Tag Archives: JapanLA

Beloved Kawaii Shop JAPANLA Reopens!

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JapanLA Reopens Flagship Store for Daily In-Person Shopping

Earlier this month, JapanLA, the beloved boutique renowned for its collection of Japanese Kawaii brands like Hello Kitty, had its grand reopening of its flagship store on La Brea Avenue. The store is now open daily for in-person shopping, bringing back the vibrant and immersive retail experience that fans have dearly missed.

Founded in 2006 by Jamie Rivadeneira, JapanLA has long been a cornerstone of the Kawaii community in Los Angeles. The store has not only offered a unique selection of adorable merchandise but also hosted numerous pop-up shops, curated events, art shows, and fashion shows. It has even produced licensed Sanrio products, creating a magical space for fans of all ages.

In 2020, JapanLA closed its physical doors due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, the store quickly adapted by pivoting to a digital business model, introducing livestream shopping shows that allowed customers to engage and shop together from the safety of their homes. This innovative approach kept the community spirit alive and thriving, even during the most challenging times of quarantine.

Despite the success of their digital model, JapanLA knew that nothing could replace the joy of in-store shopping. In June 2022, they began to reopen on weekends for in-person shopping and hosted monthly mascot events. Their popular live streams expanded to TikTok Shop, earning them a spot among the top 10 shows on the platform.

Responding to the growing demand for real-life shopping experiences and their viral popularity on TikTok, JapanLA has decided to open its doors every day of the week. This exciting development means that fans can now visit the store whenever they wish, enjoying the whole JapanLA experience once again.

JapanLA remains a vibrant gathering place where fans can celebrate their favorite characters, make new friends, and create lasting memories with their loved ones. The JapanLA team expresses immense gratitude for the unwavering support of their loyal customers and the wider community.

Come and visit JapanLA at:
233 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

  • Mon – Fri: 11am – 5pm
  • Sat: 11am – 7pm
  • Sun: 11am – 6pm

Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the Kawaii world, JapanLA looks forward to welcoming you back to their magical store. Stay tuned for upcoming event coverage from events hosted by JapanLA.

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Japan LA and Little Tokyo Shops DESTROYED by Los Angeles Rioters

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**This is NOT related to the RECENT 2025 Los Angeles Protests**

People took to the streets of Los Angeles on Saturday, May 31st for what began as a peaceful protest for the death of George Floyd, who died Monday after being handcuffed and pinned to the ground by Minneapolis Police Department officer, Derek Chauvin.

The protest later became violent as rioters took over the peaceful protest and, began attacking Los Angeles Police Department squad cars and setting them on fire. The protest turned riot, later made its way to affluent areas of Los Angeles including Rodeo Drive, Little Tokyo, Melrose Ave, and The Grove outdoor shopping mall.

Local businesses and shops around those areas were looted and/or set on fire during the riot prompting a mandatory curfew on the city Los Angeles and heavy police activity.

Caught by ABC 7 Action News, shows rioters breaking into well-known anime gift shop JapanLA on Melrose ave.

[Video taken down by ABC 7]

Dozens of looters entered the premises taking whatever they could find. According to a post by JapanLA:

“They [police] finally cleared them out and arrested some of the looters. We are all crushed and deeply saddened. Thank you for all the texts. We all left at 4:30pm and our staff is home safe. I’ll send more updates soon!” They released a security camera photo that shows two suspects looting the store.

In the past, we’ve covered a few events in this and their new Little Tokyo location.

A few shops and a pharmacy were broken into and looted in the early morning hours of May 30th, in the Little Tokyo district.


According to the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center,

“Businesses in Little Tokyo were looted last night. This was not done by protesters but by people who decided to take advantage of the grief and angst of others for their personal gain.

Brian Kito of the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association expressed concern over the close proximity of Little Tokyo to City Hall and LAPD headquarters stating,

“[It] would leave [Little Tokyo] vulnerable during civil unrest. During the L.A. riots in 1992, windows were smashed at Japanese Village Plaza, Weller Court, and what was then the New Otani Hotel on Los Angeles Street.”

LAPD headquarters a block away from the Little Tokyo district

Gov. Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for Los Angeles after approving Mayor Eric Garcetti’s request to deploy the National Guard. National Guard arrived at 12am on May 31st, 2020.

Los Angeles’ curfew will stay in place from 8 p.m. Saturday through 5 a.m. Sunday.

——————–

Source: Rafu Shimpo, ABC7 Action News, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

Japan LA’s Pokemon 20th Anniversary Event

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Last weekend marked the 20th year Anniversary of Pokemon!

Pokemon has been part of our childhood, at least for most of us, for 20 years now! To celebrate, clothing shop Japan LA located in West Hollywood, held a Pokemon 20th Anniversary event in which they relieved pokemon based clothing

Loads of pokemon fans came far and wide just to celebrate the 20th Anniversary!

Here’s our event coverage video:

Check out our photoset here, maybe you’re in it!