Holiday Happenings 2022
Little Tokyo holiday events and deals!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
JOAH MARKET CHRISTMAS POP-UP AT YOBOSEYO! SUPERETTE IN LITTLE TOKYO
Hosted by JOAH & YOBOSEYO! SUPERETTE
Saturday, December 2
1 pm-7 pm
YOBOSEYO! SUPERETTE
GET READY TO DECK THE HALLS! JOIN US FOR A SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS POP-UP! WE’VE SUPER-SIZED OUR SPACE FOR EVEN MORE AMAZING VENDORS. ENJOY OUR COMPLIMENTARY SUGAR COOKIE BAR - SPRINKLE, TOP, AND CREATE YOUR OWN EDIBLE MASTERPIECE! OPEN FROM 1PM-7PM, IT’S THE PERFECT SPOT TO FIND UNIQUE CHRISTMAS GIFTS AND SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. COME FOR THE COOKIES, STAY FOR THE CHEER!
FREE ENTRY & 90MIN PARKING VALIDATION
SHOP FOR GIFTS, TAKE PHOTOS, JOIN OUR COMMUNITY
COMPLIMENTARY SUGAR COOKIE BAR
SHOGUN SANTA
Hosted by the Little Tokyo Business Association
Japanese Village Plaza:
Saturday, December 17
Sunday, December 18
Saturday, December 24
11 am–3 pm
Little Tokyo Galleria:
Saturday, December 17
Sunday, December 18
Saturday, December 24
4–6 pm
Meet Shogun Santa in front of the Christmas tree in Little Tokyo for a festive photo opportunity!
OSHOGATSU IN LITTLE TOKYO
Hosted by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce
New Year’s Day
Sunday, January 1
10 am - 4 pm
Weller Court & Japanese Village Plaza
Japanese Chamber of Commerce to showcase New Year Celebration in Little Tokyo 2023!
Experience the Japanese way of celebrating the New Year of 2023 in the heart of Southern California on January 1st. From entertainment, food, children’s cultural activities and a sake fest, it is one of the most exciting events to take place in the Japanese community.
The event will feature traditional Japanese food, entertainment and cultural activities such as mochitmaki, a kimono fashion show, shamisen show, Kompo and the list goes on!
The New Year celebration is organized by both JCCSC and JCCF, with support from the Consul General of Japan, the Nisei Week Foundation and various community members.
OSHOGATSU IN LITTLE TOKYO
Hosted by the Japanese American National Museum
Sunday, January 8
11 am–5 pm
The Japanese American National Museum will host its annual Oshogatsu Family Festival. Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages!
Traditional mochitsuki (Japanese rice pounding ritual) performance by Kodama Taiko
Candy sculpture demonstrations by Shan Ichiyanagi (Shan the Candyman)
Koto and calligraphy performances
Author-led interactive storytimes
Fun Oshogatsu and Year of the Rabbit-inspired crafts and origami
Souvenir photos by cre8tive outlets
Scavenger hunt for prizes
Free admission all day
…and so much more!
HOLIDAY DEALS
GO LITTLE TOKYO HOLIDAY HOP
through December 31
Enjoy exclusive deals at 16 participating Little Tokyo businesses until the end of the year Plus, each visited business is a chance to win our holiday giveaway!
Participating businesses:
Anime Jungle
Azay
Bunkado
Cafe Dulce
Japangeles
Little Tokyo Taiyaki
Midori Matcha
Mitsuru Cafe
Monkey Pants
Okayama Kobo
Popkiller Second
Rafu Bussan
Tea Master
T.O.T.
Utsuwa-no-Yakata
Yoboseyo! Superette
Click here to learn more!
RAKKAN RAMEN HOLIDAY DEAL
Hot House Sake and any 5pc Crispy Gyoza for $10
It's a great way to warm up during the cold winter months and an even better way to start off a ramen meal!
Offer valid for dine-in only from Wednesday, December 14 through Wednesday, December 28.
Not valid with any other promotions or coupons.
Limit one offer per customer.
