Click here to view on the Rafu Shimpo Website
Curated by LTSC small business counselor Mariko Lochridge and web developer Mieko Beyer, Mariko and Mieko are also co-creators of the website LittleTokyoisOpen.com a narrative collection of case studies documenting the impact of COVID-19 on Little Tokyo’s small business community.
We are pleased to present for the third year in a row our holiday gift guide of Nikkei entrepreneurs. In a year of so many challenges we wanted to highlight community-first, small business owners dedicated to making a difference in the world. Whether it’s through raising awareness for important issues, collaborating with neighboring businesses or donating to local organizations these thoughtful business models are committed to be for people over for profit. Support our vibrant community of entrepreneurs and shop local this holiday season.
Japanese culture is rich with artistic and culinary traditions that many local businesses expertly share. These businesses below help to bring beautiful aspects of Japanese and Japanese-American heritage to all.
The Venus Debris Lenticular Earrings in Pink
Mas & Nobu, founded by professional graphic designer and now professional craftsperson Stacey Okutake brings explorations in fashion and art to her accessory designs. After starting out in the fashion capital New York, New York, Okutake now proudly calls Los Angeles home. Heritage and culture are central to her artistic vision – in fact the company name itself, Mas & Nobu comes from the names of her grandmothers whose lives are celebrated through her designs. Okutake incorporates the strength and survival of family members incarcerated during WWII and the Japanese-American identity. Her statement making looks start conversations, catch the eye of fellow fashionistas on the street and visually represent hyphenated life.
“These earrings celebrate being Japanese-American and the artwork that stems from this journey,” Okutake stated. “They remind us to hold on to our roots while we grow our lives on different land. They represent the importance of knowing our history and carrying it with us in all aspects of life. These earrings are also a way to share our American story with others, giving depth to who we are as individuals and representing what holds us together.”
The Venus Debris Lenticular Earrings in Pink, $45, masandnobu.com are a handmade lenticular illusion design changing when seen at different angles – a visual representation of being Japanese-American. Using origami technique to create each precise fold, these earrings carry on the delicate traditional artform while the original printed lenticular artwork brings them into the bright and bold pop art of American culture. Recommended for the style innovators, adventurers and even those who think that they can’t pull off bold. Wear these proudly. Make your statement. Change perspectives. www.masandnobu.com
Creative Beginnings: Redefining “Wa” Care Package
In a country with a declining and aging population, many of Japan’s centuries old agricultural methods, traditions and products face the very real threat of disappearing as rural communities continue to shrink. Kokoro Care Packages, co-founded by Lillian Hanako Rowlatt, helps to support these farmers, producers and their local communities by connecting people through food. The company not only shares regional products from Japan but also the stories behind the locals who produce them. They partner with local farmers and producers in Japan, and by doing so offer them access to an international market that would otherwise be unattainable.
Rowlatt is a half-Japanese Canadian who spent two years living in Niigata-ken while on the JET program who is passionate about all things Japan and sharing her love of its food and culture. After spending almost a decade in finance/capital markets, the Mathematics and Economics degree holder co-founded Kokoro Care Packages in late 2018.
Kokoro Care Packages’ Creative Beginnings: Redefining “Wa” Care Package ($60-65 www.kokorocares.com) is the perfect curation of Japanese pantry essentials to help you create beautiful Japanese dishes in your own kitchen, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned Japanese cook. A great gift for the holidays, it includes:
A Japanese Rice Kit
TENZO specializes in unique and beautiful culinary tools, dishes and ingredients that each have a travel story behind them. Founded by a group of friends with incredible culinary expertise and storytelling ability this gourmet shop continues to amaze its fans with incredible products season after season.
One of its founders, Jeffrey Ozawa, brings a well-honed, Japanese culinary expertise to the group’s product selections and recipe recommendations. Ozawa worked as a cook at a homestyle Japanese restaurant in Chicago and founded a popular gourmet, bento-box style catering company, Gourmando, in Los Angeles. Ozawa brings authentic Japanese kitchen tools and instruction to TENZO’s fans.
