Celebrate summer with us at JANM’s Democracy Center and the Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza featuring free cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages!
- Cultural performances
- Storytime with author and racecar driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu
- Fun summer-themed crafts and origami
- Exclusive activities connected to JANM’s new exhibition, Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community
- And more!
Special perks are available for JANM Members! Check in when you arrive to get a Member sticker and take advantage of all the benefits!
Check back for the full schedule of activities.
Sponsored by:
Media Sponsor: 
Celebrate summer with us at JANM’s Democracy Center and the Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza featuring free cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages!
- Cultural performances
- Storytime with author and racecar driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu
- Fun summer-themed crafts and origami
- Exclusive activities connected to JANM’s new exhibition, Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community
- And more!
Special perks are available for JANM Members! Check in when you arrive to get a Member sticker and take advantage of all the benefits!
Check back for the full schedule of activities.
Sponsored by:
Media Sponsor:
Activities
PHOTO BOOTH
Grab some fun props from Mighty Little Studio and take a souvenir photo with friends and family.
Express lane for Members!
RUTHIE’S ORIGAMI CORNER
Learn to fold an origami car in celebration of our newest exhibition, Cruising J-Town.
This activity is named in honor of JANM Volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937–2020), who led origami activities for many years.
CONSTRUCT YOUR CRUISE
In conjunction with JANM’s exhibition, Cruising J-Town, create your very own car and take it cruising through a town of your making!
PAPER SUN HAT
Make and decorate a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from the summer sun in style!
SCAVENGER HUNT
Explore the neighborhood with a scavenger hunt and win a special prize! While supplies last.
Members receive two chances to win!
JANM STORE POP-UP
Support JANM’s work and find unique, cultural gifts for everyone when you purchase select products from the JANM Store in the Democracy Center lobby.
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Sign up for a library card with friends from the Los Angeles Public Library! Stay for fun crafts perfect for kids!
NISEI WEEK PLAZA FESTIVAL— JACCC PLAZA
From 11 a.m.–4 p.m., head across the neighborhood to this festival featuring food, games, booths (find us there on the go), and live entertainment.
WISH WALL
The Democracy Center invites you to add your wish to the pop-up “Wish Wall” on the Democracy Plaza and at locations across the nation this summer for the United States’ 250th birthday.
Schedule
12:15 PM - 1:00 PM
Sachiko and the Bully Book Reading
Join author and former pro race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu for a reading of Sachiko and the Bully, the second book of the Sachiko Goes Racing series. In this book, Sachiko learns the importance of the golden rule, the importance of friendship, and shows us how to handle a bully in a way that involves a lot of kindness!
Nadine will also sign copies of the book, available in the JANM Store.
There will be a second reading at 3:15 p.m.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Obon Lecture and Community Dance
Learn about Japan’s obon festivals, which honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. A group bon odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Performance by Cold Tofu Improv and comedy group
Enjoy a performance by the nation’s longest running, Asian-American improv and sketch comedy group as they improvise scenes and games based on audience suggestions.
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Sachiko and the Bully Book Reading
Join author and former pro race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu for a reading of Sachiko and the Bully, the second book of the Sachiko Goes Racing series. In this book, Sachiko learns the importance of the golden rule, the importance of friendship, and shows us how to handle a bully in a way that involves a lot of kindness!
Nadine will also sign copies of the book, available in the JANM Store.
4:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Performance by Makoto Taiko
Finish up the fun-filled day with a performance by Makoto Taiko, a taiko group that strives to connect and empower people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with intention and sincerity.