The event replicates a Showa-era yokocho, a narrow alleyway in Japanese cities lined with small, intimate eateries and shops.
The Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute (GVJCI), 1964 W. 162nd St. in Gardena, will present “Showa Alley by the Shokudo” on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 2 to 9 p.m.
This event celebrates Japanese and Japanese American culture by creating an environment that is reminiscent of Showa-era Japan (1926-1989).
“Showa Alley by the Shokudo” is planned and executed by the GVJCI and the creative team behind “The Shokudo,” a video series in which a trio of fourth-generation Japanese Americans (Luke Uyeda, Jon Kenzo Okeya, and Michael Murata) explore their Japanese and Asian American identity by learning the dishes and traditions they grew up with. You can watch their episodes on YouTube.
A Showa-era-inspired menu will be crafted by Gary Matsumoto, who has been executive chef for the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center in Little Tokyo. A serving of one of these dishes comes with the purchase of a ticket.
Food and drink can also be purchased from local vendors such as Ali’i Restaurant, The Loft, Gaburi Chicken, Barako Brew Gardena, Brewyard Beer Company, and Bachan’s Shave Ice.
Entertainment includes an Okinawan folk music group led by Joey Kamiya, Michael Murata and Friends (J-pop band), 33 Strings, Yuujou Daiko, and DJ JayKayEl.
There will be games and activities along with several raffle drawings throughout the day.
Creators of “The Shokudo” series that inspired the “Showa Alley by the Shokudo” event, from left: videographer Luke Uyeda, the show’s chef and host Jon Kenzo Okeya, and producer and co-host Michael Murata.
The event will also feature merchandise vendors from Takumi Alley organized by Jon Kenzo Okeya as well as others including Klaylie Co., Kuniharu Yoshida Calligraphy, Three Doors Down, and Relief Vintage and Denim.
“Showa Alley by the Shokudo” is supported by Honda, Sansei Legacy of Southern California, Kevin Keizuchi and the Sierra Madre Issei Memorial Foundation, the Kelli Tani Foundation, Keiro, JSL Foods, Inc., and Baby Star.
Additional partners and community supporters include Uka Sake, Chargel, Akashi Kama, Suntory, Maru-Hi, Café Dulce, Crenshaw Lumber, Aiya Matcha, and the Japan Foundation Los Angeles.
The cost is $30 early bird (until Sept. 26), $40 general admission, $15 children under 17 years old, free under 3 years old.
Tickets are for sale on the GVJCI website, www.jci-gardena.org.