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Playland Japan in Japantown approved as family-oriented amusement and retail space
Summary
The commission approved Aaron Nakahara’s application for a family-style amusement store (two–four mechanical devices) at 22 Peace Plaza in Japantown, following unanimous community and planning department support and endorsements from the Japantown Task Force.
The Entertainment Commission on Nov. 8 approved a permit for "Playland Japan," a Japanese-style family amusement store at 22 Peace Plaza in Japantown that will offer two to four mechanical amusement devices, retail goods and family programming.
Applicant Aaron Nakahara told commissioners the concept is modeled on Japanese family arcades and is aimed at children ages 3–12 and accompanying parents. "Japanese family amusement stores are very different from the typically dark U.S. arcades," Nakahara said, describing bright, family-oriented games and rotating prizes. He said planning unanimously approved the conditional use and that he collected community endorsements.
Bob Hamaguchi, executive director of the Japantown Task Force, said he organized outreach and submitted letters of support, telling commissioners the project would be an authentic, family-focused business that fills a gap in the mall’s offerings.
Commissioners expressed support; no public opposition was recorded during the hearing. The permit was approved and the applicant said he hopes to open in February if permitting and build-out proceed on schedule.
Ending: Playland Japan’s permit is approved; staff will process final permit paperwork and the applicant expects to open subject to permit completion and build-out.
