For decades, Shibuya has been shorthand for everything new in Japan: the scramble crossing, youth fashion, neon-soaked nightlife. However, on the evening of August 8, the district will do something radically old. The streets around SHIBUYA109 will close to traffic, a wooden yagura tower will rise in the middle of the road, and thousands of people in yukata will dance in circles to songs their great-grandparents knew. This is Bon Odori, and it is one of Japan’s oldest living traditions. Quick Answer: Bon Odori is the traditional circle dance of Obon, Japan’s midsummer festival honoring ancestral spirits. Shibuya Bon Odori…
View More Japan Now! Bon Odori Takes Over Shibuya! The 600-Year-Old Dance in Japan’s Trendiest District (7/13)Category: EVENT
Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel Oishii
The Solitary Gourmet This drama highlights the pleasures of eating alone. Goro Inogashira runs a small business selling various goods. His job takes him on sales trips to all sorts of neighborhoods. The places he stops to eat are where the drama unfolds. Each time, he discovers surprising culinary delights. This drama is based on a popular comic book, but the eateries he visits are actual restaurants. Channel Oishii will be releasing Seasons 1 through 10 sequentially, giving viewers the opportunity to follow Goro’s culinary adventures from the very beginning. In addition to The Solitary Gourmet, Channel Oishii features a…
View More Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel OishiiJapan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)
For years, Japanese pop culture fans in America have recreated a little piece of Japan at home, from ramen nights to anime conventions. However, this summer the tables have turned completely: Japan is building a full-scale replica of Santa Monica, palm trees, pier, white sand and all, right on the Yokohama waterfront. It is called Red Brick Sunset 2026, and it might be Japan’s most American event ever. Quick Answer: Red Brick Sunset 2026 runs August 1 to 30 at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, one of Japan’s most popular waterfront venues. This year’s theme is Santa Monica, complete with a…
View More Japan Now! Japan Is Building Its Own Santa Monica, and It Opens August 1 (7/10)Kendo Trial Class in SFV area: Beginners Welcome in Sun Valley
Looking for a kendo class in the Valley areas? Valley Kendo Club is welcoming new beginners to a trial class in Sun Valley. Kendo builds fitness, focus, respect, confidence, and discipline, and all ages (8yo and up is recommended) and experience levels are welcome. Kendo Trial Class Details: Date, Time, and Location ・Date: Saturday, July 11, 8:00 AM・Location: Valley Japanese Community Center, 8850 Lankershim Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352・Open to: Children, teens, and adults. No experience needed. Class Times and How to Join For the full class schedule and ongoing session times, visit ValleyKendoClub.com. Contact ・Email: valleykendodojo@gmail.com・Website: https://www.valleykendoclub.com
View More Kendo Trial Class in SFV area: Beginners Welcome in Sun ValleyWatch Japanese Anime Free on Channel Oishii, No Signup Needed
Channel Oishii, the free channel dedicated to Japanese food, brings together popular Japanese dramas, anime, and films built around the theme of Japanese cuisine. Alongside the currently streaming Sushi Sumo, Channel Oishii is now adding new anime that celebrate food and regional charm, including Hyakusho Kizoku and Gunma-chan. No signup is required, and you can start watching right away on the FAST platform Amasian TV. Watch Now New Anime Now Streaming on Channel Oishii Hyakusho Kizoku -the farmer’s days in 2nd Season-Before her manga career, Hiromu Arakawa spent seven years working on her family’s dairy and crop farm in Hokkaido.…
View More Watch Japanese Anime Free on Channel Oishii, No Signup NeededLike Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS on Instagram and Get a Free Drink
Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS, popular for its crispy tendon (tempura rice bowls), is running a free drink offer at its food court location inside Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo in Torrance. Like their Instagram post and show it at the register to receive one free drink (with any food order). Choose from green tea, water, or cola to enjoy alongside your tempura. This express counter, which opened in the Mitsuwa Del Amo food court earlier in 2026, is known for its tendon bowls, its udon and tempura combo, and its Spam tempura musubi. Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo…
View More Like Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS on Instagram and Get a Free DrinkLimited Time! RAKKAN Ramen’s Summer Special Menu
