EXPERIENCE - JapanUp! magazine

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE FOOD RESTAURANTS WHAT’S HOT

HINODEYA Little Tokyo Launches a Dodgers Game-Day Combo

japanup_akane 06/26/2026

HINODEYA Little Tokyo has rolled out a special Dodgers Combo, available only on Dodgers home game days. For $55, you get two mini ramen, one pitcher of beer, and three appetizers (edamame, gyoza, and karaage), making it a perfect set to share with friends before or after the game. In July, it will be offered for home games including the Padres series starting July 2, as well as the Rockies series. Dine-in only. HINODEYA Ramen & Bar Little Tokyo: 232 East 2nd Street, Suite B, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Instagram: @hinodeya_los_angeles

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE PLACES TO GO WHAT’S HOT

Petites Étoiles Ballet School in Lomita Is Now Accepting New Students

japanup_akane 06/25/2026

Looking for a ballet class in the South Bay? Petites Étoiles, a classical ballet school in Lomita, is now accepting new students ahead of its new term starting in August. The school welcomes a wide range of ages, from children as young as 3 all the way to adults, with careful instruction tailored to each student’s level. The name “Petites Étoiles” is French for “little stars,” and that spirit shows in its small-group, personal approach. A great first step is to book a casual trial lesson and see if it’s the right fit. If you are interested, reach out using…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

COEDO AO: A Refreshing Summer Cold IPA from Japan’s COEDO Brewery

japanup_akane 06/25/2026

COEDO Brewery has released a new summer beer, COEDO AO (碧). It is the latest in the brewery’s “Four Seasons” series, which celebrates Japanese culture through the changing seasons, and AO is the limited-edition release for summer. The name takes the kanji “碧,” which describes a blue-green color, and the beer is meant to capture the lively energy and cool breeze of a Japanese summer. AO is brewed as a Cold IPA, a relatively new style that uses lager yeast fermented at a higher temperature to create a crisp, dry finish. The result is a clear, pale gold beer with…

EXPERIENCE

Quiz – July 2026

miwako3 06/25/2026 SUDOKU

vol.225 (July 2026) SUDOKU RULES: In each of the 9 vertical and 9 horizontal rows insert one number each from 1 to 9, without inserting the same number twice per row.Explain more… SOLUTION >>>

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA WHAT’S HOT

Mitsuwa Weekly Ad 2026: This Week’s Specials & Sale Deals

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

Mitsuwa Weekly Ad for Jun 19-25, 2026. This week’s specials and fair deals at Mitsuwa Marketplace: produce, sake, Calpico, Choya, Baby Star and more, with store locations across LA, OC and San Diego.

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EVENT IN LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Free Admission! Nova Vita Summer Festival, July 11-12 at Tanaka Farms

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

The Nova Vita Festival returns to Tanaka Farms this summer, and it is shaping up to be a must-see event the whole family can enjoy. Now in its 6th year, this Japanese summer festival (natsu matsuri) is planned and run largely by local high school students, and it drew more than 3,000 visitors last year. Expect food stalls serving takoyaki, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and yakitori, along with a game alley for the kids. On stage, there will be a karaoke contest and a raffle for a chance to win round-trip airfare to Japan. The festival’s big highlight is an…

EVENT EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EVENT IN LOS ANGELES EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Kinokuniya Bookstore Relocates and Reopens in Little Tokyo

japanup_akane 06/24/2026

Kinokuniya Little Tokyo is back. The Japanese bookstore has relocated and reopened a large new store in the neighborhood this June.Little Tokyo this June. This flagship offers one of the largest selections of translated manga in California, along with a wide range of Japanese-language books and stationery, plus a permanent Studio Ghibli corner. The store is also about twice the size of the previous one, making it the second largest Kinokuniya in the United States. In addition, the separate temporary store has officially become independent as the Los Angeles THE BLOC Store, giving downtown a convenient two-store setup. Check the…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES PLACES TO GO POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

The Best eSIM for Japan in 2026: Hello Japan SIM, Now on Amazon

japanup_akane 06/23/2026

. Planning a Trip to Japan? Stay Connected from the Moment You Land ✈️ If you’re heading to Japan soon and wondering how to stay connected, here’s an easy solution to consider. No contracts. No hassle. Ready to use as soon as you arrive. Introducing Hello Japan SIM, a data-only eSIM you can conveniently purchase on Amazon before your trip—even while you’re still in the U.S. Skip the hassle of swapping SIM cards and get everything set up in advance with a simple eSIM activation. 💡 Why Choose Hello Japan SIM? Activate instantly with a QR code—no complicated sign-ups or contracts…

Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why a Tiny Japanese Rubber Stamp Just Took Down Asia’s Biggest Cyber-Crime Syndicate (6/22)

japanup_akane 06/22/2026

If you have been following global security news, you likely know that the US and UK governments recently slapped heavy economic sanctions on the Prince Group—a massive, Cambodia-based Chinese conglomerate flagged as one of Asia’s largest criminal syndicates. But today, the story took an unexpected turn right in the heart of Tokyo. On June 22, 2026, Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested a top executive of this notorious group. The charge? Legally speaking, it is “making and using a false entry in an official electromagnetic record.” In plain English: falsifying official corporate registry documents to hide their tracks. “【BREAKING】Executive of One of…

ANIME EXPO EXPERIENCE POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Want to Work at Anime Expo? How to Find Short Term Jobs in LA!

japanup_akane 06/22/2026

Every July, Los Angeles lights up for Anime Expo, the largest Japanese pop culture event in North America. Around 400,000 fans flood the Los Angeles Convention Center for cosplay, panels, merch, and some seriously good Japanese food. If you love anime and Japanese culture, here’s something you might not have considered: you don’t have to attend just as a fan. You can be part of the team that makes it happen. In this article, we’ll walk through the kinds of short-term jobs that pop up around Anime Expo, and how to find them, even if your Japanese is limited or…

ATT. JAPAN Fun Facts LEARNJAPAN POPULAR TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

Japan Now! Why is Japan Quintupling Its Visa Fees? The Story Behind the Massive 2026 Price Hike 🇯🇵 (6/19)

japanup_akane 06/19/2026

For decades, Japan has been the ultimate dream destination for American travelers, offering stunning temples, unmatched hospitality, and in recent years, an incredibly favorable exchange rate due to the weak yen. But Japan visa fees are about to change in a big way. A major financial update from Tokyo is currently making headlines across Japan, and it’s something every future traveler and expat needs to know. Starting July 1, 2026, the Japanese government will implement a massive hike in foreigner visa fees, marking the first major overhaul of its kind since 1978. “【Announcement】Visa fees for foreigners to be raised 5…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES POPULAR WHAT’S HOT

Binge-Watch The Solitary Gourmet on Channel Oishii

Hiratsuka 06/19/2026

. “Channel Oishii” is a dedicated streaming channel featuring a curated lineup of popular programs centered on Japanese cuisine. The lineup features a wide range of programs that celebrate Japanese food culture and regional specialties from across the country, including the popular drama “The Solitary Gourmet,” the hit series “What Did You Eat Yesterday?”, and distinctive shows such as “Exploring Hokkaido’s Underground Food Scene.” Channel Oishii streams popular food-focused programs produced by commercial broadcasters across Japan, 24 hours a day. In addition to watching live, just like traditional TV, viewers can also enjoy on-demand streaming and catch up on their…