Skip to main content
Collections Menu
[Hanamatsuri in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1954]
[Hanamatsuri in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1954]
[Hanamatsuri in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1954]

[Hanamatsuri in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1954]

Maker (1895 - 1979)
Date1954
ClassificationsPhotographic Archives
Credit LinePhotograph by Toyo Miyatake Studio, Gift of the Alan Miyatake Family
Object number96.267.205
DescriptionHanamatsuri or "Flower festival" Buddhist procession and services to commemorate the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha, featuring a flower pavilion (Hanamido) on top of a small man-made white elephant and the rite of bathing the body of Buddha (Kanbutsu) at Koyasan Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California, April 4, 1954.
1. Hanamatsuri service at Nishi Hongwanji for adults.
2. Little girl pours sweet tea on statue of infant Buddha with the help of Reverend Sogabe at Koyasan temple. Three priests look on at right: Reverend Nozaki, Rinban Ito and Reverend Kumata (back)
3. Boy pouring sweet tea on statue of infant Buddha at Koyasan temple.
4. Children leading hanamatsuri procession away from Koyasan temple after hanamatsuri service. Reverend Ryosho Sogabe of Koyasan on the extreme right.
5. Hanamatsuri procession parade led by children holding striped rope exiting Nishi Hongwanji.
6. Hanamatsuri procession parade through Little Tokyo, at First Street and San Pedro Street intersection. Los Angeles City Hall in background.
7. Children praying at Koyasan temple.
8. Girls carrying flowers walking up aisle toward altar in Koyasan temple.
9. Buddhist priest praying in Koyasan temple.;9 photographic prints : b&w ; 5 x 7 in. , Published in Rafu Shimpo, April 6, 1954.

Support the understanding and appreciation of the Japanese American experience.

Become a MemberMake a Gift