Their new TENZO rice kit, $48, ShopTenzo.com teaches you how to make perfect Japanese rice at home. Designed to be a workshop in a box, the kit includes ingredients and instructions on how to make perfect Japanese rice, sushi rice, ochazuke, and onigiri. It also includes a hinoki kimasu, a small wooden box traditionally used to measure 1 go (Japanese cup) of rice or water. The centerpiece of the kit is their very own hand-blended ochazuke mix, made with organic Japanese green tea, katsuobushi, kombu, and Celtic sea salt. Simply add to rice with the toppings of your choice and pour boiling water over to make the perfect ochazuke any time.
While you can make rice in any pot or rice cooker, TENZO recommends their amazing Hagama Rice Cooker for the perfect Japanese rice.
Kit contains:
DIY Japanese New Year Decoration
KaGOcraft is a paper Craft Band company, founded by Hiromi and Misaki. Craft Bands have become such a big hit making basket making a fun, approachable craft activity for adults and kids alike. Torranced based KaGOcraft offers DIY workshops and an Instructor Education course year-round at their studio shop. KaGOcraft stocks the widest selection of premium quality Craft Band and supplies with competitive prices. Because they care about the environment, all of KaGOcraft’s Craft Bands are produced from 100% recycled paper products.
Regularly releasing new designs on their website and YouTube channel this year embrace Japanese cultural tradition and create your very own ‘shimenawa’ to ring in the New Year.
Shimenawa is often decorated on the door or at the entrance of the home and creates a pure space to welcome Toshigami-sama. Would you like to try making Shimenawa with Craft Band to help make your New Year a great one? Purchase your very own DIY set at KaGOcraft store. Prices vary depending on size and complexity of design.
From self-care to mental health, there are so many businesses in the community that strive to care about us all during a particularly difficult time. Give the gift of self-care to your loved ones and help them take care of themselves.
Cast Iron Daruma Handheld Sculptures
Luna Ikuta is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Her works range from sculpture, installations, object design, and experimental aquascaping. She brings her artistic abilities to the traditional Japanese Daruma Dolls, talismans of good luck. Daruma Dolls are traditionally gifted to people to wish them good fortune for the New Year. As a talisman, Daruma Dolls signify new beginnings and encourage perseverance in achieving one’s goals.
“I hope these Daruma Dolls will help engage the community to show gestures of support and encouragement towards one another by activating conversations about future goals even in these difficult times,” Ikuta stated.
These Daruma’s are plated in mirror black nickel and cast in iron, adding significant weight to the sculpture to echo the significance of the individual’s ambition. Darumas are meant to embalm one’s wishes, traditionally marking one eye when making a wish and the other when it comes true. These dolls are perfect as gifts to show gestural support for loved ones and for the self, acting as a reminder of one’s goals. A handheld size, these art objects are 3″ tall and each doll is custom stamped as a limited edition. $160. View more information about Daruma Sculptures.
Makiko Hirata
Music is an overlooked resource that enhances our physical and mental well-being, strengthens our bonds, and reminds us that what we share is greater than our differences. As we face our challenges, Dr. Pianist (Makiko Hirata) is on a mission to bring awareness to the power of music to as many people as possible. Her music and expertise are beautiful and enjoyable, as well as therapeutic and educational.
LA-based international pianist and recording artist Hirata is passionate about music and musicians as healing agents. In addition to her performances, lectures, media appearances and workshops, she is currently authoring her first book “Why Piano Now?” Based on her own career and practice, her doctoral dissertation, and neuroscience, her book re-introduces music as a practice to enhance our sense of happiness, well-being and humanity. She attained her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Rice University in 2017, is a consultant to Houston
Methodist Hospital’s Center for Performing Arts Medicine where she collaborates with neuroscientists to quantify the benefit of music and is a US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow.
