Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) Celebration
When
Where
Price
Free, RSVP encouraged.
About
With colorful koinobori soaring overhead, Kodomo no Hi returns to Little Tokyo!
JACCC’s Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) Celebration invites families and young explorers to discover Japanese and Japanese American traditions through free hands-on workshops, playful cultural activities, traditional games, and interactive storytelling. Throughout the day, enjoy festive performances and a selection of sweet and savory Japanese treats available for purchase.
This year, JACCC proudly hosts Kibō Nobori (hope flags), an ongoing series by artist Faith-Ann Kiwa Young inspired by traditional koinobori. From May 1-12, three site-specific installations will be on view across JACCC’s campus, including one in the Tea Room. During the celebration on May 3, the Tea Room installation will become a participatory space where children are invited to draw and add their own messages of hope.
In addition, the James Irvine Japanese Garden will be open to the public, with optional 10-minute tours provided by the Little Tokyo Historical Society. Tours begin at 11:30 am and run on a first-come, first-served basis, with the last tour at 2:30 pm. Sign-ups will be available near the garden entrance.
Join us for a lively, multi-generational celebration filled with creativity, connection, and childhood joy in the heart of Little Tokyo.
Video Re-cap
Activities
Select a tab below for more details.
| Vendor | Tagline |
|---|---|
| Curry House CoCo Ichibanya | Hot Japanese curry with customizable toppings. |
| JACCC (Charlie's Dawgs) | Little Tokyo-inspired hot dogs and fries. |
| Kashiwa Ramen | Award-winning ramen, recognized among OC and California’s best. |
| Pillow Talk Cafe | Cozy coffee, cakes, and Japanese-inspired sandwiches. |
| Shin-Sen-Gumi | Authentic Japanese yakitori, charcoal grilled. |
| Hosted By | Tagline |
|---|---|
| Anime Jungle | A fun, family-friendly booth featuring paid Target games, Beyblade, Godzilla monsters, and Pokémon plushies, something for everyone to enjoy! |
| Center for the Pacific Asian Family | Family-friendly creative activities for all ages; explore, express, and create together. |
| County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative | Stop by to learn about the AANHPI LA County report and provide feedback. |
| Cold Tofu Improv & Sketch | Fold and decorate your own origami "Tofu Cube" with Cold Tofu. Fun for all ages! |
| East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center | Info booth and temporary tattoos featuring Japanese-inspired designs. |
| Food Access L.A. | Fresh, affordable produce and community connection every Saturday. |
| Gloo Books | Gloo Books is an independent children’s publisher creating stories for a more inclusive, just, and compassionate future. |
| Honda | Honda sponsorship booth with swag items to give away. |
| Intercollegiate Nikkei Council | Join the INC for a high-energy booth featuring Senbonbiki, Yoyo Tsuri, Super Ball Sukui, and Wanage! |
| JACCC | Children's collaborative art installation. |
| Japanese American National Museum | Family-friendly activities and renovation updates at the JANM on the Go booth. |
| JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles | Explore Japan House LA, create a pictogram, and spin the wheel for free prizes. |
| Jidai Arts | Try on samurai armor and explore historic warrior artifacts. |
| kaDON | Drop in and learn to play taiko from a professional instructor! |
| Kizuna Little Tokyo | Button-making and hands-on arts and crafts activities. |
| Kuniharu Yoshida | Custom hand-written Japanese calligraphy on washi paper or traditional scrolls. |
| LA Artcore | Creative activities hosted by community artists. |
| Little Tokyo Branch Library | Free Children’s Day-themed craft with the Little Tokyo Library. |
| Little Tokyo Historical Society | Assemble jigsaw puzzles featuring iconic Little Tokyo images. |
| Mighty Little Studio | Mobile photobooth sponsored by Clover Law Group. |
| Nisei Week Foundation | Fold origami with the Nisei Week Court and volunteers. Animals, hats, flowers, and more! |
| Nishi Hongwanji Child Development Center | Free plinko game with small prizes! |
| Orange County Buddhist Church | Test your aim by striking the launcher to land Freddie the Frog on a lily pad. |
| Parents Committee of Amestoy Elementary School LAUSD | Spin-the-wheel language game to learn Japanese words and win fun rewards. |
| Table for Two USA | Test your skills with the Edamame Champ Chopsticks Challenge and inari sushi making. |
| UNBREAKABLE: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp | Children's book and activity hosted by Minoru Tonai Family. |
| Union Church of Los Angeles | Magnet fishing game; catch origami fish from a paper ocean. |
| Woodcraft Rangers | Stop by Woodcraft Rangers for a fun hands-on activity the whole family can enjoy. |
| Time | Performer(s) |
|---|---|
| 11:00 am - 11:30 am | Los Angeles Mugen Taiko |
| 11:30 am - 12:00 pm | Ukuleles for Little Tokyo |
| 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm | Island Inspiration |
| 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm | Bob Baker Marionette Theater |
| 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm | Hip Hop Island presents Kids All Style Dance Battle* |
| 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm | Ryoji & Friends |
| 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Team Kawachiondo by L.A. Kansai Club |
| 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm | AI Vibration |
*Kids All Style Dance Battle
Open to young dancers ages 5–11, this high-energy battle invites participants to step into the cypher to show their creativity, confidence, and best breakdance moves. Each dancer will have 30 seconds to showcase their best moves in a 1-on-1 battle. A judge will help decide the winner, and the crowd will also be part of the judging, cheering for their favorite dancer. The winner will receive a special prize.
To register, please email hiphopisland@gmail.com.
Takaaki Hirakawa
Takaaki could be seen and heard in hit shows such as SHOGUN (Disney+/FX), Blue Eye Samurai (Netflix), Last Samurai Standing (Netflix) and many more between Japan and the US.
Growing up in both Japan and the U.S., he is native to both Japanese and English which brings him the ability to play characters from feudal Japan to modern day America. Takaaki is a graduate and a former house team member of The Second City Hollywood, where he wrote and performed regularly as a house team member.
He started acting under Golden Globe nominated director Robet Allan Ackerman. He was the founding member of “The Garage”, a theater group led by Mr. Ackerman. Their original theater production “BLOOD” ran twice in 2016 by popular demand, and was nominated in 5 categories with Stage Raw Theater Awards. The show was visited by celebrities such as Al Pacino, Hiroyuki Sanada, Judy Davis and many more.
Also on May 3, 2026
Chibi-K: Kids Fun Run
9:00 am - 11:00 am
Things to Know
Accessibility
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. To be respectful of those with allergies and environmental sensitivities, we ask that you please refrain from wearing strong fragrances. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact info@jaccc.org.
Plan Your Visit
JACCC is a 7-minute walk from the L.A. Metro Rail's Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to both the A and E lines via the Regional Connector.
The entrance to our recommended parking location is at 425 Boyd St., Los Angeles, CA 90013, with all-day parking available for $15. Click here for a visual map reference.
To ensure safety during Chibi-K, the following streets will be closed from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm: San Pedro St. between 1st and 3rd St. and 2nd St. between Central Ave. and Los Angeles St.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.
Thank You
This event is sponsored by Honda and the County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office (CEO) Anti-Racism, Diversity, and Inclusion (ARDI) Initiative’s Equity and Diversity Fund, and Keiro as a Supporter. Partners include Faith-Ann Kiwa Young and Kizuna Little Tokyo, with in-kind support provided by Anime Jungle, Clover Law Group, Glico, Lumbini Child Development Center, Marukai Market, and Nijiya Market.
