Little Tokyo Celebrates the 100th Anniversary of JANM’s Historic Building

On September 12, 2023, the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), Little Tokyo Historical Society (LTHS), and other Little Tokyo partners celebrated the upcoming 100th anniversary of JANM’s Historic Building with a new plaque and street signs marking the building’s significance and its City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument designation.

JANM’s Director of Collections Management and Access and Curator, Kristen Hayashi, welcomed the group and introduced Michael Okamura, president of the Little Tokyo Historical Society, who spoke about the LTHS’s efforts to raise the visibility of historic sites throughout Little Tokyo, including the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, the Kame Restaurant, the Finale Club, Sei Fujii and J. Marion Wright Memorial Lantern, Toyo Miyatake Way, Reverend Howard Toriumi Plaza, and the Aoyama Tree.

“You could tell that throughout Little Tokyo these are significant. We honor these legacy people who were before us and it’s very important. When you walk throughout Little Tokyo please take a moment and absorb all these people and the naming sites,” said Okamura.

Rev. William Briones of Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple then spoke about how the site played an important role in the spiritual and social life of the community.

“It was a place of spiritual refuge, community, a playground for the children, a place to grieve for their loved ones, and to find joy in the joining of two people. And who could forget the iconic picture that Archie Miyatake took? The backdrop of one of the assembly points from which local Issei and Nisei were sent to the camp. Today we are truly honored for this recognition and even though a lot of people don’t know the history of this, there are so many fond and wonderful memories of this temple. Thank you for this recognition,” said Briones. Afterward, both of them unveiled the new signs on 1st Street that now mark the historic site.

The Historic Building was designed by local architect Edgar Cline and built in 1925 as the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist temple. In 1985, the newly incorporated JANM signed a fifty-year lease with the City of Los Angeles to renovate the temple and convert it into a museum. The renovation was conceived by a consortium of eight Japanese American architects: Marcia Chiono, David Kikuchi, Shigeru Masumoto, Yoshio Nishimoto, Frank Sata, Takashi Shida, George Shinmo, and Robert Uyeda. In 1986 it was designated as City of Los Angeles Historic Cultural Monument 313. In 1992 JANM opened its doors to the public with 23,800 square feet of space for exhibitions, collections, and public programs.

“JANM’s Historic Building is our oldest and largest artifact on our campus. It is hallowed ground, a site of conscience, and a gathering place for civic engagement and social justice. The plaque and street signs not only commemorate the Historic Building’s history in the Japanese American community but also expands the public’s understanding of its significance to the history of Los Angeles and the US. Commemorating the building’s history ensures that past injustices will never be repeated and that diverse voices will be heard now and into the future,” said Ann Burroughs, President and CEO of JANM.

Principal City Planner and Manager for the City of Los Angeles Office of Historic Resources, Ken Bernstein, praised the new plaque and street signs for raising the visibility of the historic site in Little Tokyo.

“Our historic buildings anchor us in an ever changing city. They really provide a meaningful connection to our collective memory—that bridge between past, present, and future. Thanks to you, the historic designation and enhanced visibility through the street sign and the plaque will continue to allow the Little Tokyo community to connect to its rich heritage and really use that rich heritage as a way of continuing to promote the vitality of the Little Tokyo community.”

Actor, activist, JANM Trustee, and Board Chair Emeritus, George Takei, joined Burroughs and Bernstein to unveil the bronze plaque, now installed at the building’s historic entrance.

Hayashi closed the ceremony by noting the significance of the ceremony and the power of place that JANM’s Historic Building has on its own and in relation to JANM’s Pavilion.

“These places matter to us and our community and we want people to know about its significance; that’s why we have this ceremony today. We could’ve just mounted the plaque but instead we really wanted people to know that it’s here. Several people have pointed out that there are several generations of people here today to witness this moment and it’s so fitting because as you turn around and you look towards JANM’s Pavilion, the architects of the Pavilion really wanted us to reflect on our past. Our past is what guides our present and future. It’s symbolic of who’s represented here. We have several generations here to carry on the legacy of those who have come before us in Little Tokyo.”

A special surprise performance by the children of Nishi Daycare charmed the audience of fifty who gathered in the plaza for the celebration.