Dr. Pianist is available for hire (virtually for now) to perform, to teach, and to share her expertise on the healing power of music. She can show you how music is essential for your well-being from premature babies in NICU to post-lingual dementia patients; tell you about its power to help us manage our stress and chronic pain; and the power of music to encourage empathy in us, reminding us of our humanity. For a more detailed list of her services, please go visit Makiko Hirata DMA website, $100/hour. You may contact Dr. Makiko Hirata at musicalmakiko@gmail.comcreate new email.
The jade roller and gua sha set
Camille A. Cribbs is a certified massage therapist who is dedicated to educating others about the importance of self-care. Through her website Soulfully Whole she provides suggestions and services in hope to inspire and encourage folks to place priority in nurturing themselves for a quality life.
With COVID-19 being an especially stressful time for many, Soulfully Whole’s jade roller and gua sha set provides a physical relief through its cold, comforting touch of the jade stone. By adding this set to your morning and night routine, you allow yourself to take a moment to be present with yourself and give yourself some self-love to start your day or decompress at the end of it. Soulfully Whole provides tools and suggestions to help folks improve their daily lives and the jade roller and gua sha set is an amazing way to start or continue your self care journey.
The jade roller and gua sha set is an amazing self massage tool to relieve tension. When used on your face it has beneficial anti-aging power by increasing circulation. The set also comes with a Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid facial serum which you apply on your face before jade rolling and using the gua sha. $49.99. Buy it at Soulfullwhole store.
Many local businesses do an amazing job year round of donating both time and money to important organizations and issues within their community. They also happen to create outstanding products that you’ll love, and also love knowing that part of your purchase goes towards supporting a worthy cause.
UPRISERS Shirt
After a career ending injury in figure skating, Michelle K. Hanabusa pivoted and dived into design and contemporary fashion. She worked for high-profile companies like BCBGMAXAZRIA and AEG. Following her time in the corporate world, she endured trial and error venture-backed experiences pioneering her own entrepreneurial narrative. In 2019, Michelle bootstrapped WEAREUPRISERS– a community-driven streetwear brand. The brand’s core DNA is rooted in valuing collaborations with activists, trendsetters, and warriors of change to amplify impactful and authentic stories to mobilize change.
“If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough,” said Hanabusa.
5% of every Uprisers World Original Crewneck Sweatshirtwill and Uprisers World Original Tee in White or Pink purchase goes back to KOSUMOSU: a program of LTSC (Little Tokyo Service Center) which started in 2003. This is a transitional facility for survivors of domestic violence. They provide consultation to get housing, counseling, and life skills to provide future success.
Uprisers World Original Crewneck Sweatshirt has a structured feel with a unisex style displaying the ‘UPRISERS’ original logo and ‘Did You Know’ graphic in a puff-print that adds a bit of texture. Uprisers World Original Tee in White or Pink is a super soft yet heavy-weight material with a structured look and unisex style. ‘UPRISERS’ original logo and ‘Did You Know’ graphic in a puff-print adds a bit of texture. Sweatshirt: $80 // Tees: $35, weareuprisers.com
Gua Sha
Sayuri Tsuchitani, owner of Head Spa EN, is a Head Specialist who uniquely delivers quality sleep to everyone. Originally from Japan, the world’s No.1 worst least sleep country, her goal is to deliver quality sleep for everyone to get through this challenging time during covid-19.
Regularly donating her time to provide free of charge haircuts to low income seniors, Sayuri donates both time and money to local senior housing organizations like Sakura Gardens. $1 from each purchase of her luxurious Gua Sha Beauty Tool goes to Sakura Gardens in Los Angeles. Gua Sha is a healing technique of traditional East Asian medicine, $30, www.headspaen.com, 421 N.Rodeo drive, Beverly Hills CA 90210
These following businesses build community among neighbors, business to business. From supporting historic 1st Street North in Little Tokyo to creating a space for upcoming artists and designers, these thriving local businesses are committed to succeeding together.
