Go Little Tokyo, Little Tokyo Community Council’s community-based small business marketing initiative, is pleased to present family-friendly springtime happenings in Downtown Los Angeles’ iconic, nearly 140-year-old neighborhood in honor of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Kick off the month of celebration early on Wednesday, April 29 from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center’s annual Kodomo no Hi, aka Children’s Day event. A celebration in Japan since ancient times, Children’s Day activities include, Rajio Taiso, a national warm-up exercise in Japan that promotes good health and socialization, a Kids Craft Workshop hosted in Noguchi Plaza, Ukulele performances, a Japanese animated fantasy screening, and more! To see the full schedule visit jaccc.org.
The Children’s Day festivities continue Saturday, May 6 at Terasaki Budokan, a nonprofit multipurpose sports and activities center in Little Tokyo. In collaboration with artist Faith-Ann Kiwa Young and AAPI market CO-MRKT, the free event will feature a full day of fun activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. including art workshops, musical performances, and an AAPI-curated marketplace for the whole family to enjoy. For more information visit terasakibudokan.org
Kickoff the 39th edition of the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month with communities through music, food, and art at the Japanese American National Museum. The kickoff event will be free to the public and offer complimentary admission to the museum’s exhibits throughout the evening. Festival Cinematic Presentations will begin on Friday, May 5 in Little Tokyo. For more information visit festival.nvmedia.org.
Experience the nation’s premier Asian-American theatre with the opening night celebration and fundraiser for the East West Players’ new musical, “On This Side of the World” on Thursday, May 14 at 5 p.m. With show dates through Sunday, June 4, this soaring world premiere musical gives voices to Filipino immigrants navigating old lives and new beginnings, eight-thousand miles from home. For tickets and more information visit Eastwestplayers.org.
Show support for Asian American and Pacific Islander filmmakers at the 39th annual Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival presented by Visual Communications from Thursday, May 4 through Sunday, May 13. This year’s festival will feature a robust lineup of in-person programming along with virtual programming for audiences at home in Southern California and beyond. For more information visit vcmedia.org/festival.
Enjoy the spring season while honoring Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage month by supporting the unique array of Asian-owned businesses in the Little Tokyo community. To learn more about all the businesses in Little Tokyo visit golittletokyo.com.
