Japan in LA Directory

Across the United States, only five Japantowns remain.  Many of these communities disappeared during the World War II internments and were never able to recover afterwards due to the displacement.

In Southern California, two Japantowns remain:

Little Tokyo - Downtown Los Angeles - in the area surrounding 1st Street & San Pedro Street.

Sawtelle Japantown -  West Los Angeles - in the area surrounding Sawtelle Blvd. and Olympic Blvd. 

While Japan related businesses and services do span throughout Southern California, these two communities serve as a nexus to Japanese culture to Japanese and non-Japanese alike.  Both Japantowns feature many dining and shopping options and occasionally hold special events.  

J1 strongly supports Little Tokyo and Sawtelle Japantown and the associations of merchants and friends who help these neighborhoods strive.  If you are in Southern California or plan to visit the region, please make it a point to visit these areas and support the local businesses as a part of your quest to discover Japan in Los Angeles.  

We will be maintaining this directory to list businesses and other services in Southern California to help spread the word and assure that Little Tokyo, Sawtelle and Japanese-owned or inspired businesses throughout the region strive.  J1 is your friend.

J1 LOVES LITTLE TOKYO. J1 LOVES SAWTELLE JAPANTOWN. J1 LOVES YOU!

Featured businesses and organizations

  • The Sawtelle Japantown Association (SJA) is a community organization that is focused on the preservation and growth of Sawtelle Japantown, a neighborhood located on the west side of Los Angeles.

  • The Little Tokyo Community Council brings together a broad range of Little Tokyo stakeholders to speak with one voice to protect, preserve, and promote our historic community.

  • The Rafu Shimpo has been the nation's leading Japanese American newspaper since its original publication. We are proud to have served the Japanese American community from our Little Tokyo office in Downtown Los Angeles since 1903.


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