Haunted Little Tokyo

Haunted Little Tokyo is returning in 2022!
Please click here for more information.

 

Back in time for spooky season, the Little Tokyo Ghost Club will be transforming the community for the 5th annual Haunted Little Tokyo, a fun-filled Halloween celebration with three frightfully fun events that are perfect for ghosts and ghouls of all ages.

Haunted Little Tokyo “Block Party”
Saturday, October 30 • 7 pm-12 am
Check in at Brunswig Square
360 E. 2nd Street
21+ only
Free with RSVP

This year, the “Block Party” will move to an outdoor secret location in Little Tokyo! The event will include all the favorites from previous block parties including DJs, drinks, food, and a costume contest. The location will be shared upon check-in at Brunswig Square (360 E. 2nd Street).

Light food and drinks will be available for purchase. This is a dog-friendly event!

Guests must be 21 or over and provide proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test result within 72 hours before entering the event. The event is free with RSVP prior to the event.

Haunted Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, October 30 • 2-5 pm
Begin at Café Dulce
134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall
Free while supplies last

Pick up a map at Café Dulce in the Japanese Village Plaza to discover outdoor locations around Little Tokyo where guests can receive fun treats. Visit all locations and you will have an opportunity for a special prize. Costumes are encouraged! All ages are welcome to participate.

Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 16 & Sunday, October 17 • 11 am-5 pm
Japanese Village Plaza
335 E 2nd Street

The Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch will offer a bone-chilling good time with pumpkins for purchase. Pumpkins will be from Tanaka Farms, a beloved Japanese American family farm located in Irvine, California. Activities at the Pumpkin Patch will be free and include a photo opportunity and a coloring contest.

Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch is sponsored by Tanaka Farms.

The Little Tokyo Ghost Club is a network of leaders in Little Tokyo who are dedicated to creating an unforgettable Halloween experience each year. Members of the ghost club and presenters of this series of events include:

Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC)
Café Dulce
Wolf & Crane
Center for Asian Americans United for Self Empowerment (CAUSE)
Azay
Anime Jungle
Go Little Tokyo

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Haunted Little Tokyo continues to monitor and adhere to guidelines put forth by local and state agencies and the CDC. It is recommended that unvaccinated guests wear masks when not actively eating or drinking and that all guests, regardless of
vaccination status, wear a mask when in line or when not able to maintain a six-foot physical distance from other guests.

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Terasaki Budokan presents
The Nightmare Before Christmas Outdoor Screening
Saturday, October 30 • 5:30-7:30 pm
249 S. Los Angeles Street
Free and open to the public

After picking up your treats on the Haunted Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt, head over to the Terasaki Budokan for an outdoor movie screening of a spooky classic. Food and beverage will be available for purchase from local community vendors. All current COVID-19 protocol will be followed. Click here for more info.

Artist Reception:

October 29th, 2021, 7-9pm

Viewers are invited to explore an immersive environment by L.A.-based artist Il Sang Yoo. Numerous fabrics in varying shape, size, color, and texture are stretched, cut, twisted, torn, knotted, pulled, and woven to produce an immersive environment that interacts with the gallery’s architecture. Yoo’s installation explores interiority that is echoed by way of the installation’s combining heaps of fabric scraps using varied techniques of manipulating fabric.

On opening night this Friday the 29th between 7-9 pm, the installation will be accompanied throughout its duration by sound from artist Eugene Moon, whose building and use of wooden and stringed instruments are informed by extensive research into classical Korean instruments and music.

 

 

PAST EVENTS BELOW:

Japanese American National Museum FREE Fall Day!
Saturday, October 16 • 11:00 am-5:00 pm
100 N. Central Avenue

JANM will be open for FREE to the public as part of the Haunted Little Tokyo festivities. Reservations in advance are still recommended.

