In the early 20th century, Japanese immigrant Yoshio Mayumi and his brother Yasuo settled in Fannett, purchasing 1734 acres (7 km2) of land.
Low rice prices and smaller harvests due to mismanaged land had rendered his farm unprofitable.
The Immigration Act of 1924 and related anti-immigrant sentiment are also considered contributing factors to Mayumi's decision to leave the country.
In 1993, advocacy groups, led by Beaumont teacher Sandra Nakata,[1] began pressuring the Jefferson County commissioners to change the name.
Finally bowing to outside pressure, the Jefferson County commissioners ordered Jap Road's residents to select a new name by July 29, 2004.