Photos: Konko Church

The Rev. Alfred Tsuyuki, 73, head minister of Konko Church of Los Angeles, smiles at a member of his congregation after presiding over the monthly Mitama service which honors the dead. The 85-year-old church is one of four Japanese churches that remain in Boyle Heights.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Sue Oka, 80, places sakaki branches in a tray at the Konko Church of Los Angeles in the Boyle Heights. The neighborhood’s shrinking population of Japanese and Japanese Americans has led the church and several others to reach out to a broader range of people.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Yasuko Yoshida, 82, center, prays during the monthly Mitama service. Before World War II, Boyle Heights had the largest community of Japanese Americans in Southern California.   (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The Rev. Alfred Tsuyuki, 73, head minister of Konko Church of Los Angeles, opens a curtain to reveal the altar before leading a recent service. Some churches have considered moving closer to members’ homes in O.C. or Gardena.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

A woman walks toward the Konko Church of Los Angeles in Boyle Heights. The church is trying to adapt to a changing neighborhood.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)