Little Tokyo is one of L.A.’s most vibrant neighborhoods, filled with culture, history, and traditions that continue to thrive. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a warm bowl of ramen, shop for Japanese gifts, and stumble upon a creative space that feels both timeless and brand new. And right now, one of its most beloved landmarks is bringing back an artistic legacy that first started here more than seven decades ago.
Bunkado, or “House of Culture,” was founded in 1947 by artist Tokio Ueyama and his wife Suye, shortly after they returned from incarceration during World War II. Ueyama was a celebrated painter who studied at USC and in Philadelphia, working alongside figures like Diego Rivera before opening the shop.
The couple transformed Bunkado into a community hub filled with Japanese books, records, magazines, and art supplies. Now, the spirit of Ueyama’s original art gatherings, once called the L.A. Palette Club, has returned to Bunkado’s second floor. The revival is led by manager Dane Ishibashi, who wanted to stay true to the store’s roots while giving local artists a platform to showcase fresh ideas.
The centerpiece of this comeback is Zakka Bakka, a collective featuring ceramicist Shoshi Watanabe, illustrator Michael Dopp, and designer Yosei Shibata. Together, they’ve filled the space with playful, handcrafted objects that carry layers of meaning.
The space is, overall, a celebration of community, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere rather than a formal gallery. The return of the L.A. Palette Club is both a nod to Ueyama’s vision and a reminder that Little Tokyo’s cultural heartbeat is still very much alive!