SAN FRANCISCO — Soko Hardware, a cornerstone of San Francisco’s Japantown community, will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a special public event on Saturday, Sept. 27, from 2 to 3 p.m. on Osaka Way (Buchanan Mall).
The celebration, which is open to the public, will coincide with the Nihonmachi Street Fair’s J-Town Funk pop-up outdoor event, honoring Soko Hardware’s century of service to the city.
Founded in 1925 by Masayasu and Naka Ashizawa, Soko Hardware has been a testament to family legacy. Now a family-run business with the third and fourth generations, Philip Ashizawa, his wife Eunice and their son David Ashizawa, at the helm, the store has overcome significant challenges, including forced closure during the incarceration of Japanese Americans in World War II. After being imprisoned at the Topaz camp in Utah, the family returned in 1946 to rebuild their business.
In recognition of its long history, Soko Hardware was officially designated a San Francisco Legacy Business on May 13, 2019.
More than a typical hardware store, Soko Hardware is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern goods. In addition to standard hardware supplies, the store carries tools and housewares specific to Japanese culture, from traditional woodworking tools and Buddhist shrines to modern Japanese knives and teapots. This distinct selection has made it a destination for both locals and visitors.
The anniversary celebration will bring together family, friends, and community leaders to honor the store’s rich history and enduring legacy. The public is invited to join the festivities and recognize one of San Francisco’s oldest and most beloved family-owned businesses.
Soko Hardware is located at 1698 Post St. Info: www.sokohardware.com