Rakkan Ramen
359 E 1st Street
FREE LITTLE TOKYO NECKLACE WITH $50+ PURCHASE AT LEOLA LACE
Take home an adorable “Little Tokyo” necklace when you spend $50 or more at Leola Lace, while supplies last.
Leola Lace
301 E 1st Street
Go Little Tokyo Gift Guide
Check out holiday gift picks from
GO LITTLE TOKYO
supporting the Little Tokyo Community Council!
Learn more about our online and in-person pop-up shops here.
Online pop-up shop:
Friday, November 25 at 12 am - Friday, December 2 at 11:59 pm
In-person pop-up shop:
Friday, December 9 & Saturday, December 10, 11 am–3 pm
Far East Lounge
353 E 1st Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
1. Oshogatsu kagami mochi maneki neko enamel pin ($12) and holiday maneki neko vinyl stickers ($4 each or $7 for both!)
‘Tis the season for adorable holiday gifts! Our newest enamel pin is a festive New Year’s version of our friendly maneki neko (lucky/beckoning cat) adorning a kagami mochi outfit as a nod to the traditional Japanese New Year decoration.
The vinyl stickers are budget-friendly and very easy to mail or include with a gift card!
2. Little Tokyo washi tape set of 2 ($9)
Our first washi tape designs feature some of our beloved illustrations, as well as our new holiday maneki neko! Available individually as well ($4.50 and $6.50), but who doesn’t love a deal?!)
3. Yōkoso! Little Tokyo lavender dad cap and mystery pin bundle ($40—save $15!)
We have so much love for this hat—and we’re not alone, it’s sold out three times!
4. Little Tokyo script tote bag and mystery pin bundle ($45—save $15!)
This spacious tote has super long handles and a huge gusset, making it an excellent companion for grocery shopping, picking up food, or just lugging around a bunch of stuff. The Little Tokyo script is paired the kanji characters for 小東京 (reading Shōtōkyō, which means “Little Tokyo”).
5. Little Tokyo map tee (in charcoal, orchid, or teal!) ($30)
We may or may not be wearing these on rotation because they are SO SOFT. With three different colors, it’s the perfect gift for any Little Tokyo fan!
6. Enamel pin bundle ($90—save $30!)
Our biggest deal on our popular enamel pins—this bundle of 12 pins is 25% off! Perfect for stockings, coworkers, neighbors, small gifts to mail or include with cards.
7. Legacy bundle ($45—save $13.50!)
Our enamel pin set featuring five of Little Tokyo’s legacy businesses PLUS the matching vinyl sticker set! A great way to show your love to some of LT’s longest-standing businesses!
Anzen Hardware, since 1946
Bunkado, since 1946
Fugetsu-Do, since 1903 (turning 120 in 2023!)
Rafu Bussan, since 1958 (turning 65 in 2023!)
Rafu Shimpo, since 1903 (turning 120 in 2023!)
8. Mega sticker bundle! ($30—save $14.50!)
Every sticker we’ve ever created! Every. single. sticker. This bundle includes the ever-popular Haunted sticker duo AND the new holiday sticker duo!
Shop these picks and more online during our pop-up shop from 11/25 through 11/29 or in person on 12/9 and 12/10! Click here for more information.
Proceeds benefit the Little Tokyo Community Council. Thank you for your support!
Check out more holiday gift guides:
Andie’s Gift Guide
Chris’ Gift Guide
Sean’s Gift Guide
Sylvia’s Gift Guide
Sylvia’s Gift Guide
Check out holiday gift picks from
SYLVIA WAKANA GUNDE
@sylvia.wakana
Growing up and living in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo was one of my favorite places to go!
Favorite Little Tokyo small businesses: Bunkado, Tea Master, Yoboseyo! Superette
1. Year of the Rabbit figurine ($5.95~$15.95) from Bunkado (online and in-store at 340 E 1st Street)
“Best wishes for the new year (and I'm a rabbit!)”
2. Nostalgiana 6 oz candle ($25) from Bunkado (online and in-store at 340 E 1st Street)
“Absolute BEST smelling candles—reminds me of being in Japan, nice crackle wick, super pretty.”
