The volcanic basalt sculpture is Noguchi’s only publicly-accessible sculpture in his hometown. Its title, “To the Issei,” refers to the Issei (first generation Japanese immigrants) who made great sacrifices to support their families and the Japanese American community.
Working closely with our founders, Noguchi understood that the Issei and Nisei (second generation) envisioned JACCC as a permanent home for Japanese and Japanese American art and culture to flourish in the United States. Thanks to the efforts and support of many, JACCC is now one of the largest ethnic arts and cultural centers of its kind in the United States. We are located in Little Tokyo, the historic heart of Southern California’s Japanese American community, the second oldest neighborhood in Los Angeles, an inaugural California Cultural District, and one of just three remaining historic Japantowns in the United States.
Our campus opened to the public in 1980 and centers around the Noguchi sculpture and one-acre plaza. Flanking the plaza is the 880-seat Aratani Theatre and the JACCC Center Building, which houses the George J. Doizaki Gallery, the Japanese Cultural Room, conference and meeting rooms, office space for more than 20 nonprofit tenant organizations, the Toshizo Watanabe Exhibition Center, and the state-of-the-art Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center, which opens onto the award-winning James Irvine Japanese Garden. Throughout our campus, we host programs, performances, and exhibitions, as well as a myriad of community-produced events, projects, productions, and meetings.
It is our hope that the work of preserving Japanese and Japanese American traditions will bolster the spirits of subsequent generations of Japanese Americans, allowing them to connect to our ancestors and weave their identities into the urban fabric of contemporary Los Angeles, and into the world beyond.
Tammy Bilman serves as the Director of Food & Beverage at JACCC. She was born and raised in a culinary environment in southern Indiana, where she developed a passion for hospitality through hands-on cooking experiences with her family. With over 15 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industry, she has excelled in high-volume fine dining, management, and innovation. She consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences and drives profitability.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the history and culture; the unwavering dedication to what little Tokyo was, is, and its future.
Originally from Mexico and based in Los Angeles for 20 years, Paula has built a successful career in advertising, marketing, and visual communications. Her experience spans ad agencies, academic institutions, and government entities. With a Ph.D. in HCI Design, Paula is a published author and has spoken at international HCI conferences, enriching her expertise.
As the Director of Global Marketing at JACCC, she oversees marketing strategies, brand promotion, and public relations. Paula draws on her cultural background and diverse experiences to lead initiatives that advance organizational goals and ensure that all communications reflect the organization’s identity and values.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the food!
Bernell Crawford, a New York native, has called Los Angeles home for 23 years. Since 2018, he has been a pivotal member of JACCC, serving as Event Manager, Stage Manager, and Facilities Manager. His expertise includes managing the theatrical rigging system for seamless productions.
Passionate about music, Bernell also specializes in booking bands across various Los Angeles venues. He focuses on Cumbia and Salsa, bringing these vibrant genres to diverse audiences. His multifaceted skills and dedication make him an invaluable asset to the Los Angeles cultural scene.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the Koyasan Buddhist Temple.
Olivia Crews is a graduate of the Florida State University Theatre and Digital Media Studies programs who uses her passion for multicultural representation in the arts to drive her work as the Production and Rentals Associate of the Aratani Theatre. Since moving to Los Angeles and joining the JACCC in 2022, Olivia has greatly enjoyed getting to experience an array of diverse productions. Olivia uses her innate sensitivity and knack for streamlining project operations to continue successfully bringing fruition to future impactful productions.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: everything kawaii & all of the boba shops! 💖🧋
Rani de Leon is a LA-based cultural programmer and DJ. With over 20 years of experience in events involving music, film, theater, and cultural arts, he is driven by the belief that arts & culture have a unique power in bringing people together for transformative and unifying experiences. With deep relationships to artists and the arts presenting community in LA, he is a leader in the field and channels these connections into intentional and mission-driven experiences. He is credited for producing watershed programs like Kankyō Ongaku and the Little Tokyo Garden Concerts, and also forming strategic partnerships to elevate JACCC's programs and bring in new audiences.
He hosts Tizita Radio on dublab, highlighting music of nostalgia.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: A sense of 'urban serenity' in the neighborhood.
Mathew Estrada brings over 30 years of experience in organizational leadership with a strong orientation in operations and finance. He has had success leading operational initiatives focused on infrastructure design, process reengineering, automation, turnaround management, reorganization, and corporate culture building. Mathew has an impassioned focus on strategy, innovation, and fostering team cohesiveness to drive optimal results. He has an extensive background in process assessment/improvement across a wide range of industries, including: Manufacturing, Transportation, SaaS, Marketing, Business Services, Public Relations, Non-Profit.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: The James Irvine Japanese Garden.
