本人が丁寧に作ったあのクオリティを満たすレストランを30年経った今やっと知りました！今月中に絶対行こう！❤😊

[@noforktouse]

I'm from LA and now after watching this, I gotta go check it out, say hi, and eat the amazing food. You can tell how much love, care, and work goes into her business from how she speaks and presents everything. There are cultural aspects of it, but she really does pour a lot of her soul into running a restaurant and having happy customers. She detracted a few times in this interview about her and her restaurant just to thank the customers that have come and people who have supported her.

[@manaharavirasinha5205]

Could sense her humility, people like that are the backbone of society.

[@glowup978]

I love how small restaurants have the best of foods

[@johnwhodat8135]

Small and unknown restaurants actually have the best food.

[@gahd]

My family has gone to Otomisan for as long as its been open - Big Up Boyle Heights

[@luigivincenz3843]

Yes! I did have lunch here a few times as my mexican co-worker told me about it. I said, in Boyle Heights?? In L.A. there are many small restaurants that have history, and it's mostly by word of mouth. There was a rumor that Shohei ate there but not sure. Excellent tempura and Yayoi onee-san is exactly how you see in the video. Super friendly and does everything. Great vid by Munchies and I highly recommend the place.

[@louiedoee]

Wanted to go here a couple weeks back, looks like I’ll have a line down the block when I go next.

[@dustyoldhat]

she's about to have a blockbuster 2023

[@johnwhodat8135]

@@dustyoldhat .. hopefully will.

[@inesdelahoya2045]

Yes. I’ve known lines for restaurants that are >~2 hours long, but usually they are very friendly because people are extra happy to go there.

[@sarahogawa5408]

I fell in love with Japan because of a little restaurant in Chicago just like this one! “Naniwa” is gone now, but I have lived just outside of Osaka in Kyoto for the last 30 years.このようなお店が人の人生を変える力があります！頑張ってください！

[@heloisedes5]

Food looks fresh and absolutely delicious. Yayoi Watanabee is one of a kind lady. Her level of dedication and passion for her community makes me love Japanese cuisine and culture even more. Thank you Munchies for this video!

[@swordsaver]

You can just see the passion and joy she has. The dedication and hard work she puts in everyday is inspiring. I wish we had an authentic Japanese restaurant like this where I live.

[@WildTiger1Min]

We visited last weekend! the Oyakodon was heavenly! 😇

[@harryv6752]

I love these lil hole in the wall joints that have been around for forever. Cos you know that once you walk in and smell the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen and throughout the small dining area, such as this place, you just know you've found a gem of a restaurant to dine in. Love her passion for cooking and her continual dedication to perfection in serving her guests the best. Totally awesome.

[@eghaeee]

i love otomisan! happy to see this pop up in my recommended and hopefully otomisan will get love for many more generations

[@henrycruz3547]

I live in LA and would have never known about this place if it wasn’t for munchies ! I’ll be stopping by soon and support ❤️

[@badsaint1019]

Japanese people just have a sense of pride and obligation in all that they do, it's really admirable. If you ever get the chance to visit Japan, definitely worth the trip.

[@moviemadvideo]

Japan is a wonderful place. I lived there for 6 years and it was worth every moment🥰

[@Naotahaley]

*she seems so sweet and humble. And the fact she pretty much does everything by herself omfg. She deserves to retire and be able to open up more restaurants while she sits back and relaxes. I need to go here*

[@RL-ci4gx]

This makes me want to live life, this lady loves what she does.

[@byrong474]

That place is a hidden gem. I grew up with that place as a kid down the street. I’m 39 years old now. Amazing food. Glad their getting exposure and hopefully they’ll stay busy all the time now.

[@URIASmusic]

lived a couple blocks away and always loved going here. Much love to this little east LA gem.

[@CouchOfPotatoes]

She is lovely, you can see she made it her passion!

[@gmfitzg]

OMG she is so cute. LOVE her. Hope her to have continued success and great health for years and years to come. :) LOVE stories like this.

[@BGeezy4sheezy]

What an incredible woman and restaurant. She radiates kindness and goodness and she’s why local restaurants makes the world a better place

[@SuperFlyfisher101]

What a special woman, it takes courage to do what she did and after all these years she still has a sweet smile on her face! What a gem!!

[@selfself8813]

She is such a sweet and genuine human being. I cannot wait to eat in her wonderful restaurant!!!

[@tastyneck]

If I lived in that neighborhood I'd totally be there regularly. My mom died a while back, and because I'm an idiot I didn't ask her for her recipes knowing she wasn't going to be with me for long. I've tried to replicate them on my own with limited success. Watanabe-san's cooking seems to have so much love and home-style in it that it reminds me of her cooking. Not that it matters or anything but that's the highest compliment I can give about Japanese food like this. Whenever I head down to LA again I'll have to stop by.

