Tony Osumi
Home is Little Tokyo
2005

Project Area:  Little Tokyo
Project:  Little Tokyo Service Center Mural Project
Project Location:  632 E. 1st Street
Project Type:  CRA/LA Initiated

Description:

Titled "Home is Little Tokyo," this 16 x 40 foot mural combines images from Little Tokyo’s 110+-year history into a festive scene complete with hanging lanterns and odori dancing.  The mural includes images from Nisei Week, 1970’s redevelopment struggles, the Redress Movement, and the Little Tokyo Recreation Center campaign to name a few.  Along with welcoming visitors and beautifying the area, the mural captures and passes on Little Tokyo’s rich history.  In total, nearly 500 individuals, groups and organizations took part in the planning, painting and behind-the-scenes work for Home is Little Tokyo.  Osumi’s goal for the project was not only to paint a mural, but also build a sense of community and self-determination.