Rafu Shimpo

01/23/2026

https://rafu.com/2026/01/glendale-schools-hoping-to-boost-enrollment-in-successful-japanese-immersion-program/

By MIKEY HIRANO CULROSSRafu Staff Writer GLENDALE.– Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School took on a bold challenge back in 2010, designing a public school daily curriculum that would produce students with proficiency in both Japanese and English. “It’s been a wildly successful program,” said P...

01/15/2026

11/20/2025

https://rafu.com/2025/11/labor-civic-groups-urge-dodgers-to-decline-trumps-invitation-to-white-house/

By MIKEY HIRANO CULROSSRAFU SPORTS EDITOR Nikkei Progressives have added their collective voice to a local drive urging the L.A. Dodgers to decline an invitation to meet with President Trump at the White House, in celebration of their World Series victory earlier this month. On Nov. 5, the National....

11/07/2025

Jake Adelstein, best-selling author of “Tokyo Vice” and the inspiration behind the hit HBO series, will give a presentation and reading on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the George J. Doizaki Gallery, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo.

Jake Adelstein, best-selling author of “Tokyo Vice” and the inspiration behind the hit HBO series, will give a presentation and reading on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at the George J. Doizaki Gallery, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San ...

11/05/2025

Mitsuwa Marketplace announces the grand opening of its newest location in Cypress on Saturday, Nov. 1.

Mitsuwa Marketplace announces the grand opening of its newest location in Cypress on Saturday, Nov. 1. Located at 4955 Katella Ave., this new destination will serve as the ultimate one-stop shop for those seeking the flavors, products, and experiences of Japan, right in the heart of Orange County. ....

11/01/2025

A bronze statue symbolizing the friendship between San Jose and its Japanese sister city was reported stolen on Oct. 15.

SAN JOSE — A bronze statue symbolizing the friendship between San Jose and its Japanese sister city was reported stolen on Oct. 15. Located in Guadalupe River Park, near the Center for Performing Arts, the statue was gifted to San Jose in 1993 by the city of Okayama. An identical statue stands at ...

10/28/2025

Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will offer Shichigosan and various blessing events on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 21906 Arnold Center Rd., Carson.

Shinto Shrine of Shusse Inari in America will offer Shichigosan and various blessing events on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 21906 Arnold Center Rd., Carson. “We will once again offer in-person Shichigosan and various blessings this year,” a shrine spokesperson said. “Shichigosan is...

10/24/2025

The award-winning feature documentary film “Tyrus” is now available to stream free of charge through Nov. 12 on both PBS’ “American Masters” site and on the “American Masters” YouTube channel.

The award-winning feature documentary film “Tyrus” is now available to stream free of charge through Nov. 12 on both PBS’ “American Masters” site and on the “American Masters” YouTube channel. Directed, produced, and written by Pamela Tom, the film explores the life and work of artist ...

10/23/2025

“Godzilla Invades Little Tokyo” will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at the Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.

“Godzilla Invades Little Tokyo” will be presented on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at the Aratani Theatre, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo. Get ready for an epic afternoon on the big screen with a special Godzilla double feature, presented by the Japanese American Cultural & Communi...

10/20/2025

Shimon Sakaguchi Among Recipients of Nobel Prize in Physiology/Medicine

STOCKHOLM — The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institutet has decided to award the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine to Mary E. Brunkow, Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle; Fred Ramsdell, Sonoma Biotherapeutics, San Francisco; and Shimon Sakaguchi, Osaka University,. They discovered ho...

10/18/2025

Little Tokyo Service Center’s latest affordable housing development, Umeya, won Supportive Housing Development of the Year at the SCANPH (Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing) Homes Within Reach Awards, held on Sept.10 at Terasaki Budokan.

Little Tokyo Service Center’s latest affordable housing development, Umeya, won Supportive Housing Development of the Year at the SCANPH (Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing) Homes Within Reach Awards, held on Sept.10 at Terasaki Budokan. Bringing 175 units of affordable housing (...

10/17/2025

The OC Japan Fair will be held at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, on Friday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 18, from 12 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The OC Japan Fair will be held at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, on Friday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 18, from 12 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The event will feature a cosplay show, tuna cutting show, […]