Kiku Matsuri 2026 San Diego Japanese festival main visual

Kiku Matsuri 2026: San Diego’s Japanese Festival Returns Bigger on Oct. 25

Kiku, a nonprofit serving the Nikkei community in and around San Diego, will host its Japanese festival, Kiku Matsuri, on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last year’s edition, held as Akimatsuri, drew more than 1,600 people. This year the San Diego Japanese festival comes back with a new name and a new venue, plus two stages, Bon Odori dancing everyone can join, and a full day of Japanese food and activities. From 1,600 Guests to a New Name: Kiku Matsuri Last year’s Akimatsuri brought together local food vendors along with taiko drummers, dancers, musicians and…

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Chill Out This Summer with DAIKOKUYA’s NEW Cold Dan Dan Noodles! 🍜

Beat the summer heat with our exclusive seasonal creation, newly launched for this summer only! Introducing our Cold Dan Dan Noodles ($17.50)—featuring DAIKOKUYA’s signature creamy broth, chilled to perfection. Combined with just the right kick of chili oil, it’s a refreshing, rich, and spicy bowl designed to keep you cool all season long. 🎐🌶️ ✨ Why You’ll Love It: -Chilled & Creamy: Our house-made rich broth, served cold for maximum summer comfort. -A Spicy Kick: Infused with savory chili oil to wake up your appetite. -Limited-Time Special: Available only during the summer months—get it while it lasts! Check details and…

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MAOSHO performing, where Tsugaru shamisen and jazz piano meet at Japan House Los Angeles

Tsugaru Shamisen and Jazz Piano Meet for One Night in LA

A one-night-only collaboration of Tsugaru shamisen and jazz is coming to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles on Tuesday, September 8 at 7pm. The performance, MAOSHO featuring Ryota Kikuchi, brings together the unit MAOSHO, made up of Tsugaru shamisen player Sho Asano and jazz musician Mao Sone, with special guest Ryota Kikuchi, a pianist popular on YouTube. It is a special evening where traditional music, jazz, and piano all intersect. Tickets start at $40 and are available at the link below. Where Tsugaru Shamisen and Jazz Collide MAOSHO pairs Sho Asano, one of Japan’s foremost Tsugaru shamisen performers, with Mao Sone, an…

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Little Tokyo ramen deal: Hinodeya dashi ramen collab campaign with Charlie's Tea and Soragumi

Little Tokyo Ramen Deal: 10% Off with Hinodeya’s Collab Campaign

A new Little Tokyo ramen deal is on now: Hinodeya, the authentic dashi ramen shop, has teamed up with two popular Little Tokyo spots for a limited-time cross-discount campaign. Through September 30, just show a receipt from a participating shop to get 10% off. It is a perfect excuse for a day out in Little Tokyo. How the Little Tokyo Ramen Deal Works The discount goes in every direction, so you can start anywhere. Cool off with a sweet, authentic tea after a bowl of hot ramen, or browse for goods at Soragumi before heading over for noodles. However you…

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Japan Hollywood Network broadcasts hit Japanese dramas free across LA and Orange County

Watch VIVANT and More Hit Japanese Dramas Free This Summer

You can watch VIVANT in the US this summer, free of charge. Japan Hollywood Network, which broadcasts over the air across the Los Angeles and Orange County areas, is airing two of this summer’s most talked-about Japanese dramas at no cost. First up, on Sunday, August 9 and Sunday, August 16 at 7pm, is Double Edge: The Man Who Came Back (Daburu Ejji), where an unlikely pair of partners takes on a baffling case. Then, starting Sunday, August 23 at 7pm, comes VIVANT (2026), the hit sequel starring Masato Sakai. After each TV broadcast, the episodes stream free on the…

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2026 Kumamoto earthquake charity concert flyer for the August 9 fundraiser in Torrance

Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Concert Comes to Torrance on August 9

The Nanka Kumamoto Kenjinkai (Southern California Kumamoto Prefectural Association) and Mikaela Kai Flamenco are holding the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake Stand Together Charity Concert in support of those affected by the recent Kumamoto earthquake. It takes place Sunday, August 9, at The Moose – Torrance Lodge 785, with a bazaar during the day and ticketed stage performances in the afternoon. Proceeds go toward relief for the disaster-affected areas in Kumamoto. Two Shows in One Afternoon A single ticket covers two back-to-back concerts. At 4pm, an authentic flamenco show features special guest artists Paco and Yolanda Arroyo, followed at 5:30pm by a…

