Japanese American Cultural & Community Center

This plaza is not only a beloved neighborhood landmark but is also significant to art lovers, as it was designed in 1983 by the world-famous, critically-acclaimed sculptor and Los Angeles native, Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988). In the middle of his plaza, Noguchi erected a sculpture consisting of two 12-foot-tall basalt rocks – the only publicly accessible sculpture in his hometown. His sculpture’s title, To the Issei, refers to the great sacrifices the Issei (first-generation Japanese immigrants) made to support their families and the Japanese American community.