Cars have played a surprisingly important role in Japanese American life in Southern California—and a special Torrance program this weekend will explore that history.

The Torrance Public Library is presenting “Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in the South Bay” on Saturday, August 29, at the George Nakano Theater.

The program features Dr. Oliver Wang, a cultural scholar and professor at CSU Long Beach whose 2025 book Cruising J-Town: Japanese American Car Culture in Los Angeles examines more than 110 years of automotive history.

Wang’s work looks well beyond traditional car shows.

It traces everything from hot rods and street racing to gardeners’ work trucks, showing how automobiles became tied to Japanese American identity, creativity, business and community life throughout Southern California.

The discussion will also feature special guests Tod Kaneko and Glenn Kuwata.

The event is particularly fitting for Torrance, which has deep Japanese American roots and has also played a major role in Southern California’s automotive industry.

The program is free and lasts approximately one hour.

When: Saturday, August 29, 2–3 p.m.
Where: George Nakano Theater, 3330 Civic Center Dr.
Cost: Free

Article Link: Cruising J-Town Event Details