East West Players and Rogue Artists Ensemble present
Kaidan Project: Alone
This Alley is Haunted
Saturday, October 16 • 12-5 pm
Union Center for the Arts

Kaidan Project: Alone, the world-premiere app-based augmented reality immersive theater experience launches on October 16th, 2021 along with ‘THIS ALLEY IS HAUNTED’ a one day FREE immersive site-specific haunt in Little Tokyo. The haunt features live actors, design and puppetry elements from EWP and Rogue’s 2017 award-winning production Kaidan Project: Walls Grow Thin.

The app launches on October 16th, 2021 worldwide on Apple iOS & Android Google Play app stores. Advance app download sign-ups and reservations for the live haunt will be available starting Saturday, October 2nd. Visit KaidanProject.com to learn more.

Japanese American National Museum presents
City of Ghosts Outdoor Screening
Friday, October 22 • 6:30-9:00 pm
100 N. Central Avenue

Come to Little Tokyo for a free family-friendly outdoor screening of City of Ghosts! A conversation with creator Elizabeth Ito, director and writer Ako Castuera, and episode stars Atomic Nancy and Zen Sekizawa on telling stories related to the Japanese American community will be held before the screening. Click here for more information.

 

Go Little Tokyo for the Holidays!

We’re hosting another year of gift-giving and merry-making—virtually!

Skip big box retailers this year and shop small by supporting Little Tokyo businesses from near or far!

Stay tuned for our curated gift guides below, online restaurant gift cards, information about holiday programs, and our holiday giveaway.

Tag #golittletokyo for a feature!

Subscribe to our mailing list to get the latest on holiday festivities in Little Tokyo!

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JTOWN JINGLES

Presented by Go Little Tokyo & East West Players
Featuring Filosophy
Saturday, December 4
Saturday, December 11
2-4 PM: Caroling throughout Little Tokyo
5 PM: Final Performance at JANM Plaza (100 N. Central Ave.)

Enjoy live caroling at various locations throughout Little Tokyo performed by acapella group Filosophy, and be sure to join us for the full set performance at the Japanese American National Museum Plaza!

Free admission, open to the public.

 

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SHOGUN SANTA

Everyone’s favorite Shogun Santa
is coming to town (with a safety barrier)!

Saturday, December 18 & Sunday, December 19
11 am – 3 pm
Japanese Village Plaza in front of Nijiya Market

Shogun Santa is coming to Little Tokyo to spread some holiday cheer. Plan your annual holiday photo and share your Little Tokyo holiday wish list with the one and only Shogun Santa!

Please note that there will be a barrier between Santa and visitors, sitting on Santa’s lap will not be permitted. Brought to you by the Little Tokyo Business Association (LTBA). Free admission, donations welcome.

 

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RESTAURANTS & CAFES

• • • • Aloha Cafe gift cards (scroll to bottom)
      • Azay gift cards
      • Daikokuya Ramen gift certificates
      • Hachioji Ramen gift certificates
      • JiST Cafe gift cards
      • Kouraku gift cards
      • Prime Pizza gift cards
      • Shin-Sen-Gumi gift cards
      • Shojin gift cards
      • Spitz gift cards
      • Tamon Sushi gift certificates
      • Tea Master gift cards
      • Tsurumaru Udon Honpo gift cards
      • Wolf & Crane gift cards

RETAIL & SERVICES

• • • • Bunkado gift cards
      • Hob Nob gift cards
      • Japangeles gift cards
      • Monkey Pants gift cards
      • Popkiller gift cards

COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS

• • • • East West Players Membership
      • Go For Broke National Education Center Membership
      • Japanese American Cultural & Community Center Membership
      • Japanese American National Museum Membership
      • Little Tokyo Historical Society Membership

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Support the Little Tokyo Community Council and share some Little Tokyo love this holiday season! Shop limited merch including Little Tokyo map tote bags and sweatshirts, as well as stocking stuffers like vinyl stickers and enamel pins!

The online pop-up shop is now closed, but items will be available for purchase in person on 12/10 and 12/11!

