MARIO GERSHOM REYES / Rafu Shimpo
The chashu shumai combination was a popular item at JiST Cafe, which announced that it was closing last Friday.

By ELLEN ENDO
Rafu Shimpo

News that two Little Tokyo businesses — JiST Café and CRFT by Maki — are closing permanently rippled throughout the Japanese American community over the weekend with a sadness that cut across generations.

JiST Café debuted in 2015, calling back to chef Glen Ishii’s family traditions that began in the 1920s. His grandmother was known throughout the greater Japanese American community for her Friday special chashu-shumai combination.

In the 1970s, The Rafu Shimpo’sEnglish section staff could be found every Friday for lunch at her Tokyo Garden café, nestled in what is now Weller Court, after finishing the day’s newspaper run.

Ishii’s social media post delivered the epitaph: “I never thought I would have to write this. It pains me to make this announcement because it’s a decision that wasn’t easy to make. I am sorry to announce that JiST Café is closing down.”

Ishii expressed gratitude to the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC). “We wanted to say thank you for all of the support you have provided us. You have helped in so many ways from the moment we opened, during the pandemic, and after the pandemic. You have supported us during the good and bad times.”

Erich Nakano, LTSC executive director, commended Ishii. “Thank you for being such a wonderful tenant, providing insanely delicious food to Little Tokyo over the years and being part of our small business family.”

LTSC owns both the building that housed JiST Café and the Daimaru Hotel, where CRFT by Maki was located.

CRFT by Maki and JiST Cafe were small businesses that struggled in the years after the pandemic.

Darin Maki, CRFT by Maki founder, reflected on the impact of COVID-19. “Having to shut your doors two months after a grand opening due to a global pandemic is one of the unforgettable memories we’ve had at the shop.”

Maki is a young entrepreneur who developed his shop into a hybrid retail clothing and accessory store and community space. Last December, he hosted an exhibition commemorating the 100thanniversary of Toyo Miyatake, the photography dynasty that has chronicled the JA community through four generations.

Looking back on his nearly five years at the location, Maki reminisced, “It was such a privilege to serve the Little Tokyo neighborhood from our little storefront on First Street.”

“Unfortunately, things didn’t work out with CRFT by Maki at the Daimaru Building,” stated Nakano, “but we wish him well.”