"The finest name in Japanese pastries since 1910"

 
Frances Hashimoto

Frances Hashimoto

Frances Kazuko Hashimoto was born to Koroku and Haru Hashimoto in Poston, Arizona. After the war, her parents returned to Little Tokyo and reopened Mikawaya, a company that makes traditional Japanese confections, pastries and Mochi Ice Cream. Mikawaya has been in the Hashimoto family since 1910.

Frances grew up in and around Little Tokyo. She attended Hollenbeck Junior High and Roosevelt High School in Boyle Heights. After High School Frances went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in 1966 from the University of Southern California along with a general teaching credential from the state of California. After graduation, she taught elementary school until 1970.

In 1970, she entered the family business full time. Under her guidance, the company expanded operations and built a manufacturing plant in 1974. Presently there are five retail locations, two in Little Tokyo, one in Gardena, one in Torrance and one in Honolulu, Hawaii. Mikawaya also ships to various locations throughout the United States. Mikawaya is also the creator of a very specialized dessert, Mochi Ice Cream.

In 1972, Frances married Joel Friedman, who holds the position of chief financial officer of Mikawaya.

Frances has been serving Little Tokyo and the Japanese American Community with her generosity throughout the years. She gives many hours of her time and energy.

• Presently, she is the immediate past president of the Little Tokyo Business Association and had been President since 1994.
• She has been a Director in the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Southern California since 1974.
• She has been active in the Nisei Week Japanese Festival since 1978 as well as the Nisei Week Foundation Executive Committee. She was General Chairwoman in 1982 and 1990.
• She has also been involved with the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center since 1980
• She has been on the Mayor's Little Tokyo Community Development Advisory Committee member since 1980 and is currently the Chairperson. It is currently known as Little Tokyo Community advisory Committee.
• She is a member of the Community Review Advisory Committee for the Metro Gold Line Eastern Extension.
• The Little Tokyo Community Council Executive Committee since 1999.
• She also chaired the Little Tokyo Centennial Committee in 1984 celebrating the first 100 years of Little Tokyo.
• She was selected to be included in Who's Who of American Women 16th Edition 1989/90. Who's Who in California 20th Edition 1991 and Who's Who in the World 10th Edition 199l/92.