The Salinas valley, offering prime agricultural conditions, had attracted 1,200 Japanese by 1918. A substantial Japantown was established, comprised of 3 hotels, 2 boarding houses, 4 pool halls, 7 restaurants, 4 barbers, 3 beauty shops, 2 fish markets, and 30 other stores. With only one quarter of the pre-war neighborhood remaining, both the Buddhist and Christian churches continue to provide a gathering place for the community. However, joint efforts are underway to establish the Asian Cultural Encounter, an educational history center recognizing the Chinese, Japanese and Filipino heritage of this area is planned for the former Matsugaye Sukiyaki restaurant.