Marvel at the amazing and creative ways that writers can imagine Little Tokyo and expand the fictional boundaries of the Japanese American experience.

Each year, the Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest heightens awareness of Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo by challenging both new and experienced writers to write a story that captures the spirit and essence of Little Tokyo and the people in it. Noted theatre artistss—Greg Watanabe, Jully Lee, and Eiji Inoue—will showcase the winning stories with dramatic readings from the three contest categories—Adult, Youth, and Japanese language. Each category winner is awarded cash prize and their story will be published in The Rafu Shimpo, on Discover Nikkei, and on the new Little Tokyo Historical Society website. 

The contest is presented by Little Tokyo Historical Society in partnership with JANM’s Discover Nikkei project.

RSVPs are required. You will be emailed Zoom links and instructions on how to join our webinar on Sunday, May 23 at 1 p.m. (PDT)

RSVP NOW

Read stories from past Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contests:

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest I

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest II

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest III

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest IV

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest V

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest VI

Imagine Little Tokyo Short Story Contest VII