Grandpa Cherry Blossom

The life of Francis Uyematsu, from his journey creating a successful flower nursery in America to his time at the Manzanar Internment Camp.

Synopsis

The story of Francis Uyematsu, a Japanese immigrant, told through the words of his granddaughter, Mary Uyematsu Kao, and Chuck Currier, a local historian and former teacher. Uyematsu created a booming flower nursery, owning 120 acres of land in Manhattan Beach until the Japanese-American Internment during World War II, where he was forced to sell his land. Entire neighborhoods now sit on his former land, including hundreds of homes and two high schools. And the flowers he created are no longer his.

Director's Statement

I was inspired to make this film when I saw a plaque honoring Francis Uyematsu on my high school campus. I did some research into his life and was shocked to learn that he owned all of the land that Mira Costa High School sat on, along with other areas of Manhattan Beach and his incredibly successful flower nursery. Uyematsu had an immense impact on his community, which continues to quietly grace these areas to this day, yet he
hasn't been given the recognition he deserves. This motivated me to make a documentary to spread awareness of Francis’ legacy and impact in the United States. He overcame significant adversity and still achieved great success in spite of a country that was pitted against him. Francis’ story is important and inspiring, not just for Asian Americans, but for all Americans.