Nashra De Leon

English 113B
Professor Lawson
30 March 2016
Rough Draft Project #2
Word Count:
Cultural Invasion
Los Angeles, California has many places that represent different ethnicities and
cultures. For example theres Chinatown, Koreatown, Placita Olvera, and many others. A
space that is very popular is LT or known as Little Tokyo. Little Tokyo is a small
Japanese ethic community; it is located in Downtown Los Angeles. Around Little Tokyo
is East LA, another cultural Hispanic ethnic based area. Due to the fact that Little Tokyo
is located in the heart of LA, the American aspect has highly influenced or invaded much
space of Little Tokyo. LT is a great representation of culture invasion due to the changes
the American culture has implemented.
LT has a small Japanese Plaza that consists of many Japanese stores and other
cultural aspects of Japan. As one enters the plaza, right in front, there is a tall red colored,
structure formed as a typical Asian style of structure. Also read and white circular
lanterns hang around in the air making a small trail of lanterns. Even the structure of the
small shops the plaza contains, are formed like little house or structures most likely found
in Japan; it is form like as if one is in Japan. The people usually in LT are Asian, or tourist
people from around the world. It is a very touristy place due to its popularity and
Japanese cultural aspect.

Now, not only are there Japanese stores, but also has other uncultured stores that
do not blend in much to the scenery or cultural background Little Tokyo has. For example
there is a clothing store named American Apparel. This clothing store is known for its
very expensive merchandise but also the style of clothing they sale. Though the name of
the stores gives it all, American. What does this store have to do with anything in
regards to the Japanese culture?
Another outscored store in Little Tokyo is a Mediterranean restaurant named
Spitz. This place is has a hipster style scene. The restaurant only serves Mediterranean
food, and Caucasian people mostly visit it. Spitz has no relation to the Japanese culture,
which doesnt not make sense as to why it is located in that area.
The purpose of Little Tokyo is to portray the Japanese culture and make it seem
like a second home for the Japanese people. But with these different stores invading the
cultural aspects, shift the roles of Little Tokyo. Not only have this two stores been
implemented but many others as well. These stores defeat the purpose of having a small
Japanese community. Americanized stores in Little Tokyo are shaping the way Little
Tokyo is recognized and