The Big Games in Little Tokyo

Date: July 11, 2021

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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. 

SCHEDULE
11:15-11:45am 
Japanese American National Museum (JANM Plaza)

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. 

12:30 - 1:15pm 
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

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.

1:45 - 2:45 
Terasaki Budokan

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. 

Check back soon for more details on the schedule or follow us on social media @jamuseum!

This program is presented in partnership with the Japanese American National Museum, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and the Terasaki Budokan, in cooperation with the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles.

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