Tales of Little Tokyo

Performing Arts

In Person

Japanese American National Museum

100 North Central Avenue Los Angeles, California, United States of America

Date: Jan. 11, 2020

Two performances:

2 p.m.–3:30 p.m.

7 p.m.–8:30 p.m.

Tales of Little Tokyo is a live theatrical reading of memories drawn from over 50 interviews with Los Angeles residents about their relationship to the oldest and largest Japanese American community in the United States. Today this 135+ year old landmark of Japanese American history faces serious threats to its existence as the relentless forces of gentrification bear down on its ever-shrinking geography. This is a phenomenon that major cities across the country are grappling with.

Why are communities and the cultural history they embody important? What do we stand to lose? What have we lost already? How can a community respond intelligently and effectively to conflicting issues of preservation and development? Tales of Little Tokyo speaks to those questions and more through the stories of those who have been part of its history and who continue to cherish it as a community.

Originally created by award-winning performance artist Dan Kwong in 2018, this presentation of Tales of Little Tokyo will include new interviews as well as a multimedia component. Read/performed by Kwong and veteran actress Takayo Fischer, dozens of recollections will come to life with the help of exquisite archival photos, family snapshots, and period music. Together they will convey the rich history of Little Tokyo and what it means to its stakeholders.

Even to those who are not Japanese American or have no particular relationship to Little Tokyo, the idea of people fighting for something that has symbolized “home” for generations resonates loud and clear: the heart and soul of a city is found in the collective experience of its people.

Performances are included with museum admission. Please note that the 7 p.m. performance begins after the museum closes at 5 p.m. We encourage you to come visit our galleries before 4:30 p.m. to take full advantage of your ticket. Helpful dining options in Little Tokyo can be found at golittletokyo.com/delicious.

RSVPs are recommended using the links below.

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. show: RSVP NOW >>
7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. show: RSVP NOW >>
This presentation represents the evolution of a project Kwong began during his participation in Little Tokyo Service Center’s inaugural +LAB Artist Residency in Summer 2018 at JANM.
In the Tateuchi Democracy Forum

Check janm.org for updates.