About Us

Konnichiwa LIttle Tokyo – Volunteer Led Effort in Partnership with Organizations and Businesses of Little Tokyo

Japanese American National Museum · Fugetsu-Do · Oiwake Restaurant ·  S. K. Uyeda Department Store – Mitsuru Cafe – Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

Children are our future! It is important for our children to experience different cultures in order for them to have a broad perspective of the world. However, there are many children who never have the luxury of traveling anywhere (let alone to Japan). So why don’t we give them the opportunity to experience some Japanese culture here in Los Angeles?

Through the summer, we invite these children to come to Little Tokyo to experience Taiko Drumming, Origami, and Japanese food, and to learn the history of the Japanese Americans.

Konnichiwa Little Tokyo Committee Members

Risako McCarthy (AKA Saki Miata) – Founder & Director
Susan Yokoyama – Executive Adviser
Jayson Yamaguchi – Adviser
Masami Tokunaga Dalbotten – Treasurer
Akiko Sasaki
Lance Kanamori
Jessica Kanai
Brent Mori
Jon Kingi – 2012 Program Coordinator
Tiffany Hamamoto – 2012 Program Leader

I am very pleased to produce this much needed cultural enrichment program in the heart of Little Tokyo to brighten the lives of up to 100 children in foster care during the summer.  In September 2008, out of a deep reflection on ways to better serve the underprivileged, I have begun to research a number of pressing needs in the community. Since then, I have learned that with all the available resources being devoted to providing safe, nurturing homes for abused and neglected children, there are little to no other means for foster youth to be involved in enrichment activities. While activities ranging from summer camps, trips away from the city, etc. are readily accessible for many children in our own families and social circles, unfortunately, on the contrary, youth who are in foster homes often are left with little to no opportunities to enjoy their summer vacation.

The motivation for my starting this program—strictly on a volunteer basis—with the support of a number of caring individuals in the community comes from learning about the struggles of these foster youth to recover from serious physical and emotional trauma which many of us may not begin to understand.  However, the least we can do as caring, compassionate, and hopeful individuals is to take some time to share what we have come to take so much pride and joy, a small yet significant place called Little Tokyo.

Little Tokyo is just the right place for this type of a program.   I see this program creating bridges between cultures while upholding the history of this special place–stories of its people, organizations, and businesses serves as an inspiration for these youth to thrive as many Japanese Americans have managed to do in spite extreme challenges brought on by circumstances that have been largely out of their control.

We are truly excited to share in such diverse experiences planned for a number of our visitors which includes origami and taiko drumming workshop, historical tour of the area, a talk on Buddhism, Japanese lunch and desert tasting—all concluding with an “omiyage” (gift) bag.  Of course none of this would be possible without the shared passion and commitment from volunteers like you.

I cannot thank you enough…I trust that you will get as much out of this program as our foster youth will!

Sincerely,
Risako “Saki” McCarthy
Program Founder

“Saki and her gang of merry helpers put together a day of completely unique, fun, and educational activities.  It was organized and structured but felt free at the same time.”
–Rhea Perlman, Actress, Big Supporter of KLT

“The kids couldn’t believe the level of generosity they experienced durint the day that they spent in Little Tokyo.  The day could not have been any better.”
–Amy Jaffe, LCSW, Senior Vice President of Operations at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

“Experiences like this mean so much to our children as many have little to no support from family members and look forward immensely to outings like this.  I think that this was one of the best outings that our children have attended.  It was educational and fun and our children had a great time.”
–Amy Jaffe, LCSW, Senior Vice President of Operations at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services

“WOW! The kids and staff members from Hillsides that attended your wonderful Little Tokyo Day have not stopped talking since they have returned.  Everyone had such a fantastic time.  From beginning to end they were enthralled.”
–Laura Kelso, Director of Comunity Resources at Hillsides

“All of the children were raving about the museum tour, drumming and origami workshops, treat bags, and delicious food that you generously provided for the event.  It was a wonderful experience for our residents that they will not forget.”
–Laura Kelso, Director of Comunity Resources at Hillsides

“It was a nice experience and enjoyed it a lot.  I will definitely come again and bring my kids when I grow up.”
–A boy from Hathaway-Sycamores

“Session was through and well organized.  Information was exciting because it was interactive and friendly.”
–A staff member from Hathaway-Sycamores”

“Konnichiwa program was fantastic.  Informed me of culture I knew nothing about.”
–A boy from Vista Del Mar

“EXCELLENT DAY!  Thank you SO much!”
–A boy from Vista Del Mar