🐾BillinGlendaleCA After my visit to Chinatown, I made the short drive to Little Tokyo which near LA City Hall. Japanese habitation of this part of downtown Los Angeles dates back to the early 20th century and the area is still the cultural home for the Japanese-American. Teramachi is a senior (55 years +) condominium complex in the heart of DTLA's historic Little Tokyo. Offered is this large, southwest corner unit with 2 bedrooms, including master suite with walk-in closet, 2 bathrooms, open living room bright with natural light and fireplace, balcony affording Downtown skyline views, dining area and gourmet kitchen with granite. Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA. 2,693 likes 119 talking about this 2,385 were here. This is for Little Tokyo lovers! Please check out.
| Shigeru Akabane | |
|---|---|
| Born | July 5, 1941 Tokyo, Japan[1] |
| Died | September 6, 2011 (aged 70)[1] St. Joseph, Missouri, United States[1] |
| Professional wrestling career | |
| Ring name(s) | Shigeri Akabane Little Tokyo Tokyo |
| Billed height | 4 ft (122 cm)[1] |
| Billed weight | 98 lb (44 kg)[2] |
| Trained by | Lord Littlebrook |
| Debut | Early 1970s[2] |
| Retired | 1998 |
Shigeru Akabane (赤羽 茂, Akabane Shigeru, July 5, 1941 – September 6, 2011), best known under his ring nameLittle Tokyo, was a Japaneseprofessional midget wrestler who competed in North American promotions from the 1970s into the 1990s including appearances for American Wrestling Association (AWA), National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) and the World Wrestling Federation, (WWF) most notably appearing at WrestleMania III in a mixed tag team match with Lord Littlebrook and King Kong Bundy against Hillbilly Jim, the Haiti Kid and Little Beaver in 1987. He held the NWA World Midget's Championship on three occasions
Professional wrestling career[edit]
Akabane began his professional wrestling career in the early 1970s in his native Japan working under his real name. At some point during his first year in the business a troupe of professional midget wrestlers toured Japan with Lord Littlebrook striking up a friendship with Akabane.[1] The friendship led to Akabane travelling to the United States where he became part of a touring troupe of midget wrestlers, known as 'Little Tokyo' playing off his Japanese heritage and martial arts background. In August 1974 Akabane, as Little Tokyo was recognized as the NWA World Midget's Champion.[3][4] Records are not clear on when Little Tokyo lost the championship but he was billed as the World champion once again in later 1981.[3][4] On December 25, 1981 Little Tokyo lost the championship to Tiny Tom as part of Big Time Wrestling's Christmas Star Wars show.[5][6] One year later Little Tokyo appeared at WCCW's Christmas Star Wars losing to Lone Eagle on the under card.[7][8] On May 30, 1983 Little Tokyo defeated Cowboy Lang to become a three time world champion.[3][4] On September 28, 1985 at American Wrestling Association's SuperClash '85 event Little Tokyo successfully defended the title against Midget Mr. T.[9] On January 12, 1986 the same Little Mr. T ended Little Tokyo's third and final reign as World Midget Champion.September 28, 1985. Little Tokyo's most notable match took place on March 29, 1987 when he worked for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) at their WrestleMania III show. At the show he teamed with mentor Lord Littlebrook and King Kong Bundy against Hillbilly Jim, the Haiti Kid and Little Beaver. The match ended when all 4 midget wrestlers attacked the 458 lb (208 kg) King Kong Bundy after Bundy attacked Little Beaver.[10] On January 1, 1988 Little Tokyo became the first holder of the Windy City Wrestling Midget Championship when he defeated Cowboy Cottrell.[11] On September 29, 1994, on the last show ever held by Universal Wrestling Federation, Little Tokyo defeated Karate Kid to become the first and only holder of the UWF Midget World Championship.[12] Little Tokyo won the WCW Midget for a second time in 1996.[11][13] Akabane retired in 1998.
Retirement and death[edit]
At the age of 69, Akabane was diagnosed with base tongue cancer. Doctors said it was cureable and family and friends gathered around him for support. He was living in St. Joseph, Missouri at the time. On September 6, 2011, Shigeri Akabane died after suffering a heart attack at the age of 70.[1][14][15]
Championships and accomplishments[edit]
- NWA World Midget's Championship (3 times)[3][4]
- Professional wrestling
- Midgets' World Championship (3 times)[16]
- UWF Midget World Championship (1 time, only)[12]
- WCW Midget Championship (2 times, first)[11][13]
References[edit]
- ^ abcdefOliver, Greg (2011-09-06). 'Little Tokyo remembered with laughter'. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2011-09-07.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ ab'1972 wrestling event poster featuring Little Tokyo'. Slam Wrestling.
- ^ abcdRoyal Duncan & Gary Will (2006). 'World Midget's Championship'. Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ abcd'NWA World Midgets' Title'. Wrestling Titles. Retrieved April 5, 2015.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Christmas Star Wars'. Pro Wrestling History. December 25, 1981.
- ^'Historical Cards: Wrestling Star Wars (December 25, 1981. Dallas, Texas)'. PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 172. 2007 Edition.
