L.A. Rising Fest 2026

On March 29, the LA Rising Fest was held in Little Tokyo.

The event celebrated the second anniversary of the “LA Rising” mural featuring Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, painted on the Miyako Hotel.
It was organized by the Little Tokyo Business Association together with the artist, Robert Vargas, who created the mural.

Boyle Heights is now widely recognized as a Mexican American neighborhood, but before the war it was home to a large Japanese American population, and it still maintains strong ties to that history.

Born and raised in Boyle Heights, Robert Vargas has created numerous murals that celebrate community and cultural identity.
Along First Street, a mural of Dodgers legend and Mexican pitcher Fernando Valenzuela also stands out, reflecting the cultural connection between Boyle Heights and Little Tokyo.

On stage, the event featured taiko drumming, Japanese dance, and mariachi performances, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Carlos González Gutiérrez, the Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles, Vivian Escalante, president of the nonprofit organization Boyle Heights Community Partners, and East LA born Hollywood actor Edward James Olmos all spoke about the importance of recognizing and sharing each other’s cultural heritage and history across communities.

Torrance Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival

On Sunday, March 29, the annual Cherry Blossom Cultural Festival took place at Columbia Park in Torrance.

The event was launched following cherry tree planting efforts and has since been held annually as a symbol of Japan–U.S. friendship and marked its 13th year this year.

At the opening ceremony, Torrance Mayor George Chen and Deputy Consul General Kamitani of the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles were among those who took the stage to offer remarks.

The park was filled with booths showcasing Japanese culture alongside a variety of food trucks.
A diverse lineup of performances brought the stage to life.

Visitors enjoyed a leisurely spring day under cherry blossoms in full bloom.

Meanwhile, the City of Torrance is planning a memorial honoring Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II, and a donation ceremony was held that day in support of the project.

The memorial is planned for a section within the park, with a groundbreaking ceremony expected as early as later this year.