3. Matcha powder ($42~79) from Tea Master and Midori Matcha
“Give the gift of health and ritual.”
4. Box of mochi and manju from Fugetsu-Do (in-store only, 315 E 1st Street)
“Because who doesn't want a box of delicious mochi?”
6. Hasami Porcelain dishware ($10~$100) from Utsuwa-no-Yakata (online and in store, Little Tokyo Galleria 333 S Alameda St #101)
“Super high quality, classic, and stylish.”
7. Go Little Tokyo script tote from Little Tokyo Community Council (pop-up shops coming up online 11/25-12/2 and in-person 12/9 &10!)
“Supporting Little Tokyo is important to me <3”
8. Little Ganshik pet treats from Yoboseyo! Superette (in-store only, 358 E 2nd Street)
“Because our fur friends need gifts, too! Local LA brand.”
10. Flower arrangement from Little Tokyo Florist (Little Tokyo Galleria, 333 S Alameda St #110)
“For those who want to gift something more ephemeral - flowers can say so much. Plus, love supporting a queer-owned business!”
10.5 Collaboration tee from CRFT by Maki x Little Tokyo Florist (available for pre-order online!)
“Support multiple Little Tokyo businesses at once!”
Check out more holiday gift guides:
Andie’s Gift Guide
Chris’ Gift Guide
Sean’s Gift Guide
Go Little Tokyo Gift Guide
Chris’ Gift Guide
Check out holiday gift picks from
CHRIS AIHARA
Worked, played, ate, shopped, conspired, inspired, and retired in LT.
Favorite Little Tokyo small businesses: Too hard to choose!
1. Spice Hair wax ($19) and Orange Shower spray hair wax ($24) from Du Japon Hair Club (in-store only, 454 E 2nd Street)
“Good product for short hair, spray wax convenient.”
2. Asian Zodiac Animal Kit ($36.95) from JANM Store (online and in-store at 100 N Central Ave)
“Fun family project, put together and decorate 12 zodiac animals.”
3. Kenzan (flower frog) ikebana shears ($25~$30) from Rafu Bussan (in-store only, 414 E 2nd Street)
“Flower 'frog' for arrangements. Shears for garden or home flower arrangements.”
4. Genmaicha roasted brown rice green tea bags ($20) from Tea Master (online and in-store at 450 E 2st Street)
“So delicious.”
5. Socks with Japanese designs and cute depictions of yuzu, poke, ramen, etc. ($6) from Tokyo Central/Marukai Market (in-store only at 123 Ellison Onizuka St #105)
“Fun and inexpensive stocking stuffer.”
6. Deitanseki charcoal soap ($10.95) from Bunkado (online and in-store at 340 E 1st Street)
“This soap really cleanses your face. Also, Bunkado has nice washi paper for wrapping and decorations, and toys for kids like daruma, kewpie, kami fusen.”
7. Small bamboo rake ($12) and other home accessories from Anzen Hardware (in-store only, 309 E 1st Street)
“Handy for raking in small places, so cute.”
8. Tees & sweats, like "Don't Lose to Corona" tee ($29.80, in-store and online) and sweatshirt ($42.80, online only) from Popkiller (349 E 2nd Street)
“Creative, irreverent.”
9. Baby jinbei, Japanese one-piece romper from Monkey Pants (in-store only, 131 Japanese Village Plaza)
“There’s a baby boom around me.”
10. Cute Yoboseyo! Superette kids tee ($20) from Yoboseyo! Superette (in-store only, 358 E 2nd Street)
“Cute Asian pride gift for little ones.” + shout out to the cute hat, another great gift!
Check out more holiday gift guides:
Andie’s Gift Guide
Sean’s Gift Guide
Sylvia’s Gift Guide
Go Little Tokyo Gift Guide
Andie’s Gift Guide
Check out holiday gift picks from
ANDIE KIMURA
Lifelong fan and friend of Little Tokyo.
Favorite Little Tokyo small businesses: Anzen Hardware, Yoboseyo! Superette, and Suehiro Cafe
1. Dish brush ($9) + solid dish soap ($12.50) + Canvas and Clay hexagon dish ($15) from Yoboseyo! Superette (in-store only, 358 E 2nd Street)
“Very cute plastic-free mini homewarming gift!”
