Dick Yoshimura (1914-2012) founded the Mutual Fish Company and is credited with the region’s first live seafood tanks and other innovations. Born in Japan, Yoshimura came to Seattle in 1929 and developed a reputation for working hard for fish companies along the Alaskan Way waterfront. He was imprisoned for three years at a Japanese incarceration camp during World War II, but he was immediately rehired after the war. In 1947 Dick purchased the old Main Fish Company, founded Mutual Fish Company, and built the business into a local favorite, revered for his dedication to freshness.
In this image Yoshimura holds what appears to be an Acadian redfish at the Mutual Fish Company, located at 2335 Rainier Avenue South. The business was first located at 14th Avenue and Yesler Way, and and was managed by Dick's son, Harry Yoshimura, and grandson, Kevin Yoshimura until the company closed in 2023.
Caption information source: The Seattle Times, July 12, 2012, page B1 Caption information also derived from captions written by Post-Intelligencer staff and attached to the back of the photograph.
ID Number: 2000.107.234.22.01
Date: 1984
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : color ; 8 x 10 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant.