POP-UP & ORDER PICK-UP DETAILS:
369 E 1st Street
Friday, December 10 and Saturday, December 11
10 am – 2 pm

Sustainable Little Tokyo’s Annual Holiday Gift Sale! This holiday season, share the gift of sustainability with family and friends! When purchasing a sustainable gift, you will also be supporting:

🌱A Little Tokyo Business: Anzen Hardware
🌱Sustainable Little Tokyo
🌱And Planet Earth!

 

Popkiller has created a “Thank You, Little Tokyo” collection of our Japanese-inspired designs, including best selling designs. During the rest of the month of November leading up to “Giving Tuesday” November 30th, Popkiller will be donating 20% of net sales from that collection to the Little Tokyo Community Council. That roughly breaks down to $4 for every tote bag, $6 for every shirt, and $8 for every sweater purchased that will be donated to LTCC (Popkiller will be rounding up to the closest dollar!)

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UNDER $15

1. 1. Little Tokyo Pin Collection, $10, online at LTCC until 12/5 or Bunkado
   2. Little Tokyo Vinyl Sticker Pack, $6, online at LTCC until 12/5
   3. 101 Americans Tea Cup, $14, online at JANM Store
   4. Hand Painted Cloth Coaster, $6.50, online or in-store at Bunkado
   5. Yellow Hashi/Chopsticks (made in Japan), $12, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   6. Ramen Washi Tape, $5, online at JANM Store
   7. Gudetama Reindeer, $14.50, online or in-store at Monkey Pants
   8. Back to the Sushi Bar Patch, $4.80, online or in-store at Popkiller
   9. Temple Bell Windchime, $10, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   10. Sakura/Cherry Blossom Expandable Vase, $8.95, online at JANM Store

LITTLE TOKYO COMMUNITY COUNCIL POP-UP SHOP

PROCEEDS BENEFIT THE LITTLE TOKYO COMMUNITY COUNCIL

1. 1. Gift a Greeting!, $15 minimum donation
      4 1/2” x 6 1/4” Greeting Card set of 5, $14
      4 1/2” x 6 1/4” Greeting Card set of 10, $25
   2. Little Tokyo Pin Collection, $10 each (save 10% when you purchase a themed set or $20 when you purchase the full set!)
   3. Little Tokyo Map Tote Bag, $25 regular/$20 seconds
   4. Little Tokyo Map Sweatshirt, $40 (XL and XXL only*)
   5. Little Tokyo Vinyl Stickers, $2.50 each/set of 6 for $10

SHOP HERE UNTIL 12/5!

*Contact info@golittletokyo.com if you would like to be added to the waitlist and be notified regarding restocking of other sizes.

BOOKS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Check out these selections from Edgar Award-winning author and Little Tokyo supporter Naomi Hirahara. Support Little Tokyo by purchasing your gifts at local small businesses!

Picture Books

Niki Nakayama: A Chef’s Tale in 13 Bites, written by Debbi Michiko Florence and Jamie Michalak. Illustrated by Yuko Jones, $18.99, available online at JANM Store

Dad Bakes, by Katie Yamasaki, written and illustrated by the muralist of JANM’s Moon Beholders, $17.95, available in store at Kinokuniya

YA

From Little Tokyo, With Love, by Sarah Kuhn, $18.99, available online and in store at Bunkado

Fiction

Two Nails, One Love, by Alden Hayashi, $17.95, available in store at Kinokuniya

Nonfiction

Pioneers of Japanese American Baseball, by Robert Fitts, $24.99, available online at JANM Store 

A Rebel’s Outcry: Biography Of Issei Civil Rights Leader Sei Fujii, published by Jeffrey Gee Chin & Fumiko Carole Fujita, $50.00, available from the Little Tokyo Historical Society

Cookbook

Japanese Cookbook for Beginners, by Azusa Oda, $16.99, available online at JANM Store, $16.99, available online and in store at Bunkado

Memoir

Not Yo’ Butterfly, by Nobuko Miyamoto, $29.95, available online at JANM Store

Poetry

Navigating Without Instruments, by traci-kato kiriyama, coming soon to JANM Store