2023 Natsumatsuri Family Festival Brought Over 2,500 Visitors to JANM!

On August 12, 2023, JANM welcomed 2,715 visitors to its annual summer celebration featuring free cultural performances, crafts, and activities in downtown Los Angeles.

Our Natsumatsuri Family Festival kicked off with a powerful performance by the award-winning TAIKOPROJECT. Their song, “Omiyage,” conveyed the custom of the same name where a person gives gifts to friends, colleagues, or family when visiting a place. TAIKOPROJECT’s closing performance was all about audience participation with call and response of ichi ni sou rei and oroshi, a series of hits to the drum that slowly speeds up in tempo. Kids and adults alike joined together to play the drums in two different rounds, raising their bachi (drum sticks) to the sky before bringing them down for the first hit and yelling the call (ichi ni) and response (sou rei).

Elaine Fukumoto from the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple led a group bon odori (traditional dance) in JANM’s Aratani Central Hall. “We’re dancing fools and we want more dancing fools to join us,” said Fukamoto, encouraging visitors participating in origami and the scavenger hunt to join the dance circle as she led a group lesson with songs like “Sakura” and “Pokemon Ondo.”

Outside on the courtyard, the comedy and improv group Cold Tofu performed skits based on the audience’s suggestions. They played games like English Gibberish where audience members gave two cast members the theme archenemies and they improvised a conversation while switching from English to babble all while staying in character. They also played Pop-Up Storybook where audience members gave all cast members an adjective (smoky) and a noun (sewing machine) to narrate a unique four-part story called “the smoky sewing machine.”

The festivities continued throughout the afternoon with a kendo demonstration by Sho Tokyo Kendo Dojo, a printmaking workshop with artist David Horvitz in collaboration with Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair, and a taiko workshop led by longtime JANM Volunteer Hal Keimi.

Closing out our family festival was a fabulous shamisen jazz and blues performance by Yu Ooka and Kimo Cornwell of the Yu-ki Project. Ooka is a Los Angeles–based shamisen player and guitarist, and Cornwell is a Grammy-nominated keyboardist. They performed original songs such as “Train Home to Osaka,” Working Man,” and “Where the Tree Grows.” They were then joined by Karen Evans, an amazing singer from Inglewood, California who toured the world with Ray Charles. Together, they played James Brown’s “I Got You (I Feel Good),” Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do for Love,” ZZ Hill’s “Down Home Blues,” and Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” to a grooving audience.

We hope to see you next year for our Oshogatsu Family Festival in January 2024! Check our Events Calendar later this year for more about our next free family festival.

Yu Ooka and Kimo Cornwell of the jazz shamisen band Yu-ki Project and Karen Evans play jazz and blues. Photo by Joe Akira.

Hopping into the Year of the Rabbit at JANM’s 2023 Oshogatsu Family Festival

We greeted over 6,000 visitors to JANM on January 8, 2023 as we welcomed in the Year of the Rabbit with oodles of family-friendly activities. Families of all ages enjoyed the New Year festivities including hand-sculpted candy-making demonstrations to craft activities and mochi (rice cake) pounding performances. 

The occasion brought together those with Japanese ancestry keen to pass on cultural traditions to their young ones and others who came to share a memorable experience. 

This is the first hybrid JANM Oshogatsu Family Festival since the pandemic. The all-day festival featured a range of events such as the improv comedy performance by Cold Tofu, the nation’s longest running AsianAmerican improv group, and the dynamic, large-scale calligraphy performance by Kunihara Yoshida.

Enjoy some highlights from the 2023 Oshogatsu Family Festival!

Watch the highlights from the 2023 Oshogatsu Family Festival! (available for a limited time only)

spam musubi snapback cap from 6 Degrees of Hapa

Welcome Vendors to Kokoro2021!

The 13th Annual Kokoro Craft Show is virtual again this year! Although the pandemic has prevented the in-person Kokoro Craft Show from occurring two years in a row, we are excited to showcase more than 60 vendors, many of whom are new to Kokoro.     

Shoppers can begin viewing vendor’s products from November 1st for two weeks at our new website, www.kokorocraftshow.comDuring this special shopping period, shoppers buy products from the vendor directly and write “Kokoro2021” on their orders.  Kokoro2021 proceeds benefit JANM’s educational and cultural programs.  

