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Kaku Makino and Julie Kano oral history interview
Oral history interview with Kaku Makino and Julie Kano 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.
Archival Collection
Gerardo Topacio, Philomena Topacio, and Teresa Prezgay oral history interview
Oral history interview with Gerardo Topacio, Philomena Topacio, and Teresa Prezgay conducted by Claytee D. White on April 13, 2018 for the Boyer Early Las Vegas Oral History Project. In this interview, Gerardo discusses his early life in Manila, Philippines. He remembers the attacks in Pearl Harbor on December 07, 1941, the Japanese and Philippines conflict, and immigrating to the United States. Gerardo talks about his employment with Edgerton, Germeshausen, and Grier, Inc. (EG&G) and working at the Nevada Test Site. Philomena recalls her career in the hotel industry and being a member of the Culinary Workers Union Local 226. The couple was joined by their daughter, Teresa Prezgay. Prezgay talks about her career as a math teacher and promotes the increase of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Archival Collection
New Year's Eve 1913-14, menu, The Seelbach
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