Graphic Novel 

WE HEREBY REFUSE: Japanese American Resistance to Wartime Incarceration, by Frank Abe and Tamiko Nimura. Illustrated by Ross Ishikawa, $19.95, available online at JANM Store

Go Little Tokyo Pick

Clark and Division, by Naomi Hirahara (our awesome contributor!), $27.95, available online at JANM Store

About Naomi Hirahara

Naomi Hirahara is an Edgar Award-winning author of multiple traditional mystery series and noir short stories. Her Mas Arai mysteries, which have been published in Japanese, Korean and French, feature a Los Angeles gardener and Hiroshima survivor who solves crimes. Her first historical mystery is Clark and Division, which follows a Japanese American family’s move to Chicago in 1944 after being released from a California wartime detention center. A former journalist with The Rafu Shimpo newspaper, Naomi has also written numerous non-fiction history books and curated exhibitions. She has also written a middle-grade novel, 1001 Cranes.

WELLNESS & RELAXATION

1. 1. Sakura Incense Stand by Akiko Endo, $30, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   2. Ginkgo Leaf Incense Stand, $10, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   3. Cherry Blossoms (Sakura) Incense, $20, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   4. Hinoki (Cypress) Spa Bags, $8.95, online at JANM Store
   5. Sumo Wrestler Mugs (set of 2), $26, online or in-store at Rafu Bussan
   6. Traditional Matcha Tea Bowl, price and selection varies, in-store at Rafu Bussan
   7. Hana Premium Grade Matcha Tea Powder, $35, online or in-store at Tea Master Matcha Cafe
   8. Hexagonal Ceramic Tea Cup Set, $49.95, online or in-store at Bunkado
   9. Generation Teas, $12, online at JANM Store
   10. Gratitude Journal, $28, online or in-store at Poketo
   11. Mini Ikebana Kit, $16.95, online at JANM Store

FAVORITES FOR FOOD LOVERS

1. 1. Utensil Stand by Yuko Yenser, $35, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   2. Copper Oyakodon Pan, $45, online or in-store at Utsuwa-no-Yakata
   3. Bokashi Starter Kit, $30, online at Sustainable Little Tokyo/JACCC
   4. Sakai Takayuki Damascus Hammered Gyuto (Chef’s Knife) 180mm $173.50, in store only at Anzen Hardware
   5. Shoyu Bottle Ornament, $16, online at JANM Store
   6. Delicious Little Tokyo Pin Collection, $10 each/$27 set of three, LTCC until 12/5 or Bunkado
   7. Sesame Grinder, $6.50, in store only at Anzen Hardware
   8. Iwachu Cast Iron Tea Pot, $110, in store only at Rafu Bussan
   9. Hinoki (Cypress) Cutting Board, $36, in store only at Anzen Hardware
   10. Japanese Icon Kitchen Towel, $14.95, online or in-store at Bunkado

LOVE FOR LITTLE ONES

1. 1. A Life Made By Hand: The Story of Ruth Asawa, $17.95, available at Bunkado and JANM Store
   2. Mochi Dumpling Rattle, $24, online or in store at Monkey Pants
   3. Pusheen Christmas Stocking, $29, online or in store at Monkey Pants
   4. Totozilla T-shirt, $23.80, online at Popkiller
   5. My Neighbor Totoro Pouch, $14.99, online at Anime Jungle
   6. Rainbow Koinobori, $9.95-$39.95, online at JANM Store
   7. Shiba Magic Changing Lamp, $50, online at JANM Store
   8. Sumo Board Book, $9.99 each, online at JANM Store
   9. Tiger Fusen, $3, online at JANM Store
   10. Blockitecture Deco, $35, online at Poketo

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For updated information on restaurants and retailers, click here.

 

Delicious Little Tokyo Hop

$69 PER PERSON

Over an $85 value! Hop ticket sales close Wednesday, July 14 at 11:59 pm.

Click here to return to main Delicious Little Tokyo page.