VENDORS
6 Degrees of Hapa • Alohi Images Maui • Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics • Bansai8 Creations • BIZU • Boy Cherie Jewelry • Cato Crafts • Color Conscious • Creative Handcrafted Gifts • DaTojos • Designs by Eemabeth • Dr. Nancy’s Felted Pets • Emi Ink • Flying Plumtree Studio • Harvest Land • Hug a Sumo • imoriknits • JapaneseYa • Katherine M Ragghianti • Kayoko Designs • Kelley’s Kookies • Kiobi Designs • Kirei Cositas • Kotas Kreations  • Laura Ann’s Jams  • Ling-Yen Designs • Little Craft Shack • Madame Sakura Crafts • masako boissonnault • Mi So Happi • Nakashima Fine Arts • Nami Creations • Norman Lurie Pottery • Oak Street Design • orangeheat • Pomegranate Designs • Sakai Harts & Crafts • SalvagedHealing • Santa Barbara Soups • Sente • sewKimono • Silky Hut • Simmisu Paper Co • Simply Sown • Sixtyeightcolors • SOLSISS Jewelry • Some Mo Crafts • Stacy Wong • STORY SPARK • Studio Engravers • Sun & Lace • Susan Griffin Designs • Sushi Clock • Suzye Ogawa Designs • Tenuiya • Tierra Murra • TLC Quilting • Tome Ceramics •Whimsical Charm • Wilcox • Wong Creations • YellowRose Accessories • Zazu Faure/Los Angeles

For more information, visit www.kokorocraftshow.com or email the JANM volunteers at kokorocraftshow@gmail.com.  


Photos courtesy of from top left to right:  Designs by Eemabeth, Santa Barbara Soups, Ling-Yen Designs, and 6 Degrees of Hapa

Kokoro2021 Craft Show—Vendors Apply Now!

Applications for the Virtual Kokoro2021 Craft Show are available now at kokorocraftshow.com/vendor.  The Show will run from November 1 through November 15, 2021.

To apply, please complete the online form or download the application (PDF) and include five (5) product photos with your application. Please be sure to review the Vendor Guidelines and FAQs on the website before completing your form. Applications must be received (or postmarked) by Friday, August 13.

This is a juried show. Notification of acceptance will be communicated no later than Friday, August 27.Thank you for your support!

Photos are courtesy of ColorConscious.com and Simmisu Paper Co.

Call for Kokoro2021 Vendor Applications

Are you ready for Virtual Kokoro2021

This online craft show, organized by JANM’s volunteers to support the Japanese American National Museum, returns on November 1 through November 15, 2021. The Vendor applications will be available beginning July 1 to August 13.

Applications will be accepted from local and regional artisans of handcrafted goods and food items. There are limited spaces available, so apply early to join our community of craft-makers. Your participation helps to support the Museum’s many cultural and educational programs!

For more information, visit kokorocraftshow.com.

Questions? Email kokorocraftshow@gmail.com (Note: This is a new Kokoro gmail address.)

Kokoro2020: More Holiday Gift Ideas!

Just a few days left to shop Kokoro2020! Take care of your holiday gift list which at the same time will support JANM’s educational programs! 

For this sweet time of year, satisfy your cravings at Kelley’s Kookies, Lileeku Jams, and Fugetsu-Do

Face masks make a great stocking stuffer from vendors such as 6 Degrees of Hapa, Art Mina, Color Conscious, Creative Handcrafted Gifts, Da Tojos, Ecommshipments, Elua Crafters, Kiobi Designs, Pontigo, sewKimono, and TABfabrics

Flip through the Vendor Catalog for more great gift ideas. You an also watch the Virtual Kokoro2020 video to see some of the vendors talking about their products (find links to all of the vendor’s websites/contacts below the video).

Make sure to write “Kokoro2020” on your orders this month so that your purchases will benefit JANM’s educational programs!

Thank you for your support of Kokoro2020 and JANM. The Kokoro Committee wishes your holidays are safe and most joyous.

Kokoro2020: Gift Ideas for the Home!

