WHAT’S HOT - JapanUp! magazine

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

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Watch VIVANT and More Hit Japanese Dramas Free This Summer

japanup_akane 08/07/2026

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…

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

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

Kumamoto Earthquake Charity Concert Comes to Torrance on August 9

japanup_akane 08/06/2026

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…

Wasabi Pixels photographer capturing a family portrait session

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

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

japanup_akane 08/06/2026

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…

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

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

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

japanup_akane 07/30/2026

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…

Exterior of the Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles in Little Tokyo

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

Square Enix Cafe Los Angeles Is Now Open in Little Tokyo

japanup_akane 07/29/2026

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…

EVENT IN LOS ANGELES WHAT’S HOT

A Face-Balancing Effect Created by JINS Golden Ratio™｜JINS

Hiratsuka 07/28/2026

. 　Bring Harmony and Beauty to Your Look Just by Wearing Them. Born from JINS’ proprietary technology, the “JINS COMBINATION TITANIUM” features a Golden Ratio design. Delicate, neutral lines highlight the natural beauty of your features, bringing balance to your overall look simply by putting them on. 3 Reasons to Choose JINS Golden Ratio™ ◆LOOKS | Enhance Your Features for a Beautiful Impression Delicate frame lines and softly blending colors naturally emphasize the charm of your bare face. ◆COMFORT | Premium β-Titanium for a Flexible, Perfect Fit Made with ultra-lightweight β-titanium, they provide a supreme fit without any feeling of…

One's Rent-A-Car special plan for Dodgers games in Los Angeles, with car, tickets, and parking

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

One’s Rent-A-Car Brings Japanese-Quality Service to Dodgers Game Days

japanup_akane 07/28/2026

One’s Rent-A-Car is now offering a special plan for fans heading to a Dodgers game, and it comes with something the big American rental chains do not: the attentive, Japanese-style service you would expect back home. The plan bundles a rental car with game tickets and stadium parking in one deal, and every location is staffed by Japanese-speaking team members, so booking, pickup, and any questions along the way all happen in your language. Why Rent from One’s Rent-A-Car For anyone who misses the reliability and thoughtful touches of renting a car in Japan, this is the closest thing in…

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

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

Daikokuya’s Limited-Time Spicy Chili Mazemen Has Arrived

japanup_akane 07/27/2026

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…

New Gardena Hotel, offering a long-term stay in Gardena with utilities included

EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

New Gardena Hotel’s New Long-Term Stay Plan, Ideal for Business Trips

japanup_akane 07/27/2026

A long-term stay in Gardena just got easier. New Gardena Hotel, winner of the Rakuten Travel Gold Award 2025, now offers a new extended-stay plan built for comfortable long-term living. The plan runs $1,800 per month, with water and utilities included. What the Long-Term Stay in Gardena Includes The plan comes with the amenities you want for a longer stay, including high-speed internet, TV, washlet bidet toilets, and covered parking. It is a practical base for a business trip or a temporary home while you are between places. The hotel sits about 15 minutes from LAX, with Japanese, Korean, and…

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

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE WHAT’S HOT

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

japanup_akane 07/24/2026

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…

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

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

Japan Deluxe Tours Is Now Booking Its Takayama Festival Tour

japanup_akane 07/23/2026

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…

ANA aircraft, marking 40 years of the ANA Los Angeles route since 1986

EVENT AND NEWS IN LA EXPERIENCE TRAVEL WHAT’S HOT

ANA Los Angeles Route Marks 40 Years With a Commemorative Ceremony

japanup_akane 07/23/2026

The ANA Los Angeles route has reached its 40th anniversary, and the airline marked the milestone with a commemorative ceremony at Los Angeles International Airport that opened with a taiko drum performance. General Manager Yoshiyuki Hirooka took the stage to express his gratitude and to reaffirm the airline’s commitment to safe operations. Four Decades of the ANA Los Angeles Route ANA launched international service in 1986, and the Los Angeles route took off on July 16 of that same year. Today, counting flights out of Haneda, three daily flights connect Tokyo and Los Angeles. About the Airline ANA (All Nippon…