If you were born during the early years of San Jose Japantown, you were probably born at home. And your mother probably depended on a midwife to deliver you. Midwives were essential as Japantown transitioned from a bachelor to a family community in the early 20th century. The most famous midwife in San Jose was Mito Hori, whose home at 580 North Fifth Street is a historic location. In this video, the late historian, Dr. Tokio Ishikawa, remembers Mrs. Hori and one of her daughters, Alice.

Note: Although the original Hori house burned down in 2007, a structure with the same footprint currently occupies the property.