The RAKKAN Ramen summer menu is here for a limited time. To help you beat the heat this season, RAKKAN Ramen is serving its SUMMER SPECIAL lineup through September 30. The lineup includes savory Umami Tsukemen and Spicy Tsukemen (tsukemen are Japanese dipping noodles), a vegan-friendly Tantan Tsukemen, and a hearty Chicken Katsu Plate. Do not miss these special summer-only flavors. Check the website for the location nearest you. RAKKAN Ramen https://rakkanramen.com/Instagram: @rakkan_ramen Related Articles Mitsuwa Weekly Ad 2026: This Week’s Specials & Sale Dealshttps://japanupmagazine.com/archives/21703
View More Limited Time! RAKKAN Ramen’s Summer Special MenuTwo Luxurious New Wafu Noodle Dishes Arrive at Takagi Coffee
Two new Japanese pasta dishes are joining the Takagi Coffee menu in Los Angeles. The lineup adds two flavors: the umami-rich Mushroom & Bacon Wafu Noodles, and the creamy, rich Lobster Bisque Noodles that lock in the sweet umami of shrimp. Both are Japanese pasta made carefully one bowl at a time in-store, with respect for authentic Japanese flavor, and both are worth a try. Hours: ・9am to 7pm (Mon to Fri), ・7am to 7pm (Sat and Sun) Takagi Coffee 8048 W 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-433-1295Instagram: @takagi_coffee_la1 Related Articles Mitsuwa Weekly Ad 2026: This Week’s Specials &…
View More Two Luxurious New Wafu Noodle Dishes Arrive at Takagi CoffeeGrand Opening of a Massive New Store in Little Tokyo! 📚|Books Kinokuniya
⭐ Now with 2 Downtown locations! Your ultimate hub for Japanese culture is stepping up its game Kinokuniya Los Angeles is thrilled to announce its relocation and Grand Opening this June 2026, right here in Little Tokyo! Our brand-new store is more than double in size, expanding into a massive 405-tsubo (approx. 14,400 sq ft) space. On top of that, our shopping mall location has officially become a permanent, independent branch: Kinokuniya Los Angeles THE BLOC. With two convenient locations now serving the Downtown LA area, we look forward to making your book-loving lifestyle richer and more vibrant than ever.…
View More Grand Opening of a Massive New Store in Little Tokyo! 📚|Books KinokuniyaTempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Opens in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food Court
Carlos Jr., the popular tempura specialist known for its crispy tendon (tempura rice bowls), is now open in the food court at Mitsuwa Marketplace Del Amo. This express location offers the convenience of food-court service, plus exclusive items like the Spam tempura musubi. The new udon and tempura combo and the bento box are already proving to be big hits. Stop by and give it a try on your next Mitsuwa shopping run. Update (July 2026): Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS is now running a free drink campaign. Like their Instagram post and show it at the register to get one…
View More Tempura Carlos Jr. EXPRESS Opens in the Mitsuwa Del Amo Food CourtTAKUMA IZAKAYA’s Daily Special Bento Is a Santa Monica Favorite
A local favorite, the daily special bento box at TAKUMA IZAKAYA is perfect for both lunch and dinner. Chef Takuma rotates the menu each day, with hearty options like ginger pork (shogayaki), tsukune chicken meatballs, and garlic shrimp bento. They are made fresh in limited numbers each day, so they tend to go fast. TAKUMA is also taking orders for special celebration bento boxes for events. With World Cup-related events possibly in the works, be sure to follow their Instagram to catch the latest daily specials and announcements. TAKUMA IZAKAYA 2627 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 310-586-7469santamonicatakuma.comInstagram: @takuma_santa_monica
View More TAKUMA IZAKAYA’s Daily Special Bento Is a Santa Monica FavoriteThe Front Line of Anime Music “Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno” Special Interview
Anime Expo 2026 Special Feature The Front Line of Anime Music Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno Special Interview Anime Expo 2026, one of the world’s largest anime events, will take place in Los Angeles from July 2 to 6. Among its most anticipated stages is J-POP SOUND CAPSULE, where acclaimed Japanese singer Yoko Takahashi and celebrated composer Yoko Kanno will appear. Yoko Takahashi continues to captivate fans around the world with “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” the iconic theme song from Neon Genesis Evangelion. Yoko Kanno, meanwhile, is the composer behind the music of landmark anime works such as Cowboy Bebop…
View More The Front Line of Anime Music “Yoko Takahashi × Yoko Kanno” Special Interview