Even foreigners abroad know that Akihabara is a sacred place for anime fans to go in Japan. But where do people in Los Angeles who also love anime gather? While conducting our own research, we discovered a convention for anime fans held once a year right here in Los Angeles. When we first attended the convention we asked attendees, “If a Japanese anime store was planning on opening here in the United States, where would you like it to be?” Nearly 70% of those surveyed answered “Little Tokyo.”
Of course, for most Americans, Japanese products and food are not mainstream. It is only in places where people who share a love of Japanese food and culture gather, that the true value of our products can be appreciated. I believe it is in these spaces with this kind of clientele, that we can succeed.Looking over the past decade, Downtown Los Angeles (Little Tokyo included) has experienced rapid urban development with brand new restaurants, large condominiums and a great influx of young people moving into the area. With the opening of the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station and plans for further development, the downtown area is expected to grow even more and Little Tokyo is expected to attract an even larger number of visitors than in the past.
