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Closed for Renovations

JANM’s Pavilion is closed for renovation and will reopen in late 2026. While the museum and store are closed, join us for programs and events on our Little Tokyo campus, throughout Southern California, and beyond. 

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  • " Voices From the Canefields: Folksongs from Japanese Immigrant Workers in Hawai'i" by Dr. Franklin Odo

    Oct 13, 2013

    Japanese immigrant laborers comprised the majority of Hawaiian sugar plantation workers after their large-scale importation as contract workers in 1885. They composed unique folk songs called holehole bushi which merged melodies with lyrics about work, life, and the global connection which they clearly perceived after arriving. While many are songs of lamentation, others reflect a rapid adaptation to a new socie...

  • Hong Zhang Gallery Talk

    Jul 28, 2013

    Artist Hong Zhang will conduct a gallery discussion of her work featured in the Portraiture Now: Asian American Portraits of Encounter.

  • Mottainai

    Jun 05, 2011

    The Japanese American National Museum and Great Leap present MOTTAINAI, a fun-filled, informative day of performance, video screenings and participatory workshops celebrating World Environment Day. "Mottainai" is a Japanese word that loosely means “it’s a shame to waste nature." The day opens and ends with “ORDER TO GO”, a performance by members of Collaboratory, Great Leap's artist mentorship program. Directed by Da...

  • The Freedom Rides 50th Anniversary National Youth Summit and Town Halls

    Feb 09, 2011

    Birmingham, Cincinnati, Detroit, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, Washington, D.C. JANM will be one of five sites across the nation hosting the National Youth Summit on the Freedom Rides at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. On-site seating has reached capacity but everybody may register to view the program on-line. Presented by the National Museum of American History, the National Museum of African Ameri...

  • Kokeshi: Not Just a Toy!

    Jul 25, 2009

    Collector Itske Stern, author of articles about kokeshi for Daruma magazine and other Japanese publications, and her husband Anthony, will talk about the history of traditional kokeshi and their personal journey in collecting over 1200 of these beautiful folk toys.

  • Target Free Family Day: Brilliant Beats

    Nov 08, 2008

    FREE ALL DAY Enjoy a day of family fun that explores shared traditions within the Asian American community. November's theme is drumming. Generously sponsored by Target, these special Saturdays are filled with fun activities giving families unique ways to learn, play, and grow together. All day craft activities: Feel the beat and make some noise by decorating your own spinning drum and constructing a gobbling...

  • One Way or Another - Gallery Talk

    Mar 08, 2008

    Gallery talk with curator Karin Higa and artists Anna Sew Hoy and Mari Eastman. Top:Mari Eastman Bird on Flowering Spray: Porcelain Cup, Chieng-lung Period (1736–1750) 2004 Acrylic on canvas 40.5 x 43.5 in. Collection of Rosette Delug Photograph by Robert Wedemeyer, courtesy of Karyn Lovegrove Gallery Bottom: Anna Sew Hoy Haiku 2006 Polyurethane foam, mirror, knives, wood, plastic Approx. 3 x ...

  • Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca

    Aug 02, 2007

    Ricardo Lemvo has established himself as a pioneer with his exhilarating music combining Latin and African elements from salsa to soukous. This Congo-born artist of Angolan ancestry is the embodiment of the Afro-Latin Diaspora, which connects back to Africa via the Cuban clave rhythm. Lemvo is truly multi-cultural and equally at home singing in English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala, and Kikongo. The concert w...

  • Voices from the Heart

    Jul 09, 2005

    The heart of the National Museum—our collection—contains a wealth of correspondence between family, friends, and associates. Join professional actors, community members, and staff as they read selected letters written by inmates of America's concentration camps and Nisei soldiers. The afternoon provides a unique glimpse into the lives of Japanese Americans during World War II. Advance reservations highly suggested...

  • Taiko Jam Session with Hydaiko Taiko

    Sep 28, 2003

    Come join Hydaiko, the network of taiko players for a brief overview about taiko! Taiko drummers from several different groups in Southern California will host this workshop and jam session presenting you with the opportunity to learn about the history of taiko in North America, gain hands-on experience with different instruments, and participate in a demonstration of the creative process of a taiko jam session. All ...