The ninth annual Delicious Little Tokyo, a one-day festival that celebrates the culinary heritage and rich cultural character of the neighborhood, will be presented on Saturday, May 4, by Go Little Tokyo.
This year’s event features a wide array of activities, from food tours that explore Little Tokyo’s hidden gems to immersive, hands-on work-shops conducted by local chefs and artisans.
Among the highlights is a guided food tour during which participants will learn about the neighborhood’s history and its most treasured small businesses while sampling dishes from local eateries. Alternatively, food enthusiasts can opt for self-guided foodie tours, themed “Nom Nom Nihonmachi” and “J-Town Munch & Lunch.”
At the Japanese Cultural & Community Center’s Noguchi Plaza, free activities suitable for all ages are planned in honor of Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day), from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids will be able to experience Japanese flavors, games, performances, and traditions. The JACCC event will include a children’s cooking competition.
Young visitors will also be welcomed at the Terasaki Budokan, where Kibō Nobori, a children’s art and culture festival, will present live performances, storytelling, and a marketplace highlighting the work of AAPI creators.
Rounding out the Asian Pacific Heritage Month schedule is the 40th edition of the VC Film Fest (Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival), presented May 1-10 by Visual Communications. Since 1983, the film festival has presented over 5,000 films, videos, and digital mediaworks by AAPI artists, and features seminars, panels, in-person guest appearances, and filmmaker awards. VC Film Fest continues to be the largest festival of its kind in Southern California and, according to VC leaders, “is the premier showcase for the best and brightest of Asian Pacific cinema.”
Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) project director Kisa Ito emphasized, “We are excited to bring back Delicious Little Tokyo in collaboration with JACCC and Terasaki Budokan and the VC Film Fest. The events also recognize the 140th anniversary of Little Tokyo’s founding.”
Ticket sales are now live. Early booking is advised. To purchase tickets and learn more about the Delicious Little Tokyo schedule and participating vendors, visit littletokyola.org/delicious.
Attendees are also encouraged to follow Go Little Tokyo on Instagram @golittletokyo to stay updated with the latest festival news and announcements.
Go Little Tokyo is a project presented by LTCC, which marks its 25th anniversary this year and is made possible with support from Metro. For more information, visit littletokyola.org/golittletokyo.