Yecenia Frausto is a Los Angeles native with a love of musical theatre. From a young age, she was interested in working in the entertainment industry, starting in school productions and eventually working behind the scenes in the makeup department for TV and Film. Her creativity doesn't stop with her makeup skills, Yecenia enrolled in The Los Angeles Film School for Digital Filmmaking. Her goal is to one day make a film of the beauty of Los Angeles and all its people. In 2022 Yecenia joined the JACCC in hopes of broadening her understanding in Japanese culture.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: seeing the cosplayers at anime events 🙂❤️
Margot Gallardo joined JACCC in 2024, bringing over 15 years of experience in the hospitality industry from Los Angeles. She has a strong background in managing sales, catering, and events in various establishments. Known for her dynamic approach, Margot prioritizes trustworthiness, hard work, and excellent customer service, aiming to meet client needs efficiently and foster successful partnerships. She is committed to leveraging her skills to benefit the community and JACCC's clients, striving to be an indispensable resource.
Pronouns: she/her
Tania Gonzalez Gomes is a skilled operations professional with a diverse background, spanning housekeeping, janitorial services, and garden maintenance. With a strong foundation in teamwork, Tania has developed a meticulous eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Her role at JACCC includes the maintenance of the James Irvine Japanese Garden, where her precision and care have been further refined, enhancing her attention to aesthetics and the environment.
Tania's passion for food and cooking has flourished through her close collaboration with chefs, especially in mastering Japanese culinary traditions. Her enthusiasm for the culinary arts extends beyond her professional life, influencing her home cooking and broadening her culinary palate. Eager to deepen her expertise, Tania aspires to learn new skills and work alongside seasoned chefs, with the ultimate goal of becoming an integral part of JACCC's culinary community.
Pronouns: she/her
Edgar Guardado was born and raised in Los Angeles and studied mechanical engineering at L.A. Trade Tech College. He grew up in his family-owned construction business, where he helped his father for eight years before he started working at Gerlach Entities, where he oversaw residential buildings with over 2,000 units. He also worked at Yusen Logistics as a Facilities Supervisor and at JLL as a Senior Maintenance Technician.
In his spare time, he likes to go hiking, camping, cooking, and listening to music with his two dogs and his partner. He is passionate about implementing his creative side into his profession to live the Japanese kaizen philosophy.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: food and art.
Pedro Gutierrez is a versatile operations professional with a career that began in construction before expanding into housekeeping and building maintenance. His broad skill set, which includes expertise in plumbing, electrical work, and general upkeep, has made him an indispensable member of JACCC.
Pedro’s long-term goal is to continue his work at JACCC until retirement, with a dream of one day owning a farm and garden. His dedication to both his current role and future aspirations reflects his deep commitment to the center and his passion for building a sustainable, fulfilling future.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: all the restaurants.
With a lifetime of experience in interacting and communicating with people, Amy Honjiyo embraces new ideas and continuously learns from past experiences. Currently, Amy plays a vital role in encouraging Little Tokyo businesses and residents to collect and recycle food waste, while also promoting waste reduction and food rescue initiatives. Through weekly gatherings, Amy fosters a sense of community by valuing each individual's unique background and contributions. These gatherings celebrate the traditions of food growing, eating, and recycling, creating a deeper connection among participants and a more sustainable future for Little Tokyo.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the people and their pets!
Peter Jo is dedicated to the culinary arts, viewing it as more than a duty—it's his vocation. With extensive experience in hotels, private social clubs, and independent restaurants in Los Angeles, Peter has honed his skills across diverse culinary environments. He firmly believes in the importance of versatility and strives to exceed guest expectations with his commitment and expertise. Peter’s passion for the culinary field drives him to continually aim high and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: Sushi Gen and Rafu.
Muneyuki Chester Ikei, Teaching Artist, is a seasoned multi-national Hospitality Executive with 23+ years of experience as a General Manager and Advisor, having worked at Hotel New Otani in LA, Singapore, Nagaoka Japan, Hokuriku Gakuen Culinary Collage, and for the City of Nagaoka.
He has dedicated time to engaging with local organizations to promote Japanese culture, such as Japan Business Association, Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Japan America Society, Little Tokyo Business Association, and Little Tokyo Community Council.
He enjoys teaching to seniors the old Japanese songs and Ukulele strumming.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: community spirit with young leadership!
Dale Inoue Jr. began his role at JACCC in August 2017 and is currently pursuing a major in Business Management with a minor in Emergency Medical Services. A passionate fan of anime, manga, and various trading card games, Dale brings his diverse interests and enthusiasm to his work. He thrives in a collaborative environment and finds great enjoyment in working with an amazing group of people.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: ramen and the anime stores.
Since 1983, Hirokazu Kosaka has been a dedicated advocate for Japanese art and culture at JACCC. An ordained Shingon Buddhist priest and a master of Japanese archery, Kosaka's devotion to traditional arts is profound. He has studied Esoteric Buddhist art since graduating from the Chouinard Art Institute (now CalArts) in 1970. Kosaka's multifaceted expertise and passion make him a pivotal figure in promoting and preserving Japanese cultural heritage.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: talking trees and stones.
