KOYOMI Installation
Atsumaru (Get Together)
When
Tuesdays - Saturdays • 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Opening Reception: June 3, 2026 • 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
Where
Price
Free, no RSVP needed.
About
KOYOMI Installation is this year’s exhibition within KOKORO no SHO, an ongoing collaborative project by Kuniharu Yoshida that began in 2018. Centered on preserving the living memories and history of Little Tokyo, KOKORO no SHO brings together calligraphy, community, and place through shared artistic practice.
Featured in the installation are selected works by artists from the Shodō for Little Tokyo Class of 2026, a free bilingual English-Japanese calligraphy program organized through the Sustainable Little Tokyo initiative. Led by calligrapher Kuniharu, with support from Kohei Matsuno and Mimi Wada, students gathered weekly over the course of seven months to study and practice shodō, or "the way" of Japanese calligraphy.
This exhibition explores the connection between the traditional Japanese calendar, koyomi, and JACCC's journey. More than a sequence of days, the koyomi serves as a vessel for collective wisdom shaped by seasonal change, memory, and a relationship to the land. Within this theme, the act of "carving the koyomi" becomes a quiet reflection on identity and place. Through the contemplative practice of calligraphy, the artists create a new calendar rooted in the spirit of this historic neighborhood. The installation also reflects Kuniharu's artistic practice, shaped in part by the ancestral sensibilities inherited from his grandmother.
Experience the exhibition and explore the relationship between calligraphy, community, and the cultural life of Little Tokyo.
Related
June 13, 2026
Meet the Teachers
Kuniharu Yoshida
Kuniharu is a Japanese calligrapher and hip-hop dancer. He was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, into a family of generational master calligraphers and is currently based in Los Angeles, CA.
In 1990, at the age of six, he began studying Japanese calligraphy under Master Yoshiko Kawakita. After practicing traditional calligraphy for two decades, he began experimenting and collaborating with artists to blend the sublime arts—merging the traditional with the contemporary. Respect between cultures is the foundation of Kuniharu’s distinctive work, which aims to intertwine not only art forms but also audiences. He believes that art is a powerful way to foster understanding among people of diverse backgrounds while conveying one’s culture in a clear and accessible way.
Most notably, his work has been featured in the Ueno Art Exhibition at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum with Tamayura-kai and Atelier Cosmos. He has also performed for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Netflix, and Sony Electronics. In recent years, Kuniharu has expanded into directing and producing; his short film First Street North won Best Documentary Short at the 2019 Asian Film Festival of Dallas.
Kohei Matsuno
Born in Kyoto, Kohei began practicing calligraphy in 2018. Through each stroke, he shares messages of mindfulness and inner peace. You can find his booth at locations across Los Angeles, including the Santa Monica Pier.
Mimi Wada
Born and raised in Tokyo, Mimi began practicing calligraphy at the age of six and earned her master certification by sixteen. After moving to California, she built a career across fashion and media, while continuing to collaborate through calligraphy with brands, restaurants, and artists.
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.
For additional transportation options and parking details, check out Go Little Tokyo's Guide to the area here.