- ^'Christmas Star Wars'. Pro Wrestling History. December 25, 1982.
- ^'Historical Cards: Christmas Star Wars (December 25, 1982. Dallas, Texas)'. PWI Presents: 2007 Wrestling Almanak and book of facts. Kappa Publications. p. 172. 2007 Edition.
- ^'SuperClash I'. Pro Wrestling History. September 28, 1985. Retrieved April 4, 2015.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^Powell, John. 'Steamboat – Savage rule WrestleMania 3'. Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Archived from the original on 2012-07-29. Retrieved October 14, 2007.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ abcRoyal Duncan & Gary Will (2000). 'Illinois: Windy City Wrestling Midget Title [Sam DeCero]'. Wrestling Title Histories (4th ed.). Archeus Communications. ISBN0-9698161-5-4.
- ^ ab'UWF Midget Title'. Pro Wrestling History. Retrieved 2008-01-26.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^ abWindy City Pro Wrestling (2000). 'Midget...'Title Histories. WindyCityProWrestling.com. Archived from the original on December 17, 2000. Retrieved November 12, 2011.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Former midget wrestler Little Tokyo dies Tuesday'. Pro Wrestling Torch. 2011-09-06. Retrieved 2011-09-07.CS1 maint: discouraged parameter (link)
- ^'Obituary'. www.funeralplan.com. Retrieved 2016-09-08.
- ^http://www.wrestling-titles.com/world/world-mg.html
External links[edit]
2021 General Election
The Arts District and Little Tokyo Neighborhood Council election will be Tuesday, March 23, 2021. Because of the Corona Virus pandemic and the dangers associated with gathering in large numbers, this election will be entirely Vote-By-Mail. In order to vote, community stakeholders must register to receive a Vote-By-Mail ballot. Even if you have voted in the past, you still MUST register to receive a Vote-By-Mail ballot or you will not be able to vote this year.
2021 Election Day
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Mail-in ballots postmarked on or before Election Day must be received by Friday, March 26th, 2021
2021 Candidate Filing Period
Friday, November 21, 2020 – Tuesday, January 5, 2021
For more information visit: https://clerk.lacity.org/candidate-filing2021 Voter Enrollment Period
Friday, January 22, 2021 – Tuesday, March 16, 2021
For more information visit: https://clerk.lacity.org/elections/neighborhood-council-elections/vote-by-mail-application
Candidate Statements
Arts District At-Large Business Owner, Emp, Non-Profit Rep (2 Seats)
Ellen Endo
When my family moved to Downtown Los Angeles from Denver, Colorado, I was six years old. Even at that age, I was aware of the dark sides of the city, but I also came to know the people who lived and worked in the area. My parents ran the Edward Hotel, 713 E. 5th Street. In the 1990s it became an SRO, and today it is scheduled for demolition. We moved from the area when I was 17 years old and moved into a house in a residential Silverlake area. But I was always drawn back to DTLA, and even though I could probably work elsewhere, I still see the energy, the potential, and the people who make this part of the city unique and fascinating. I have worked here since 2001 and like to think that I bring something unique to the Arts District and Little Tokyo--a passion for what could be.
Michael Hope
My vision is to continue to create a workable, livable and enjoyable community environment that resonates with our unique history and character. As we continue through these tumultuous times, I am dedicated to this board and its mission. I am proud to commit both the hard work and energy it takes to be an ADLT Board Member. I'm very passionate about this work, esp. helping to address the various issues our communities are currently facing, exacerbated by these trying times. As a small business owner, I have experienced this first hand and I am very sensitive to the economic regrowth of our communities. Not only is it important to create solutions for community development, but also focusing on eg: ways to combat our homelessness housing crisis. Coming from 20 yrs experience in frontline health care, coupled with my work as a business consultant; I have the fortitude it takes to get the job done. While efforts are made to regrow, we must be 100% committed to equality in the community.
Alexandra Leekley
Happy new year, Reader! I have been a part of the Arts District community since 2013, first as a resident and after that, as an employee stakeholder. I joined the Neighborhood Council (then known as HCNC) and the local Land Use Committee in 2016, and have been involved in those crucial conversations as the Arts District neighborhood matures into a major economic driving force. Being a good neighbor to Little Tokyo and our other surrounding communities is a top priority of mine, as well as engaging the local residents of both areas with our monthly Board meetings and the financial resources we have allocated from the City to better serve their needs. Working with the Mayor's office on behalf of our neighbors experiencing homelessness is another deeply held value I hope to bring to the community leadership. My time as a Homelessness Liaison in the past will be useful in that endeavor. Thank you!
Miguel Vargas
Over the past five years I have had the privilege of serving the Arts District community as the Executive Director of the Arts District Business Improvement District (ADLA). In this role I am responsible for ensuring our community is clean and safe. Prior to working at ADLA I worked for the City of Los Angeles, both on policy issues and coordinating City services. My past and current experiences have allowed me to develop a deep understanding of what is needed to create a thriving and healthy community. It is my hope to represent the Arts District on our Neighborhood Council to ensure our community continues to develop into a regional cultural center. I ask for your vote.