[@bewwybabe8045]

I’m in the area, so I’m making it a mission to head up and try it so I can give a detailed report on the deliciousness :))

[@rustyshackleford1908]

You didn't ask for her recipes, but did you spend time with her before she passed? A recipe can always be replaced; a mother can't. It might suck not to have the exact info on how to cook the food like your mom did, but...if you and your mom spent enough time together, she'll be with you in spirit while you're cooking. Your food might turn out more like her's than you expect. Just offering a perspective. Have a blessed day 🙏🏻

[@tastyneck]

@@rustyshackleford1908 I didn't. She didn't want me to quit college and move back and I was in denial that she was dying. My dad was with her when she passed but I wasn't. I regret it every day.

[@tastyneck]

@@chingvang9320 👍

[@glw5166]

You should share your warm story with Ms. Watanabe if you ever make it to her restaurant. I am sure that she will be touched and might even give you a cooking lesson.

[@Lizabeth90]

FYI Boyle Heights has always been a neighborhood of immigrants. Primarily Jewish, Japanese and Latinos. It still has a heavy Japanese presence, Sakura gardens is a Japanese retirement facility. I worked in BH for many years and order from this place on a whim once, it was so freakin good. Not till after did someone mention it was the oldest Japanese restaurant.

[@joememphis1571]

My brother who lived in Los Angeles for almost two decades lived in Boyle Heights for six of those years and he always loved the food at Otomisan. He had passed on five years ago from multiple sclerosis at only 44 years old.

[@707Berto]

We have an equivalent restaurant here in Seattle named Maneki. I came here from Okinawa at the age of 11 in '77. Hope to stop by Otomi someday soon. Haha Obasan's level of Japanese/English is EXACTLY the same as mine.

[@Tanner_Video]

I randomly ended up here a long time ago when my flights got messed up at LAX. It was some of the best Japanese food I've ever had. Awesome to see them on here.

[@malmn]

You can tell that this place is about the food quality, the customers and the tradition. And it's why it is awesome.

[@ropro9817]

Daaaaamn... she does _everything_ by herself! Respect! ❤

[@TheJoeTeam]

I love this place. Parking is tough, but you can take the train and get off on the Soto St stop, and walk two blocks. Doing so makes me feel like I’m in Japan. Stop by and have some amazing Japanese food. ❤❤❤

[@xannie7511]

idk why I started crying tears of joy at 4:10 when she served their food

[@dn9597]

The food looks so delicious!! I hope the restaurant will never close and that someone will continue to run the restaurant even when the current owner retires or passes away...

[@sabbateus]

I grew up eating here all the time, the lady who runs it is super sweet and her oyakodon is amazing!

[@santiagoperez5431]

I had that yesterday and have been thinking about it since then

[@RedGanjaX]

such a wholesome lady, wish her all the best in life.

[@east_coast_ceo1070]

Japanese Culture and Food is Soul Bonding Tastes

[@markchristopher4165]

What a lovely personality she has

[@DUDEfreestyle]

I love smaller restaurants like the one in this video. I've noticed that smaller restaurants pay much more attention to the quality of the food they're serving and customer service is always better compared to larger restaurants. I will be visiting this place next time I'm in Los Angeles.

[@cheyenneortiz7421]

Now a food run to all the oldest restaurants in big cities sounds amazing

[@xicoocix]

I used to live down the street. Shes such a sweet lady and the food is great.

[@glw5166]

I live near Boyle Heights so I have a new spot to try. So glad that Ms. Watanabe has carried on the tradition of cooking authentic Japanese food and that she was able to keep this restaurant alive. Can't wait to check it out.

[@trainchugger53]

As an Angelino native, I always love the many recommendations Munchies gives me to try in my city. I'll be sure to dry this next year!

[@dustyoldhat]

Angeleno

[@jahariwhite362]

Wow, I literally lived in Boyle Heights last year when I first moved to LA! Never heard of this place or seen it I don’t think. Will definitely give it a visit this week 👏🏾 I love to support important small parts of culture and history in places where it’s easy to forget 🖤

[@dustyoldhat]

probably gonna be a line down the street now, Jahari

[@user-zo2vs7jp5u]

This is the real Japanese food. FAKE Japanese expensive restaurants everywhere, sushi, wagyu and more. But this is REAL one. Absolutely valuable.

[@dortvela]

OMG! thank you so much for making this! i used to work a few doors down and ate there for years, frequently! high quality food, homestyle vibe, lovely folks. ❤️🙏🏽🎉

[@84vietskater]

Man I was in LA two weeks ago should went here to eat! 😢 she looks so nice places looks warm and welcoming. ❤

[@JoeyLiu-ki8hu]

I love this restaurant. One of the few authentic Japanese food you can try. The lady was such a sweet lady!!

