Little Tokyo Talks
Join Walter Nishinaka as he explores Japanese American culture in Los Angeles through conversations with community members and friends.
Episodes
It’s scary story time with the Little Tokyo locals as they share their encounters with the spirits that haunt J-town. Listen to find out where you might encounter a friendly ghost during your next visit to Little Tokyo.
www.littletokyotalks.com
Author Debbi Michiko Florence tells us about the inspiration behind the Jasmine Toguchi chapter book series as Walter learns more about the importance of diversity and Japanese American representation in children’s literature.
littletokyotalks.com
Meet our new sound editor, Kaz Mogi! Kaz tells us about life as a musician and content creator while he chats with us about everything from Little Tokyo dessert spots to recording the Ghost of Tsushima soundtrack.
www.littletokyotalks.com
In episode 7, Walter chats with Ryan Ishii, a recent college grad and true LA local. After discussing how Walter watched Ryan and his friends grow up in J-Town, Ryan fills us in on his involvement with the collegiate Nikkei community during his years at UCSB.
www.littletokyotalks.com
Tomomi Hongo of LA Mugen Taiko shares what it was like to grow up with taiko, and how her experiences, education, and family have influenced the way that she teaches and performs. We also learn more about her upcoming event, LA Taiko Festival (lataikofestival.com).
www.littletokyotalks.com
Taiko performer and instructor Kraig Kenta Saito shares his passion for Japanese American festivals like Nisei Week and Obon while reminiscing about Little Tokyo in the 90s and 00s.
www.littletokyotalks.com
Jiro Maestu, founder of Poche Studio based in Little Tokyo, talks about the origins and aspirations of Little Tokyo Table Tennis, a new community program at the Terasaki Budokan.
www.littletokyotalks.com
Olympian and Pan American Champion Sakura Kokumai talks karate, competition, travel, and rice(?!) while explaining how martial arts connected her to the Little Tokyo community.
www.littletokyotalks.com
With love and respect for the local community, security guard Joseph Smith explains how his view of Little Tokyo transformed from a place where he works to the place he calls home. Joseph shares a few of his many stories, reminding us that Little Tokyo never sleeps.
www.littletokyotalks.com
Martial artist, veteran, and activist Art Ishii tells stories about LA neighborhoods, the Buddhahead Breakfast Club, and Yellow Brotherhood. He also sheds insight on his involvement in various forms of Japanese martial arts, as well as his hopes for the future of Little Tokyo.
www.littletokyotalks.com
In Episode 0, Jaymie Takeshita (your editor) speaks with Walter Nishinaka (your host) to discuss the inspiration behind the Little Tokyo Talks podcast. Listeners will get to learn more about Walter and his involvement in the Little Tokyo community. After listening, we hope you will have a better idea of what type of content to expect through his discussions with friends, and have a clearer picture of the type of community that Walt...
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