Perry Lau is a LA native who is always striving to learn and expand his horizons. With a Bachelors of Science focusing on Environmental Science and a deep love for food and community, Perry hopes to utilize his learnings and his experience to help JACCC reach new sustainable food goals.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the community and the blend of old and new.
Yuko Makuuchi, a native of Japan, has a lifelong passion for sharing Japanese culture and tradition through handmade crafts. Her creative journey began at age five when her grandmothers taught her knitting and crocheting, igniting a deep-seated love for crafting that continues to shape her artistic endeavors. As the Retail Store and Exhibition Center Director at JACCC, Yuko channels her passion into showcasing the spirit of both modern and traditional Japanese artisans and craftsmanship. Through her keen eye and understanding of Japanese culture, she brings beauty and cultural richness to the JACCC audience.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: accentuates Japanese culture and food.
Aric Nakamoto, a third-generation Japanese American born and raised in Los Angeles, has been an integral part of JACCC since 1995. Throughout his tenure, Aric has warmly welcomed and assisted countless organizations, events, renters, and tenants utilizing JACCC facilities. His enduring commitment and extensive experience have made him a cornerstone of the community, fostering a welcoming environment for all who engage with the JACCC.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: community events, cultural exhibits & performance.
A California native with roots in northern Okinawa and southern China, Allyson is passionate about finding resources that strengthen communities and elevate culture. Prior to joining JACCC, she worked at the Japanese American National Museum and Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai‘i. Allyson graduated from Claremont McKenna College and also studied at the Okinawa Prefectural University of the Arts. She now lives in Hawai‘i and each year eagerly awaits mango season.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the resilience of the community.
Mary Orchard is from Burbank but has been living and working in Downtown Los Angeles for almost ten years. As an HR/Payroll professional, she feels most in her element when she's providing support and encouragement to her team. When she's not working, she can be found teaching yoga at a couple of downtown studios and she volunteers for the nonprofit Prison Yoga + Meditation, teaching yoga at the women's facility in Chino. When she's "off the mat," she can be found at concerts, Disneyland, the library, or at home making up songs for her cats. Being of service to the dynamic team at JACCC is already proving to be a great experience. She is looking forward to growing and flowing together!
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the walkability and the community events.
Edward Orlando is a concert and live event technician and manager. Edward holds an Associate of Sciences degree in Audio Engineering / Recording. Beginning in 2001, His early experience includes a tenure at The House of Blues Lake Buena Vista, FL as full time Production Coordinator in addition to filling roles encompassing audio, lights, video, and staging. Edward came to work with the JACCC in 2009 and is both honored and pleased to serve the organization, along with the artists and community of Little Tokyo.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the kind people and the breeze.
Emi Osaki serves as the Community Arts Project Manager at JACCC. Emi is a second-generation Japanese-Korean American with a background in education, urban agriculture, and food justice work. Growing up in the restaurant industry, Emi realized from a young age that food is one of the major ways we keep our culture alive. Emi hopes to preserve and push forward ancestral foodways, creating intergenerational spaces for individuals to reconnect with their cultural identity and local ecosystems.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the togetherness and resilience of the community.
Maria Rodriguez is a seasoned operations professional, bringing over 15 years of experience in housekeeping and cleaning services. With a reputation for excellence, Maria has become a key figure in ensuring JACCC is maintained to the highest standards. Her role goes beyond just cleanliness—Maria’s dedication to creating a welcoming and pristine environment for both staff and visitors reflects her deep commitment to the center’s mission.
Her attention to detail and consistency have made her indispensable, as she takes great pride in upholding the beauty and integrity of JACCC. Maria’s work ethic and passion for her role ensure that the center remains a place of warmth, cleanliness, and pride every day.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: all the friendly people.
Stephanie Romero is a Senior Executive Assistant with over 12 years of administration experience. She has lived in Los Angeles her entire life and has a deep love for the city and its communities. Stephanie is a positive force in the workplace, using her smile, positive attitude, and energy to encourage others. She is inspired daily by her daughter and wants to pass down the importance of community to the youngest generation.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the creativity in fashion and desserts!
Carolina Roque is a Los Angeles native who blends creativity with strategy as Executive Development & Marketing Director at JACCC. With a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree specializing in Chicanx Art, her publication "Chicanx Art: Social Theories and Cultural Identities" underscores her profound grasp of culture and design, drawing life parallels with Japanese arts and culture. Since joining JACCC in 2017, Carolina's adeptness in design, project management, implementation, and organization has redefined operational standards. Fluent in English, Spanish, and conversational Japanese, Carolina's passion for espresso fuels her diligence and efficiency, positioning her as a dynamic leader in development, fundraising, and design strategy.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: arts, culture & community.