[@boattramp6541]

Super wholesome! Hope this place sees many more years to come!

[@KathyakaNina]

As someone who lives in LA & loves Japanese food I’m excited to try this place. Really feels at home with the decoration & the owner Watanabe-San being the owner for so long & making the food as well. Adding it to my list!

[@santiagoperez5431]

So I went to Otomisan yesterday Dec 30. And it truly is a wonderful restaurant. The best way I can describe it completely was like I was back at my grandma's kitchen table eating her food. The pictures people take of the food does not do it justice....the miso soup is wonderful. 100% worth the wait

[@santiagoperez5431]

Also the receipts are in Japanese, but it's ok

[@michinirakuen]

How long was your wait and is she cash only?

[@santiagoperez5431]

@@michinirakuen about 30mins and she takes card. The thirty minutes was because I got there a little after dinner time started and the place was full

[@onetwocross]

What a special person! This neighborhood is lucky to have someone like Watanabe san.

[@alexatanasie3302]

When ya doing small things with immense love y’all always be rewarded.

[@MichellaneousMe]

Went there last month! It’s such a welcoming environment and she’s so so sweet. You can tell she loves taking care of her customers.

[@Dan-hn1lx]

I have a local Vietnamese noodle place and the lady that runs the shop is very much like this sweet woman creating glorious dishes with a smile and giving my child orange slices after the meal. Just salt of the earth people bless them all..

[@chase9899]

These are literally my fave type of videos 🥺

[@neerajnongmaithem392]

Videos like this for some reason warms my heart.

[@Rick_Smooth]

Food looks incredibly fresh and delicious! Places like this need to keep getting the public's support to keep thriving. We can't lose these type of restaurants.

[@erikjj235]

Amazing! As this situation is very rare nowadays. The Asian demographics in California are mostly made up of Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Koreans. The Japanese are a small minority, it's sad but true and this restaurant needs to be protected! FYI Most 'Japanese theme' restaurants are not owned by Japanese people in California.

[@Blitzkrieg1976]

Obasan, I would happily eat your food any day. Much respect ❤️ I absolutely love her old school ways with a calculator, a paper ticket and a classic cash register. And she can cook like the best of them. A true champion.💪💯❤️

[@solidkingcobra]

I like how the restaurant have that down to earth place. nothing fancy run by a humble lady. The food reminds me of a home cooked meal.

[@Hi_Im_Jie]

I love these type of segments. Thank you, Munchies for highlighting neighborhood gems! I look forward to visiting Mrs. Watanabe's restaurant when I visit LA.

[@samho9901]

She has country accent. It is so wonderful!!

[@AMBERALERTFORAERIEL]

Love this story and love her determination.

[@Guanacachef]

My ❤ is smiling seeing this. I want to eat at this beautiful lady 's restaurant. 🙏

[@sandrag773]

Delicious. It is great to find a Cheff that place so much love, culture and pride in their products. It is a delight to sit at Otomisan

[@77mshin]

アメリカではなかなか見つからない理想の食べところです！！　　ノスタルジックで真心を感じる最高です❣

[@Cccoast]

This is the feel good we all need. Thank you.

[@catherinebarnett8856]

I’m so happy I found this! We just moved from Seattle and my son and I have been missing delicious Japanese food! We can’t wait to go and check out this place and meet her!! Thank you for posting!! 🥰

[@johnhaxby306]

when I lived in the fabric district downtown I would go for long "city hikes" and cross the river into Boyle heights and walk past this place almost every day and I'm mad I never stopped in, I love places like this, full of love and tradition. will definitely stop by!

[@ZennyReacts]

Damn it looks so cozy in there. If I lived closer I'd be there at least twice a week. Dang. I hope to visit one day! ARIGATOU WATANABE SAN

[@the_face_of_arts]

i hope she stays in business and keeps good help, and has someone to pass it on to that can keep it going strong

[@suzenrodriguez9647]

I've been coming here off and on for at least 20 years. I love it.

[@monkeyguy80]

Very humble Japanese lady 🥹🍣🥢

[@namuh44]

❤ Otomisan !!!! Humbled and honored to have you as such a close neighbor! Love + respect + admiration 1000000% !!

[@gemf2889]

I went there multiple times when I studied my graduate school. That was the closest Japanese restaurant over there. Miss old time.

[@alexatanasie3302]

We together owe the real OG’s a lil mo love...

[@gajayjay]

She’s so sweet, adorable and gracious. Wish her continued success, and hope her grandkids or some other Japanese people continue her and shop’s legacy without changing too much

[@Death...]

I saw this in my recommended a few days ago and haven't watched until today, this is so precious I want to cry! I really hate the area but I need to go here ASAP!! 🥺❤️

[@sonicrockmanx]

How can you hate the area as the restaurant has been alive since then. If it was such bad area like you say, then the restaurant wouldn't be there among others.