Tsuru Paisley Bandana
Darin Maki is the founder and owner of CRFT by Maki. After spending over a decade overseas playing professional basketball in Japan, the Los Angeles native has moved back and opened a flagship store in the heart of Little Tokyo. A talented and innovative streetwear/athleisure designer, Maki recently lent his design chops to creating an amazing, limited edition t-shirt for historic Anzen Hardware, 309 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
You can shop CRFT by Maki’s Tsuru Paisley Bandana, 22″x22″ bandana made with a heavyweight cotton/spandex blend that you can style anyway you please. A spin on a classic design, it is also thick enough for a recommended CDC face covering.
“We thought to create a face covering during the pandemic that could identify with the JA community and also fans of Little Tokyo. Just doing face masks would be restrictive so we created a bandana that you can utilize in several different ways,” stated Maki. $12, crftbymaki.com, 341 E. First Street. Los Angeles, CA. 90012
Ceramics Lessons by Shoshi Watanabe
Shoshi Watanabe was born in Tokyo, Japan in 1986. He received an MFA from UCLA in 2014. His sculptural and ceramic work has been featured in several group exhibitions, including: ‘Keramik’, Pacific Design Center, Los Angeles (2010), ‘Los Angeles Museum of Ceramic Art’, ACME Gallery, Los Angeles (2011), ‘The Planter Show’, ForYourArt, Los Angeles (2012), ‘Mas Attack’, Torrance Art Museum, CA (2014), ‘Zombo Italiano’, Arturo Bandini, Los Angeles (2015) and ‘New Babylon,’ Roberts and Tilton, Los Angeles (2015); ‘A Door Too Low’ Hildebrandt Studio, Los Angeles (2015). Kanokohata lives and works in Los Angeles.
Watanabe maintains a beautiful storefront in Los Feliz, where you can view and shop his amazing sculptural and ceramic work. A huge supporter of other sculptors and artists, you will often find an incredible selection of other work, from bowls to jewelry to cutting edge fashion, often by artists new from Japan you will not see anywhere else in the US. Watanabe has been instrumental in helping artists new to America get their work seen at his shop, where his ardent clientele love to shop.
Also a teacher, you can learn from Watanabe’s artistic expertise by taking ceramics lessons yourself right in his Zakka Bakka shop located at 1709 N Kenmore in Los Angeles. Price varies, contact flappingdeer@gmail.comcreate new email for more details.
Azay, Akira and Jo Ann Hirose
Supporting small businesses that are invested in the community is an investment in the community as a whole. With three generations of community engagement, Azay’s goal is create an intergenerational space where you can experience everything that 130+ year old Little Tokyo has to offer. First and foremost however, it must be noted of course that Azay is an incredible restaurant that brings the huge talent of Chef Akira Hirose to Los Angeles.
Azay is the homecoming of Chef Akira as he explores the intersection of history, cuisine, and community in the former space of Anzen Hardware, Little Tokyo, previously owned and operated by wife Jo Ann’s father, Tsutomu Maehara (currently Nori Takatani). Their son Philip was central to bringing together the incredible collaboration t-shirt between CRFT by Maki and Anzen Hardware. This outstanding eatery is a pillar of the Little Tokyo community, with the whole family pitching in every day. Get a gift card to Azay online today, $5-$100.
Tombo (Dragonfly) Series Facemasks
Third generation owner of Bunkado store, Irene Tsukuda Simonian helms a family business that has been in Little Tokyo since 1946. Born and raised in Los Angeles Irene spent her childhood in Little Tokyo, and then lived in New York City for 17 years. Returning to LA in 1992 to help her mom manage the store, Irene became the third owner of the business in 2006 and makes it a point to support local writers, artists and entrepreneurs by selling their wares in her Little Tokyo retail store.
A necessity since the pandemic began, these handmade facemasks are sewn by a local seamstress based at Little Tokyo Bridal and Tuxedo in Hashimoto Plaza. The inner lining is a disposable face mask, but is re-usable with hand-washing and line drying. For those who are crafty, you can cut out the inner lining, and have a light, one layered mask. For double layers, sew two no liner masks together to create one reversible mask.
$28.00 for the set of 3 dragonfly designs is available in-store 340 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 and online at bunkadoonline.com
