2023/12/17 (closing): Legacy Business Toyo Miyatake Studio Celebrates 100 Years with a temporary photo exhibit in Little Tokyo ‘Through the Lens of Little Tokyo’ running Nov. 18 – Dec. 17
LITTLE TOKYO, LOS ANGELES — Through the Lens of Little Tokyo: A celebration of the past, present, and future of Little Tokyo photo exhibit is running at CRFT by Maki located at 341 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 in Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles
From camera to photo, Toyo Miyatake Studio has captured the timeless streets of Little Tokyo for 100 years. Embark on a heartfelt journey back in history to explore memories and moments meticulously captured by the family-owned studio.
“Toyo Miyatake Studio has been instrumental in preserving the Japanese American experience and deserves to be celebrated. I am honored to host Toyo Miyatake Studio’s 100th Anniversary exhibit at CRFT by Maki. You will be able to view historic, and unreleased photos of Little Tokyo taken mere feet from where this exhibit is taking place,” shared Darin, founder of CRFT by Maki.
The exhibit features 12 historic photos spanning year to year during a vibrant Little Tokyo period that boasted rich cultural diversity and was instrumental in preserving the beauty and spirit of its community. The organizers hope that as the public look at these time capsules, the public can immerse themself in the soul of Little Tokyo and better appreciate the remarkable legacy of its resilient community.
“We are grateful to Toyo Miyatake for being such a great documentarian. So great for history that his photos are here to tell the story of Little Tokyo,” commented Irene Tsukada Simonian, owner of legacy small business Bunkado. “He was a photographer for so many historically important years and his family continued in his footsteps and kept the archives. They have always been active in the community and their generosity helps us share these memories.”
As a passionate young man, Toyo created his own photography studio in 1923. His family was interned in Manzanar during World War II where he famously smuggled in a lens and created his own camera. He took pictures in secret until he later became the official camp photographer.
Once he returned to Los Angeles, he continued his Little Tokyo studio and became an iconic figure in the community. Toyo captured the heart and spirit of Little Tokyo with his camera.
Today, the legacy of TMS photography is carried on by family. Legacy Business Toyo Miyatake Studio Celebrates 100 Years with temporary photo exhibit Through the Lens of Little Tokyo Is running Nov. 18 – Dec. 17 at 341 E 1st Street in Little Tokyo.
Through the Lens of Little Tokyo
DECEMBER
1 (Fri) 2-8pm / 2, 3 (Sat/Sun) 12-6pm
7, 8 (Th/Fri) 2-8pm / 9, 10 (Sat/Sun) 12-6pm
14, 15 (Th/Fri) 2-8pm / 16, 17 (Sat/Sun) 12-6pm
There will be a closing reception on Sunday, Dec. 17 from 5 – 8 pm.
Please check back with https://throughthelensoflittletokyo.splashthat.com for the most up-to-date information.
