Philip Hirose

Born and raised Los Angeles. Dedicated to continuing a family legacy of community-based business, volunteerism, and activism.

Posts by This Author

Forest Bathing in 105F Heat

Me and my group of friends did some unintentional forest bathing when we went camping in Joshua Tree, ten minutes outside of cell reception.

Alternatives to Retail Therapy

As we continue to get vaccinated and return to our lives, let's move away from retail therapy and start investing in community care.

Bringing Sports into Little Tokyo with Terasaki Budokan Director Ryan Lee

The long awaited Little Tokyo Recreation Center, aka the Terasaki Budokan, is finally going to open. Read our interview with Director Ryan Lee to learn more.

Anzen Hardware Celebrates its 75th Anniversary

This year will mark the 75th Anniversary of my grandparents' hardware store, and I don’t know what its future holds. 

Dressing up for the Digital World

Dressing down for the pandemic world but dressing up for the digital world - some of my favorite video games give me opportunities to go all out in flashy outfits when I barely make an effort anymore in real life.

The Hottest People We Know

Attraction is subjective, but hotness is not. Here are the hottest people that we know.

Nikkei Diaspora: Oshogatsu

Starting the new year with friends and family... around the world.

Learn About Kinrōkanshahi 勤労感謝の日, or Labor Thanksgiving Day

Since 678, Japan celebrates a holiday around this time of the year by giving thanks to laborers and the fall harvest.

A Very Brief History of Halloween in Japan

Halloween in Japan is rather new. Like many western influences that jumped the Pacific, the Japanese are slowly making it their own.

Bonsai Tree Roundup

Pandemic babies, pandemic dogs...how about a pandemic bonsai? Take a look through our Bonsai roundup.

Japanese Gardens in the States and Around the World

Whether it be a space for cultural exchange or to find a moment of peace, Japanese gardens (and elements of it) can be enjoyed around the world.

3 AM Olympic Events

Congratulations! You're an Olympian! But your family and friends have to wake up at 3 a.m. to watch you compete.

Nikkei Diaspora: A Photo Essay

A collection of photos capturing family, friendship, cultural preservation, isolation, and the Japanese diaspora.

Finding Love Advice at a Japanese Confectionary Shop

Like the varieties of manju at a Japanese confectionary shop, there are countless qualities out there that we look for in a potential partner. But which ones matter the most?

One Japanese Person's Thoughts on Government Responses to COVID-19

Though we have our own thoughts on the U.S. government's response to COVID-19, we were curious about what Japanese people thought about us, as well as their own government's response.