Kyary Pamyu Pamyu, the Japanese pop singer and kawaii model, toured Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles to support small businesses that were deeply affected by the pandemic.
Her tour included brief stops at JANM, Anime Jungle, Bunkado, Café Dulce, Fugetsu-do, Honda Plaza, Koyasan Buddhist Temple, the Metro station platform, and Okayama Kobo. Her visit was part of her Local Power Japan project, an initiative that included 30 stops to towns and cities throughout Japan to boost local tourism and make her performances more accessible to fans.
Upon her arrival at JANM on April 19, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu received a warm welcome from Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of JANM, and a tour of Common Ground: The Heart of Community and The Interactive StoryFile of Lawson Iichiro Sakai with Masako Miki, the Japanese-language external relations officer at JANM.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu also received a set of gifts or omiyage from the JANM Store that were selected and presented by Alexa Nishimoto, the marketing associate for JANM and self-proclaimed super fan of the musician. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu enjoyed the exhibitions and encouraged visitors to learn how the history of Japanese Americans continues to affect future generations.
“The work JANM does is so important for future generations to see,” said Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. “It is important for people to learn about this history.”
Bunkado, Café Dulce, Fugetsu-do, and Okayama Kobo will offer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu-themed food throughout May 2022 at the discretion of store management. Café Dulce and Fugetsu-do are offering Kyary Pamyu Pamyu-themed donuts and mochi. Bunkado is selling Kyary Pamyu Pamyu-themed shirts through the end of this month.
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s April visit to Little Tokyo and merchandise dovetails with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month during May 2022. And what better way to celebrate Heritage Month than with a visit to JANM?
Visit JANM to explore our exhibitions to learn about the Japanese American experience!
- Attend a public program.
- Book a school visit or group visit on-site or a virtual visit online.
- Explore educational resources for learners of all ages.
- Explore artifacts in our online collections or check out our new Google Arts & Culture story about Miné Okubo.
- Watch films produced by JANM’s award-winning Watase Media Arts Center
- Learn about Nikkei around the world on JANM’s community-based Discover Nikkei website.
- Shop at the JANM Store.
- Become a JANM member.
Takemura Kiriko is the birth name of the Japanese girl known by her stage name Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. She is a blogger, Harajuku girl, fashion model, and J-pop singer.
Hope you enjoyed your visit, Kyary! Thank you for the share!
During her visit to JANM, she enjoyed the exhibitions and encouraged visitors to learn about how the history of Japanese Americans continues to affect future generations. Additionally, several businesses in Little Tokyo, including Café Dulce, Fugetsu-do, and Okayama Kobo, will offer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu-themed food throughout May 2022. Her visit to Little Tokyo and the merchandise sold during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May 2022 were celebrated. Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend public programs, book a school or group visit, explore educational resources, shop at the JANM Store, become a JANM member, and more.
She is beautiful and just full of talent! I admire her work of art!
Thank you for the share!
Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s visit to JANM during her Little Tokyo tour was a delightful fusion of pop culture and heritage. Her presence enlivened the atmosphere, sparking curiosity among visitors about Japanese-American history. Enquire about her impact on contemporary culture and the significance of blending tradition with modernity.
Thank you for sharing this!