Delicious Little Tokyo 2021

Delicious Little Tokyo!
Saturday, July 10 – Sunday, July 25, 2021

Go Little Tokyo’s 6th Annual Delicious Little Tokyo transforms into a multi-weekend series of virtual events and special in-person promotions for all to experience and celebrate authentic culinary experiences from one of Los Angeles’s most historic, iconic, and favorite foodie neighborhoods.

Follow along for more updates throughout the event by following Go Little Tokyo’s Instagram and Facebook (@GoLittleTokyo).

TICKET SALES FOR THIS EVENT ARE CLOSED.

Over an $85 value! Hop ticket sales close Wednesday, July 14 at 11:59 pm.

Delicious Little Tokyo Virtual Food Tour
Thursday, July 22 • 6-7 PM
Suggested Donation $5

 

 

 

 

  

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Delicious Little Tokyo is brought to you by Go Little Tokyo, a Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) neighborhood marketing campaign developed and produced by Community Arts Resources (CARS) and made possible with support from Metro Los Angeles, Aratani Foundation, Asian Pacific Community Foundation Giving Circle, Asian Pacific Community Foundation Operations, Japanese American Community Foundation, JSL Foods, Inc., Union Bank, and UCLA Terasaki Center for Japanese Studies.

A Car-Free Day on the Gold Line

The metro line starts in East L.A. and runs through Boyle Heights, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Highland Park and Pasadena. It’s within walking distance of so many destinations: Mariachi Plaza, MOCA, the Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles State Historic Park, the Heritage Square Museum, the Autry Museum and Pasadena’s Old Town. Depending on how much you want to linger, just two stops can lead to a satisfying day-long itinerary.

Why Did Curry House’s Closure Break LA’s Heart?

LAist.com

BY ELINA SHATKIN IN FOOD ON FEBRUARY 27, 2020

In a big city, restaurants come and go, often before you’ve had a chance to try the place. Los Angeles is no exception. So why did Monday’s closure of Curry House, a chain of casual restaurants specializing in hearty but homely Japanese curry, strike such a sad note with Southern Californians? It’s not a simple answer.

Meet Little Tokyo: Darin Maki of CRFT by Maki

Born and raised in the city of Los Angeles, Darin Maki has returned to the US after over a decade in Asia to open his store CRFT by Maki on historic First Street in Little Tokyo.  As downtown LA develops at a breakneck pace, the former pro basketball player (Darin played for a pro team in Japan) is excited to open his store just months ahead of the Terasaki Budokan community gymnasium opening its doors a few blocks away.  Inspired by the legacy of his own family members who once had shops in the area, Darin is excited to be a part of the new wave of young Japanese American entrepreneurs returning to the neighborhood.

Meet Darin Maki, Founder of CRFT by Maki

JANM Wins 2020 Superintendent Award For Excellent in Museum Education

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) has been selected to receive a 2020 Superintendent’s Award for Excellence in Museum Education for the School Visits Program.

The three award-winning organizations will be presented with their awards by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond (or his designee) at the Opening Town Hall program of California Association of Museums’ (CAM) annual conference, to be held at the Omni Hotel in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 4, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.

MEET LITTLE TOKYO: TAKEO SHIBATANI, OWNER OF TANOTA TAKOYAKI

TaNoTa Takoyaki opened its Little Tokyo brick and mortar in 2018 but they’ve been a part of the neighborhood as a food truck since 2010.  Originally started by three surfing friends Takeo, Nori and Taichi (thus why TaNoTa), Takeo is now the sole owner of the brick and mortar storefront in the Japanese Village Plaza.

MEET LITTLE TOKYO: JAMIE RIVADENEIRA, OWNER OF JAPANLA

JapanLA is a Japanese pop culture shop selling character and anime goods.  Their products range from Japanese characters like the worldwide phenomenon Hello Kitty to Japanese inspired characters like Tokidoki, an American brand by an Italian artist who loves Japanese pop culture. The name JapanLA comes from the fact that this shop regularly hosts independent artists inspired by LA to sell their merchandise in their store as a pop-up.