Kouraku will mark its 50th anniversary Sunday with a free street carnival in Little Tokyo, drawing on a history that organizers describe as America’s oldest operating ramen shop.
Anniversary Street Carnival in Little Tokyo
The Kouraku Matsuri — 50th Anniversary Fest runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday outside the restaurant at 314 E. Second St. Organizers state that a portion of Second Street between San Pedro Street and Japanese Village Plaza will host the festivities.
Activities for all ages will feature carnival games, food samples, and original Kouraku merchandise. As organizers note, visitors can join a timed gyoza-folding competition and check out a beverage lounge inside the restaurant restricted to patrons 21 and older.
Ownership and History in Little Tokyo
“We are very happy to celebrate 50 years of Kouraku with everyone,” owner Mamoru Tokuda said in a statement. “We hope people will come to enjoy the celebration with their families and friends.”
The restaurant first opened at 240 E. Second St. in 1976 and later moved to its current location in 1986. Kouraku serves Chinese-influenced Japanese comfort food, including ramen, fried rice, curry, and handmade gyoza.
Did You Know? Organizers explain that Tokuda acquired Kouraku in 2023 following his tenure advising the prior owners and their family as a consultant and pillar of support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to reports from organizers, the city placed a monumental marker at Kouraku in January 2025 to honor it as the nation’s oldest continuously running ramen establishment.
Extended Anniversary Campaign Details
Sunday’s street festival serves as one part of a broader anniversary campaign. The promotion runs through Dec. 8 and features commemorative menus, a drawing contest, and digital storytelling about the restaurant’s history.
Questions About the Kouraku Matsuri Anniversary Festival
When and where is the anniversary festival taking place?
The Kouraku Matsuri — 50th Anniversary Fest takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside the restaurant at 314 E. Second St. A portion of Second Street between San Pedro Street and Japanese Village Plaza will host the event.
When did Kouraku first open its doors?
Kouraku originally opened at 240 E. Second St. in 1976 before moving to its current location in 1986. The city recognized the business with a monumental marker in January 2025 as America’s oldest operating ramen shop.
How long will the anniversary campaign run?
The anniversary campaign runs through Dec. 8 and includes commemorative menus, a drawing contest, and digital storytelling detailing the restaurant’s history.
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