FREE
Come together to celebrate the strength and history of Japanese American athletics! Join in a day of performances, exhibitions, demonstrations, and activities to wish all the athletes competing this year luck and safety and learn about the Olympic games in Little Tokyo past and present.
This program is presented in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC), and the Terasaki Budokan, in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Header image courtesy of Alan Miyatake, Toyo Miyatake Studio. The image is also featured in the 'JACCC exhibition, Torch: 1932 Los Angeles Olympics Photos by Toyo Miyatake.'
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This program is generously supported by:
Schedule
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM
L.A. Taiko Ichiza, Olympic medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani, and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles
Kick off the day with an invigorating performance by L.A. Taiko Ichiza and a welcome from Olympic medalists Maia and Alex Shibutani and the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles. Select artifacts from past Japanese American athletes like Tommy Kono will also be on display inside the museum.
Japanese American National Museum
JANM Plaza
100 N. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Torch: 1932 Los Angeles Olympics Photos by Toyo Miyatake
Visit the JACCC’s exhibition of Torch: 1932 Los Angeles Olympics Photos by Toyo Miyatake.
In 1932, noted Japanese American photographer Toyo Miyatake was hired by Asahi Shinbun to document the LA Olympics. The 103 Japanese athletes won seven gold medals, mostly in swimming, and Chuhei Nambu broke the world record for the triple jump. The Japanese community in Little Tokyo celebrated with a parade on 1st Street. These photos exemplify Toyo Miyatake’s genius behind the lens. Translations of LA Issei poets from the 1933 anthology Torch, commemorating the 1932 Olympics, will also be on display.
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center
244 S. San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Interactive Karate Demonstrations and Photo Opportunities
Join us at Terasaki Budokan in Little Tokyo for interactive karate demonstrations and photo opportunities celebrating Japanese American athleticism in Los Angeles. Plus, test your Olympic worthy skills at this new community gym.
Terasaki Budokan
249 S Los Angeles St
Los Angeles, CA 90012