Arts District Resident Representative (2 seats)
Harley Cross
As a 20-year resident, business owner, and founding board member of ADCCLA (Arts District Community Council) and former board member of ADLA (Arts District LA - BID), I would love to deepen the positive impact I can have on our community by running for this seat. I've started numerous businesses and non-profits in the AD and understand how and why the uniquely creative live-work environment we have is so precious. I've been a champion for everything from more trees in the neighborhood, to organizing and fundraising for art events, to pushing for more local oversight and fiscal accountability at our BID (Business Improvement District). I want to make sure that we keep the ART in the Art's District and create a community that is both growing and prosperous but keeps the unique character of our neighborhood intact.
Tim Keating
A 30 year artist/resident/owner who has advocated for cultural renaissance through nonprofit and gallery neighborhood involvement and encourages creative approaches, especially post Covid planning opportunities
Howard Ming
The pandemic has worsened an already difficult homeless situation. Encampments cannot be the norm. We must streamline the process of moving our most vulnerable neighbors into transitional housing and keep public spaces sanitary and unobstructed. Just as concerning is the state of our local budget which has taken a beating from decreased sales taxes and increased spending due to COVID-19. Additional cuts are coming but we must save the services we depend on. We must balance the needs of today with our city’s long-term financial health. As a homeowner in the Arts District, I have put roots down in our community and have a vested interest in improving it. I have worked in the market research industry for the last ten years. Before that I completed my undergraduate degree at USC and my graduate degree at UCLA. Seeing the challenges our district faced during the last few months has pushed me to volunteer my time to tackle these pressing issues. Thank you for your consideration.
Naomi Scully
I am grateful to Sci-arc for bringing me to the arts district. Throughout the last 11 years, I have lived here and this neighborhood has grown to become my home. I have volunteered for various organizations and love to support local business. The district has an incredible history and although there is more to learn, I advocate longevity and collaborating while maintaining the individual character of different areas of the district. I look forward to being further involved in the district; to engage and promote artists from all walks of life; and to improve the area with quality decisions. My background in geometry, arts, and architecture will bring a creative yet practical perspective that can benefit the discussion and the district.
Little Tokyo Menu Albemarle Nc
At-Large Representative for both Arts District and Little Tokyo (1 seat)
Yuval Bar-Zemer
I have worked and lived in the arts District since 2002 and had a significant role in the evolution of the community . I have created a number of communities, like the Toy factory Lofts, the biscuit Company lofts and 7+Bridge bringing to the Arts District over 500 new residents and 30 new business. I care a lot about the character of the neighborhood and preserving and enhancing its creative trajectory.
Laura Velkei
Withdrawn
Aram M. Garikian
My family and I have owned 811 Traction Ave for the past five years. In that time I have had the privilege of helping create a small, organic community of professionals and creatives within the building. More recently, I have become a Board member of the Arts District Los Angeles (ADLA) Business Improvement District. Through my continued involvement with the ADLA BID I have helped to ensure the Arts District is a clean and safe environment for community members and visitors alike.
Over the past five years I have come to learn and appreciate the rich history of not just the Arts District, but also the Little Tokyo community. It is our neighborhoods' rich histories and diverse members that set us apart from the rest of Downtown and put us in a unique position to do good work. There is so much overlap between our two communities, and many opportunities exist for Little Tokyo and the Arts District to collaborate. I am dedicated to identifying the shared goals that both of our communities can work towards. At this moment in time, it's important for us to place our residents first while pursuing policies that support the economic recovery of our local businesses. Thank you for your consideration.
Little Tokyo At-Large Business Owner, Emp, Non-Profit Rep (2 seats)
Kristin Fukushima
I have been involved in Little Tokyo for nearly 15 years, and I consider it to be home. For the majority of that time, I have been active with the Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC), which is the nonprofit community coalition of all stakeholders in historic Japantown. I joined the LTCC board in 2010, continued my involvement as the Project Manager hired by LTCC for Sustainable Little Tokyo, and continued on with SLT’s leadership body after becoming the LTCC Managing Director. SLT and LTCC’s work is coalition-based, and consists of many community-driven projects as well as ensuring and implementing community-based processes on private and public projects. I have served on the Arts District Little Tokyo Neighborhood Council since 2019, and currently am the Board Secretary. My time on the ADLT NC has reaffirmed my commitment to partnerships, community process, and maintaining a broader joint-neighborhood perspective to help inform the work we do on the ground in our communities.
Matthew Glaser
I have served on the neighborhood council for the last 5 years and in that time have worked to shape the board into something more functional and better able to serve the Little Tokyo community. Since opening Wolf and Crane Bar, Little Tokyo has become my home and has provided me with so much joy and sense of community. I can never give back to the community as much as it has given me, but I am obligated to give what I can. In this next term I will continue to help guide the council towards advocating for positive change for Little Tokyo and working towards preserving its unique historical place within the context of a rapidly changing Downtown Lost Angeles.
Little Tokyo Resident Representative (1 seat)
Eric Chu
I love living in Little Tokyo with my wife and son. Its history, arts, culture, and food make it one of a kind in Los Angeles and in the rest of the country. Looking forward to helping! Thank you!
Little Tokyo Galena Il