Sawtelle Japantown Celebration 2019
A crowd cheers as the Sawtelle Japantown sign is unveiled in 2015. Among those joining in the ceremony are Randy Sakamoto (right) of the Sawtelle Japantown Association, Councilmember Mike Bonin (second from left), and Consul General Harry Horinouchi (left of sign). (MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo)
A series of events will take place from Feb. 16 to March 3 to celebrate Sawtelle Japantown.
In 2015, the Los Angeles City Council voted to formally designate the Sawtelle Japantown community.
West L.A. Holiness Church hosts a Flash Clean on Saturday, Feb. 16, from 9 to 10 a.m. Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. Meet in front of Nijiya Market, 2130 Sawtelle Blvd. (at Olympic Boulevard). Kick-start Sawtelle Japantown Celebration 2019 to mark the fourth anniversary of Sawtelle Japantown’s official designation. Wear shoes and dress comfortably. Tools and supplies provided. Refreshments served. Community service credit for students.
West L.A. United Methodist Church, 1913 Purdue Ave., will screen “What’s for Dinner, Mom?” (Mama, Gohan Mada?) on Friday, Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m.
Based on actress Tae Hitoto’s memoir, two daughters return home to discover a box filled with old recipes and letters written by their mother, who died 20 years ago. The 2016 film was directed by Mitsuhito Shiraha and was an official selection for Culinary Zinema at the 2016 San Sebastian International Film Festival. Running time is 117 minutes. Free admission and refreshments. Parking is limited.
Sawtelle Japantown will celebrate its four-year anniversary with a Birthday Bash on Saturday, Feb. 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m at Nora Sterry Elementary School, 1730 Corinth (between Nebraska and Iowa on Sawtelle). Performers include Koshin Taiko, Fujima Seiyumi Kai, Little Tokyo Dance Club and Ryujin Taiko. Refreshments provided by Nijiya Market, Marukai Market, Neveria El Oasis, Lenny’s Deli and Fugetsudo. Supported by L.A. City Council District 11.
From Feb. 16 to March 3, participating merchants will offer special promotions for the celebration. Show the flyer and ask for the “Sawtelle Japantown Celebration Special” at businesses that display the Sawtelle Japantown Celebration 2019 flyer.
Supported by Nijiya Market, Nora Sterry Elementary School Booster Club, Council District 11, L.A. City Office of Community Beautification, WLA Holiness Church, WLA United Methodist Church, Marukai Market, Venice Japanese Community Center, Koshin Taiko, Fujima Seiyumi Kai, Little Tokyo Dance Club, Ryujin Taiko, Fugetsudo, Lenny’s Deli and Neveria El Oasis.
For more information, email WLASawtelle@gmail.com.