2. Hario filter in bottle for cold brewed tea ($25) from Tea Master (in-store only, 450 E 2nd Street)
“This glass bottle supports loose leaf tea and requires no energy!”
3. Sakai Takayuki knife (~$220) from Anzen Hardware (in-store only, 309 E 1st Street)
“Everyone deserves a good knife to cook with and whether you're superstitious or not, Betty always includes a penny on the box. Cuts like a dream and you can bring it back to get sharpened at Anzen too!”
4. Sustainable Little Tokyo bokashi composting kit ($35) from Anzen Hardware (in-store only, 309 E 1st Street)
“Anytime is a good time to start "recycling" your food waste. Bokashi method is low maintenance, flexible, and an anarobic process so there is no methane released like traditional composting. This set includes a pair of buckets and a bag of ready-to-use bokashi.”
5. Donabe ($40~$65+) from Utsuwa-no-Yakata (online and in store, Little Tokyo Galleria 333 S Alameda St #101)
“Perfect for anyone who loves a cozy meal at home on a chilly night!”
6. Narita 1.2L electric hot pot ($19.99) from Home Mart (in-store only, Little Tokyo Galleria 333 S Alameda St 2nd Floor)
“Honestly, I saw someone on Instagram pack one of these on their vacation to have ramen in their hotel room and I've been jealous ever since. Great for a white elephant, college student, and/or single soup lover. Electric hot pots are also so much faster than cooking on a gas stove and you're not burning fossil fuels! A+”
7. Community Supported Agriculture box subscription ($30/month) from Azay/Yasukochi Farms (online)
“Community Supported Agriculture boxes from Yasukochi Farms is a great way to get fresh, local, seasonal produce and have an excuse to stop by LT favorite, Azay. To gift, purchase the number of boxes you would like to gift and add a note with the recipient's name and that it is a gift. To redeem, kindly ask the recipient to email Azay. CSA boxes are currently monthly.”
8. Japanese American National Museum family membership ($95) and children’s books ($10~$20) from JANM/JANM Store (online or in person at 100 N Central Avenue)
“The gift that keeps giving...for at least a year! For those with young ones, take advantage of member perks on family days, various discounts, and free admission to strengthen those cultural roots. Pair with age appropriate books because books knowledge is power.”
9. Furoshiki, Japanese bandanas, ($7.80~$45) from Popkiller, Bunkado, Rafu Bussan,or JANM
“Make the wrapping part of the the gift! Encourage the receiver to reuse for future gifts or just to aesthetically carry items around.”
10. Robert Tamura notecards ($12) from Go For Broke National Education Center (online)
“Can't forget to write thank you notes! This set was from artist and WWII veteran, Robert Tamura.”
Check out more holiday gift guides:
Chris’ Gift Guide
Sean’s Gift Guide
Sylvia’s Gift Guide
Go Little Tokyo Gift Guide
Holiday Hop!
Hop through the neighborhood and enjoy exclusive deals from Little Tokyo small businesses!
Enjoy exclusive deals at participating Little Tokyo small businesses throughout the entire month of December. Plus, each visited business is a chance to win our holiday giveaway!
Scroll down to check out the list of participating businesses and the special giveaway prize!
Already finished hopping? Submit your card to be entered into the giveaway!
Here’s how it works:
Starting December 9th, pick up a Holiday Hop card at Yoboseyo! Superette (358 E. 2nd Street).
Visit the participating businesses and enjoy their exclusive deals to receive a sticker on your card upon checkout.
Visit as many businesses on the card as you’d like, through the end of December! Please limit one card per person.
In addition to the special promotions at the businesses, you will also receive a chance to win our Go Little Tokyo holiday giveaway (valued at over $300!) for each sticker on your card, PLUS limited prizes from Go Little Tokyo for receiving five or more stickers on your card.
Submit your card via this form or the button above by January 2nd in order to enter the giveaway and receive your limited prizes (if applicable).
