Fugetsu-Do is a mochi shop that can be found in the heart of downtown L.A.’s Little Tokyo. This family-owned shop has been around since 1903. It has witnessed and even faced many struggles throughout history. From World War II, the 1992 Los Angeles riots to the COVID-19 pandemic. This shop has prevailed. In fact, it’s one of the oldest places you can find authentic mochi in the country.
Brian Kito is the third-generation owner who inherited the shop from his father. “Doing business in Little Tokyo for all these years has been a partnership, more than a business. It is the uniqueness of Little Tokyo to foster a team effort and support each other.” shared Kito on Instagram, “Fugetsu-Do has been here for 117 years and with the continued support of the community and future leadership of my son Korey, we may get to see the 200th anniversary.”
Their specialty is sweet Japanese rice cakes, and their mochi (rice cake) and manju which is a sweet bean-filled rice cake. These desserts are traditional Japanese foods for celebrations and gifts.
We don’t doubt that will see their 200th anniversary. Kito has instilled the importance of legacy in his son Korey and has passed down his knowledge and skills.
“My fondest childhood memories are when I started learning about mochi alongside my father when I was about three or four years old. I continue to build my skills in Japanese confectionery as an apprentice to my father and have mastered the Kurimanju (chestnut manju) which is difficult to learn.” Korey shared on the shop’s site. “I enjoy making mochi and I want to do this my entire life and to continue the Fugetsu-Do history into the future.”
To learn more about Fugetsu-Do and their history, you can visit their site. There are three ways to get your hands on their delicious mochi and manju. You can visit their store in person, purchase online, or even find them at your local Japanese market. All those details can be found here.
Location: 315 East First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012