George Royal serves as an Operations Assistant at JACCC, where his work has deepened his appreciation for Japanese and Japanese American history. His growing knowledge has fostered a strong sense of pride in being part of this vibrant community. A food enthusiast, George especially enjoys the incredible culinary offerings in Little Tokyo, considering it one of the best food spots in Los Angeles.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the community LOVE.
Celeste Shimoura Goedert holds a BA in Social Theory & Practice from the University of Michigan and has varied experience in museum administration and power building in Pan Asian American communities in the Midwest. She is the co-curator of Exiled to Motown, a community history exhibit of Japanese Americans in Detroit. As a mixed race yonsei hailing from Michigan, Celeste is excited to have the opportunity to learn more about the rich history of Little Tokyo and connect with fellow community members organizing intergenerationally for multiracial solidarity and community empowerment.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the people!
Francisco Soc Sut brings more than 30 years of hands-on experience in construction, plumbing, deep cleaning, and electrical work to his role at JACCC. His expertise in building maintenance has proven invaluable, as Francisco’s ability to manage complex repairs in-house significantly reduces the center’s reliance on external contractors, saving both time and resources.
Francisco’s dedication to JACCC goes beyond his technical skills—his commitment to preserving the center’s infrastructure speaks to his deep care for its future. He hopes JACCC will secure the necessary funding to ensure its legacy is maintained for future generations, and he is proud to play a key role in that ongoing effort.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: working for JACCC.
Derek Takeda joined JACCC in 2021 as Vice President of Operations, tasked with opening and operating the Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center. With a BS from Cal State Long Beach, Derek spent five years in Japan as Director of Education for an English conversation school. Following his return, he amassed 24 years of experience in restaurant operations, serving as Director of Operations for Brinker International and the Cherng Family Trust. Renowned for his operational efficiency and innovative leadership, Derek received multiple awards for his "Hearts and Minds" approach.
Pronouns: he/his
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: I know it's two, but the food and the community!
Born and raised in Tokyo, Yuki Uehara's passion for music and theatre led her to Los Angeles after working for the production company KYORITZ, INC. She graduated from Cal State LA with a degree in Theatre Arts with a technical emphasis and also studied at Waseda University. The Aratani Theatre has been her creative "home base" for many years, where she has enjoyed designing lights and stage managing for numerous productions. Yuki has also toured and collaborated with artists like Rachel Rosenthal and Kosetsu Minami. In addition to her artistic pursuits, she honed her customer service skills in corporate settings at Toyota Motor Sales and All Nippon Airways. Yuki is also passionate about sustainability and is a founding member of Terra, a sustainability-focused employee resource group at Toyota headquarters.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: legacy and culture of this community.
After graduating from SDSU with a degree in interior design, Shasele Vejar embarked on a rewarding 13-year journey in the wedding and event planning industry. In 2022, Shasele took on a new challenge as the Special Events Coordinator at JACCC. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to the organization, Shasele has been instrumental in orchestrating unforgettable events, ensuring client satisfaction, and building lasting relationships. Passionate about creating memorable experiences, Shasele thrives on crafting events that leave a lasting impression on all who attend.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the community's vibrant energy.
Patricia M. Wyatt brings more than 30 years of executive management experience in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors, across a multitude of industries. Most recently, Pat was the founder and CEO of MayaCo & Associates, Inc., a brand and media consultancy focused on social impact. Her work for nonprofit organizations includes The Institute for the Future, Palo Alto, and the Koret Israel Economic Development Fund (KIEDF), Tel Aviv. In addition, she served as President for WorkingNation and Innovation: Africa, and also held the post of Chief Development Officer, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she led a team of 550 individuals who together raised a record-setting $1B in one year.
Her past corporate leadership experience includes President of the Licensing and Home Entertainment companies at Twentieth Century Fox and Executive Vice President of Brand Marketing at Mattel. Pat has served on numerous boards, including Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Machine Project, California/International Arts Foundation, Professional Advisory Panel of the School of Integrated Media at CalArts, Digital Advisory Network at Pearson Education, and she also serves as a Mentor for The Unreasonable Group.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: how much the community loves to help our seniors.
Julie Zhu is the Mellon Community Curatorial Fellow at JACCC, bringing a rich cultural perspective shaped by her life in China, Japan, and the United States. Influenced by her family, Julie received professional training in painting and calligraphy from a young age. This diverse background fuels her creative vision and reflects her limitless potential. Julie holds a degree in Archaeology and Museology from the China Academy of Art and earned a Master of Fine Arts in Art History. Her unique blend of experiences and education enables her to curate with a deep understanding of art and culture.
Pronouns: she/her
Favorite thing about Little Tokyo: the interesting history hidden behind the stores.