Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Children’s Book Week in Little Tokyo with the authors and illustrator of “Unbreakable: A Japanese American Family in an American Incarceration Camp.”
The book for young readers recounts the late community leader Min Tonai’s experiences as a child incarcerated with his family and other Japanese Americans during World War II.
- Sunday, May 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Isamu Noguchi Plaza, Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo. Join the Tonai family during Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) for children’s activity and book-signing.
Children will explore Japanese and Japanese American traditions through activities, games and interactive storytelling along with delicious Japanese treats, lively performances, and multigenerational experiences.
- Saturday, May 9, at Democracy Center, Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo. Author Jolene Gutierrez, illustrator Chris Sasaki and Min Tonai’s son John Tonai will be at the Nikkei Children’s Book Festival from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
This second annual event highlights heroes of all ages who have strengthened the community and made it special in big and small ways. Events include author and illustrator storytime, signings, meet-and-greets, arts and crafts for all ages, and a special pop-up bookstore from the JANM store.
$10 general admission, free for JANM members and children under 10. Info: www.janm.org/events/2026-05-09/026-nikkei-childrens-book-festival