Oral history interview with Kaku Makino and Masako "Julie" Ishitsuka conducted by Kristel Peralta, Vanessa Concepcion, Ayrton Yamaguchi, and Stefani Evans on March 22, 2021 for the Reflections: The Las Vegas Asian American and Pacific Islander Oral History Project. In this interview, Makino discusses his early life in Tokyo, Japan and becoming a chef. He recalls arriving to the United States in 1989, establishing the Todai (now Makino Sushi & Seafood Buffet) restaurant chain, and opening nineteen locations in California, Florida, and in Hawaii. Kano talks about her upbringing in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Japan and describes Japan during the Meiji era. She remembers arriving to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2000 and the cultural change she experienced. Lastly, Makino and Kano discuss the restaurant industry during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photographic postcard featuring table games and the bar area of the Golden Nugget Gambling Hall. Transcribed from original: "The Million Dollar Golden Nugget Gambling Hall, Saloon and Restaurant, Las Vegas. Thousands of visitors are attracted annually by the lavishly decorated Casino with its Crystal Chandeliers, Famous Paintings and Mahogany Beams, reminiscent of the Barbary Coast days." Publishing info from original: "Plastichrome' by Colourpicture, Boston 15, Mass -- 6270 Mosley Ave., L.A."
Site Name: Golden Nugget Las Vegas
Address: 129 East Fremont Street