The History 

In the heart of California's Central Valley, Livingston’s historic Yamato Colony is a community shaped by deep cultural roots and an unbreakable spirit. For generations, humble strength, determination, and perseverance have been the backbone of this community. Because of this shared tenacity and deeply rooted bond, the colony still exists today, with third and fourth-generation farmers cultivating the soil of their pioneer ancestors. Founded in 1906 by Kyutaro Abiko, the Yamato Colony was one of the first intentional Japanese agricultural settlements in the United States, and quite possibly the only Christian one.

The Okuye family was one of the original pioneers to arrive and purchase land, and they in turn provided shelter and support for early settlers who worked and lived on the property until they were able to acquire their own land.  The family built thirteen houses on the property to house them, in addition to the family home. Although those extra houses are no longer standing, the family house still does.  After being expanded in 1920 for the growing family, it was referred to by the community as "The Okuye Mansion". 

During WWII, the community was forcibly removed and incarcerated along with 120,000 other Japanese Americans.  In order to preserve their farms, they formed a corporation  and were able to hire a European-American to manage their properties.  This successful preservation strategy was exceptionally rare as the vast majority of Japanese Americans lost all of their property and assets.  Although the houses were largely vandalized,  the community still had homes to come back to.  The Okuye Mansion was among the most severely damaged, but decades of dedicated hands-on restoration efforts have revived it to its original splendor, and it stands today as a testament to the family's resilience and perseverance.