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Wasabi Pixels photographer capturing a family portrait session

Wasabi Pixels Is Now Booking Back-to-School Photo Shoots

Wasabi Pixels helps you capture life’s once-in-a-lifetime moments in the best possible way, from pre-wedding shoots to family portraits. With professional equipment and a sure creative eye, the studio frames the moments that matter beautifully. Right now, Wasabi Pixels is also taking bookings for back-to-school portraits and photo shoots of all kinds. If you are interested, reach out using the contact details below. What Wasabi Pixels Offers Led by photographer Maki, the studio covers weddings, engagements, family portraits, and seasonal shoots, with a knack for documentary-style candids alongside warm, artful portraits. Based in Las Vegas, Wasabi Pixels also serves the…

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Jiro-style ramen with thick noodles and rich broth at Garlic High inside Tokyo Central

Jiro-Style Ramen, a NorCal Sensation, Has Landed in LA

Jiro-style ramen, the bowl taking Northern California by storm, has arrived in the LA area. Known for a rich broth simmered for 15 hours and thick, seriously satisfying noodles, this is the real-deal flavor that earned an overwhelming following up north. You can find it at Garlic High, operating inside the food courts at Tokyo Central Yorba Linda and Tokyo Central PCH in Torrance. Whether it is a treat on the way home from work or a weekend indulgence, come take on the one-of-a-kind volume and satisfaction. What Makes This Jiro-Style Ramen Special The broth is simmered for a full…

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Exterior of the Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles in Little Tokyo

Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles Is Now Open in Little Tokyo

The Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles is open in Little Tokyo, the first permanent, officially licensed Square Enix cafe with a full menu in the United States. Inside, you will find official menu dishes, drinks, and desserts themed around popular games, along with official merchandise and cafe-exclusive novelty items. It is a destination where fans can soak in the worlds of Dragon Quest and other beloved titles while enjoying a special outing. What to Expect at the Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles The menu draws on franchises like Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, and NieR:Automata, with themed food, drinks, and desserts…

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Daikokuya spicy chili mazemen topped with ground pork, corn, jalapeno, and a poached egg

Daikokuya’s Limited-Time Spicy Chili Mazemen Has Arrived

A new spicy chili mazemen has landed at Daikokuya for a limited time, made in collaboration with the Japanese noodle brand Myojo. Mazemen is a soupless, sauce-tossed style of ramen, and this one comes loaded with ground pork, corn, jalapeño, and a poached egg for a spicy, appetite-stirring bowl. Be sure to try the “oikameshi” finish too: add white rice to the leftover sauce and toppings for a second round of flavor. What’s in the Spicy Chili Mazemen The bowl piles on ground pork, fried onions, green onions, corn, seaweed, jalapeño, and a poached egg, all brought together by Daikokuya’s…

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Keiro Kikyo Home, the first board and care home for Japanese American seniors in Torrance

Keiro Kikyo Home Receives State License for Its First Care Home in Torrance

Keiro Kikyo Home has received its Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) license from the California Department of Social Services, Keiro announced. The license covers the organization’s first board and care home, located in Torrance, and marks a major step toward opening. What Keiro Kikyo Home Will Offer The home is designed as an intimate, supportive setting for residents who benefit from extra help with daily routines. Plans include both private and shared rooms, culturally responsive programming, and a focus on safety, engagement, and meaningful daily activity. For a Japanese American community that has long faced a shortage of…

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Ornate wooden floats on parade, the highlight of the Takayama Festival tour in October

Japan Deluxe Tours Is Now Booking Its Takayama Festival Tour

A Takayama Festival tour is now available from Japan Deluxe Tours, built around one of Japan’s three most beautiful festivals. Travelers get an up-close look at the lavishly decorated floats and the karakuri puppet dedication, along with the lively traditional performances that fill the streets during the celebration. What the Takayama Festival Tour Includes The next departure runs from October 5 to 14, with an itinerary that travels through Tokyo, Nagano, Takayama, Kanazawa, and Kyoto. Check the link below for full details. About the Tour Operator Japan Deluxe Tours ・Website: japandeluxetours.com Related ArticlesJapan Now! The Three Views of Japan, a…

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