On Aug. 30, Little Tokyo’s Isamu Noguchi Plaza will turn into more than a marketplace—it will become a gathering ground where history, food access, and culture converge. The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) and Food Access LA are launching the Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market, a weekly Saturday event (9 a.m.–2 p.m.) that places farmers, artisans, and neighbors at the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
Photos courtesy Little Tokyo Farmers Market
“This market honors the legacy of Japanese American farmers who helped shape California agriculture,” said Jennifer Grissom, executive director of Food Access LA. “By spotlighting their work, we’re keeping that history alive while connecting new generations to their roots through food.”
A Market with Memory
California’s agricultural backbone was built with the hands of Japanese American farmers, many of whom endured displacement yet rebuilt lives through the land. That story comes full circle here. Patricia Wyatt, president and CEO of JACCC, framed it plainly: “Food is one of the most powerful ways to tell our community’s story. Hosting this market at our plaza allows us to amplify Japanese American traditions and ensure they remain a vibrant part of Los Angeles’ food landscape.”
Vendors like Tamai Farms, Yamabushi Farms, and Shigeru Nursery will share seasonal produce alongside G Farms, Osorio Family Farms, and Garcia Ruelas. Totonoeru Cha brings premium Japanese teas and wares, while Serein Botanicals offers small-batch skincare rooted in plant knowledge. The lineup isn’t just commerce—it’s continuity.
Food Access as Dignity
The market is more than a showcase; it’s also a tool against food insecurity. With support from the Los Angeles County Chief Sustainability Office, the LA Food Equity Fund, and ARPA, the market will accept SNAP/EBT and offer Market Match benefits.
“Accepting SNAP means more families in Downtown LA can put fresh, nutritious food on the table while also supporting regional farmers,” Grissom said. Wyatt added, “Food access is a matter of dignity. Partnering on this market ensures that everyone in our neighborhood, regardless of income, can share in the bounty of local farmers and makers.”
Beyond Shopping
Opening day promises music, vendor meet-and-greets, and tastings, but the vision runs deeper. Cooking demos, workshops, and cultural performances will fold into the weekly rhythm, building a plaza that feeds both stomachs and spirits.
“JACCC has always been a gathering place, and this market continues that tradition,” Wyatt said. “Shoppers can expect cultural programming that celebrates Japanese and Japanese American creativity alongside our farmers and artisans.”
What makes this farmers’ market special is its role as a lifeline for immigrant-run and Japanese American farms, offering them both visibility and community support. “It gives them direct access to customer relationships, builds visibility, and supports their livelihoods in a meaningful way,” said Grissom. Wyatt agreed: “These vendors are not just selling products; they’re sharing culture.”
Looking Ahead
The ambition stretches beyond Saturdays in Little Tokyo. “Our vision is for Little Tokyo to be a model where food access and cultural preservation work hand in hand,” Grissom said. Wyatt closed with a nod to possibility: “By anchoring food access in cultural spaces, we can create lasting impact for families, farmers, and communities across Los Angeles.”
For now, the market’s promise is simple: every Saturday, fresh produce meets cultural memory in the heart of the city.
Little Tokyo Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. at JACCC Isamu Noguchi Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St, Los Angeles SNAP / EBT accepted – Follow @LittleTokyoCFM for updates
