Japanese American National Museum — Attraction in Los Angeles

Like many other Yelpers, I came here to see the Hello Kitty exhibit. My friends and I bought tickets ahead of time on their website and managed to find metered street parking nearby (not always an easy feat!). We were given cute Hello Kitty "crowns" upon checking in at the front of the exhibit and were told to wait in a line until it was time (this exhibit has a timed entrance). We didn't have to wait long, and then it was time for supercuteness! This exhibit was well organised and had so many Hello Kitty items!

The first room was like a blast to the past. I recognised a lot of the "vintage" Hello Kitty merchandise as items I had once had in my childhood, and regretted not keeping them so I could make a fortune off of them now :P Each section of the exhibit had a different theme; it was amazing to see the sheer amount and variety of Hello Kitty merchandise that has been produced over the years. Upstairs, in addition to more merchandise, the exhibit also featured different Hello Kitty (and Sanrio) art pieces. But of course the most popular item upstairs was the Tokidoki Hello Kitty Cleopatra. You can take a picture with it--the other exhibit attendees all seemed very friendly and willing to help with pictures, and there is also a security guard there who can take pictures as well. There are actually several different photo opportunities within the exhibit and there is always a security guard nearby to help with pictures. Which is great since I love taking pictures! :D

One downside to having the exhibit at JANM is that when you exit the Hello Kitty exhibit, you walk straight into an exhibit about Japanese internment camps. That turned out to be a pretty effective way of killing the "high" we were experiencing in the Hello Kitty exhibit... we were in a fantasy land but were cruelly brought back to reality. But then once you finish that exhibit there was "photobooth" available. If you publicly posted a picture on Instagram with a particular hashtag, then Hive Social Lab was on hand to print out your picture for you! We thought that was really cool so we were there for a while posting several pictures to Instagram ;)

JANM has a gift shop in the building next door; they had several items pertaining to the Hello Kitty exhibit but none of them were very appealing (especially with their expensive pricetags!). But it's nice to have that option... Overall, my friends and I enjoyed the Hello Kitty exhibit and I would recommend it to anyone who considers them a HK fan! The exhibit is almost over so definitely check it out if you...

This museum is beautifully done and frighteningly relevant today.

My father from out of town requested to go to the Japanese American national museum. We arrived early so we could leave flowers at the Statue of Chiune Siguhara, which is about a block away, who single-handedly may have saved at least 3,000 Jewish lives during the holocaust (shoa).

We then got to the museum just as it was opening. The layout is a little confusing, but the bottom section towards the back of the museum seems to be for rotating or temporary installations. This one was for JT Sata, a Japanese-American artist who utilized a variety of different mediums to convey his visions.

To me, the most important part of the museum is actually on the second floor. In that area, there is an original barracks from heart mountain concentration camp. There's also a variety of artifacts showing precisely the types of hopes, opportunities, and misfortunes and outright I'll still be and an original barracks from heart mountain concentration camp. There's also a variety of artifacts showing precisely the types of hopes, opportunities, and misfortunes and outright I'll still be and an original barracks from heart mountain concentration camp. There's also a variety of artifacts showing precisely the types of hopes, opportunities, and misfortunes and outright hostility and racism that the Japanese experienced in the wake of pearl harbor.

I tried to remain at least politically informed if not politically active. This museum is incredibly relevant today, given the circumstances were seeing around the world including various genocides, and seeing the rise of fascism in our own country and other leading nations. This is right up there with the museum of tolerance. Everyone should go so they have a better understanding of what has happened in the past and what needs to be avoided now. What we should all be fighting against.

A ticket for myself and my senior father came to a total of $25. For about 2 hours of wandering and education, well worth it! It's also just a hop and Skip away from multiple wonderful restaurants, including a ramen place near the statue I mentioned above.

And to round out the day nicely, there's always Angel...

The Japanese American National Museum is a significant institution that beautifully preserves and shares the rich history, culture, and resilience of the Japanese American community. Located in [city], this museum offers a powerful and immersive experience that deepens understanding and fosters meaningful connections.

Stepping into the Japanese American National Museum, I was immediately captivated by the thoughtfully curated exhibits and their ability to tell compelling stories. From the early immigration of Japanese to the United States to the challenges faced during World War II and the post-war contributions to American society, each exhibit shed light on the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of Japanese Americans.

The museum's collection, featuring artifacts, photographs, personal testimonies, and interactive displays, provides a poignant and comprehensive representation of the Japanese American journey. It offers a profound glimpse into the community's traditions, art, family life, and the impact of historical events on their identity and sense of belonging.

What sets the Japanese American National Museum apart is its commitment to fostering dialogue, education, and social justice. Through thought-provoking exhibitions, educational programs, and community events, the museum actively engages visitors in conversations about identity, civil rights, and the importance of embracing diversity.

The Japanese American National Museum also serves as a space for healing, reflection, and reconciliation. It honors the resilience and contributions of Japanese Americans while acknowledging the injustices they faced, providing a platform for dialogue and understanding.

In conclusion, the Japanese American National Museum is an essential destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Japanese American experience. Its powerful exhibits, educational programs, and commitment to social justice make it a vital institution that preserves history, promotes cultural appreciation, and inspires empathy. A visit to this museum is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and celebrate the diverse tapestry of...