What’s in it for you:
Special deals from Little Tokyo small businesses
Plus, prizes galore!*
Visit one or more participating business and receive the corresponding number of entries to win our holiday giveaway prize ($300+ value!) including:
$100 Japangeles gift card
$50 Monkey Pants e-gift card
$50 Popkiller gift card
$20 Tea Master gift card
Go Little Tokyo merch including a map t-shirt, tote bag, enamel pins, and vinyl stickers!
In addition, visit five or more participating businesses, and automatically receive our new holiday maneki neko sticker duo (pictured below)!
*Please note that your card must be submitted via this form by January 2nd in order to be entered into the giveaway and receive your prizes.
And most of all, warm and fuzzy feelings knowing that you are supporting our nearly 140-year-old Little Tokyo!
Please note that businesses may have special or reduced holiday hours. Please click on the business name for further information, or consider calling them to confirm a specific date that you would like to visit.
Participating businesses
FIRST STREET
Azay (226 E. 1st Street)
Free mini stickers with $20+ purchase
Bunkado (340 E. 1st Street)
Free year of the rabbit charm with $25+ purchase, small daruma with $50+ purchase
Okayama Kobo (328 E 1st Street, located inside Miyako Hotel)
Free salt & butter roll with $15+ purchase
WELLER COURT
Midori Matcha (123 Ellison Onizuka Street #101)
Free size upgrade for one drink with $15+ purchase
LITTLE TOKYO MALL
Anime Jungle (319 E 2nd Street)
Anime Store (#103,#104): Bundle Figure Set Over 20% off! (for select items only)
Cosplay Store (Assist Wig Store) #114: Any purchase $40 or more will get a free product in the raffle!
Japanese Sci-fi Store (#112,#113): 20% off when you buy 3 or more! (for select items only)
Trading card Store (#119): Special Price BIG Deal Over 40% off! comes with promo Item.
First-come-first-served basis for promo item! (for select items only)Funko Pop Figure Store: Bundle Figure Set Over 20% off! (for select items only)
For Anime Jungle purchases, please visit Suite 122-123 to receive the sticker on your card.
JAPANESE VILLAGE PLAZA
Cafe Dulce (134 Japanese Village Plaza)
Free donut hole with $10+ purchase
Japangeles (141 Japanese Village Plaza)
Free vinyl sticker with $20+ purchase
Mitsuru Cafe (117 Japanese Village Plaza)
Free mini stickers with $10+ purchase
Hours: Wed 11-5, Fri 11-5, Sat 11-6, Sun 11-5
Monkey Pants (131 Japanese Village Plaza)
$5 off $50+ purchase
SECOND STREET
Popkiller Second (343 E 2nd Street)
$5 off $45+ purchase (at Popkiller Second location only)
T.O.T. (Teishokuya of Tokyo) (345 E 2nd Street)
Free Japanese candy with $15+ purchase
Yoboseyo! Superette (358 E 2nd Street)
Free cafe drink with $30+ purchase
HONDA PLAZA
Rafu Bussan (414 E 2nd Street)
Free gift with $25+ purchase
Tea Master (450 E 2nd Street)
Free mini stickers with $10+ purchase
LITTLE TOKYO GALLERIA
Little Tokyo Taiyaki (located outside between parking lot and Little Tokyo Marketplace)
One free item with $20+ purchase
Utsuwa-no-Yakata (333 S Alameda Street #101)
FREE hashi (chopsticks) with $30+ purchase
THE FINE PRINT
All deals reflect a pre-tax spending amount. Amount must be reached in a single transaction.
Deals at participating businesses are subject to change.
Limit one card per person. Please refrain from redeeming multiple deals at the same business.
One sticker per redeemed deal, even if there are multiple people in your party. (Unless each member has completed their own transaction meeting the deal minimum.)
The Go Little Tokyo Holiday Hop is intended to support small businesses in Little Tokyo through the very competitive holiday season. We hope that you enjoy the program as intended and perhaps even visit a couple of businesses that you haven’t been to before!
We appreciate your understanding and participation as we navigate this inaugural program! If you have any feedback or questions, please contact info@golittletokyo.com.