Just in time for the holidays, Virtual Kokoro2020 offers a variety of gifts for the home. Holiday ornaments for your tree (Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics and Kirei Cositas), guava jam (Lileeku Jam), crocheted animals (Some Mo Crafts), decorative birdhouse (Simmisu), wall planters (Stacy Wong), artwork for your walls (Pomegranate Designs), tea towels for your kitchen (DaTojos), and coasters for your coffee table (Color Conscious)! Visit Virtual Kokoro2020 for gifts that bring warmth and joy to your home.

Watch the Virtual Kokoro2020 video program (find links to all of the vendor’s websites/contacts below the video) and check out the vendor catalog. Some of the vendors mentioned above talk about their products in the video! Make sure to write “Kokoro2020” on your orders this month so that your purchases will benefit JANM’s educational programs!

For any questions, email us at kokorocraft@gmail.com.

Virtual Kokoro2020 is Open! Watch the video program and shop!

It’s finally here! Watch the 40-minute video program below and then use this flipping book catalog to view the vendor’s products at your leisure and to point and click to quickly access your favorite vendor’s website or email address.   

Virtual Kokoro2020 runs from November 14 to 30. Make sure to write “Kokoro2020” on your orders this month so that your purchases will benefit JANM’s educational programs!

The Kokoro program schedule with video time stamps and links to their websites/email addresses are below. No sign-in or registration is required.

KOKORO VIDEO PROGRAM: 
 0:00 – 12 Years of Kokoro
 3:25 – Greeting from Janet Maloney, Cochair
 4:30 – Greeting from Ann Burroughs, JANM President & CEO
 6:53 – 6 Degrees of Hapa
 7:37 – Acorn Works
 8:56 – Alyson Iwamoto Ceramics
10:34 – BGK Gems
12:44 – Charming Little Lotus
14:40 – Color Conscious
16:02 – Ecommshipments
17:58 – Happyshirts
18:48 – JKiyomi Designs
19:58 – Joan Flax
20:50 – Kiobi Designs
21:50 – Madame Sakura Crafts
23:08 – Papermum Press
25:05 – Pomegranate Designs
26:20 – sewKimono
27:46 – Shibori Girl Studios
29:52 – SOLSISS
31:58 – Stacy Wong
33:21 – Suzye Ogawa Designs
33:55 – Vendor Slides

38:15 – Thank you from Irene Nakagawa, Cochair
39:51 – Goodbye and Credits
40:54 – Catalogue

For more information, please refer to the Customer FAQ below  or email us at kokorocraft@gmail.com.

Enjoy the video program! Have fun shopping for holiday gifts and for yourself! 

KOKORO 2020 CUSTOMER FAQ

How do I let a vendor know this is a “Kokoro2020” purchase?  

Vendors have a variety of methods for accepting sales. The vendors with websites sometimes have a spot where you can add a comment. This is where you can indicate the sale is due to the Kokoro2020 event. If the vendor has a shopping cart with no spot to add a comment, then please email the vendor to let them know you want your purchase tagged as a “Kokoro2020” sale. 

If there is a problem with my order, can I contact Kokoro2020 or JANM?

You will contact the vendor directly to make your purchase and to resolve any problems. Please do not contact Kokoro2020 or JANM.

Is there a place to view all the vendors that were in the video?

A flipping book catalog of all the vendors, their products, and their website or email address is available to view and download here. Once the catalog opens, click anywhere on the page and you will be taken to the flipping book site.  

How will my purchase help JANM? 

Vendors will donate 10% of Kokoro2020-identified sales to JANM, which will benefit JANM’s education programs. While the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily halted in-person programs for school groups, education programs have gone on-line and virtual visits are now available to virtual classrooms across the country. Visit janm.org/groupvisits to learn more!  

Check Out Face Masks, T-shirts, and more at Virtual Kokoro2020

Tired of the same face mask? Find a variety of new masks and other unique apparel at Virtual Kokoro2020, beginning November 14.

The online video program includes product photos and short videos provided by participating vendors that showcase their work and illuminate their creative processes.

At the end of the video program, check out the flip-page catalog featuring all 42 vendors. To view your favorite items, just point & click on the vendor website to shop or call/email your favorite vendors for assistance.

Watch and shop starting November 14!

Virtual Kokoro2020

For more information, email us at kokorocraft@gmail.com.