San Pedro Installed Painted Tuna Crosswalks
New crosswalks at Mesa and Sixth streets honor the historical Japanese fishing community of Terminal Island.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Cultural
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Los Angeles officials completed the installation of artistic crosswalks featuring tuna designs on a red background. The project, titled Furusato: Home Sweet Home, serves as a tribute to the Japanese fishing village that once thrived on Terminal Island.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to preserve the memory of a community that was destroyed by the federal government during World War II. By integrating this history into the public infrastructure, the city provides a permanent visual reminder of the displaced 3,000 residents.
The installation features a design by 28-year-old artist Lua Kobayashi. The project follows the August 2026 City Council vote to grant historical status to the two remaining village structures.
The players
Lua Kobayashi
She is the 28-year-old artist who designed the Furusato: Home Sweet Home crosswalk art.
Los Angeles City Council
The local governing body voted in August 2026 to designate the remaining Terminal Island fishing village buildings as historical monuments.
The details
Artist Lua Kobayashi utilized themes inspired by traditional carp streamers and the gyotaku fish-pressing art form to create the crosswalks. The installation replaces standard street markings at the intersection of Mesa and Sixth streets in San Pedro.
Timeline
Early 1900s: The Japanese fishing village was established on Terminal Island.
World War II: The U.S. government destroyed the village and interned its residents.
August 2026: The Los Angeles City Council approved historical monument status for two village buildings.
October 2026: The city completed the installation of the new painted crosswalks.
Industry Dynamics
This project reflects a broader trend of local governments utilizing public art to surface previously marginalized cultural histories. It marks a departure from traditional monument-building by integrating historical commemoration into active, pedestrian-focused transit infrastructure.
Residents and tourists can view the new art installations daily at the intersection of Mesa and Sixth streets in San Pedro. The site provides open access to the memorial as part of the public streetscape.
The takeaway
The project turns a busy intersection into an educational landmark that connects the city to its maritime past. Residents can explore the area to better understand the historical significance of the local Japanese American community.
Further reading
Learn more about local public arts initiatives in the Los Angeles Cultural section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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