A few frequently asked questions about the Budokan of Los Angeles...

What will the Budokan of Los Angeles provide?
➢    A multi-purpose, multi-generational community center and a safe, secure place for recreational activities.
➢    Space for basketball, volleyball, and martial arts practices, games, and tournaments.
➢    A venue for community artists and musicians as well as cultural arts and performances.
➢    A place for senior nutrition programs and after school programs for area residents.
➢    A large meeting space in downtown for community groups hosting events or fundraisers.
➢    A significant resource for ensuring the future of Little Tokyo, one of only a few remaining Historic Japantowns in the country.

Historic Little Tokyo

Who will use the BoLA?
➢    Members of athletic organizations throughout the City, including basketball leagues, volleyball leagues, and martial arts dojos.  These organizations include, but are not limited to, Japanese Americans.
➢    Little Tokyo and Downtown residents, including seniors, families, and professionals
➢    Local organizations and community groups.

Where will the BoLA be built?
➢    The BoLA will be located on Los Angeles Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets, in Downtown Los Angeles.  It will rest on the southwestern edge of Little Tokyo (see map below).

➢    This block also features the historic St. Vibiana Cathedral and the Little Tokyo Branch Library.

How much public support is there?
➢    Thousands have signed letters of support, and put their handprints on a colorful “petition” in support of the project.
➢    Organizations, including the Southern California Women’s Athletic Union (SCWAU), Intercollegiate Nikkei Council (INC), West LA United Methodist Church, National JACL, Community Youth Council (CYC) and Nikkei for Civil Rights & Redress (NCRR), as well as the L.A. Lakers, Central City Association and L.A. Conservation Corps, have officially endorsed the project.

How much will the BoLA cost?
➢    The total cost is estimated to be $15 million.


How will the BoLA sustain ongoing operations after it is built?
➢    We have developed a business plan which projects sufficient revenues from court rental fees, memberships, and special event rentals to meet annual operational expenses.
➢    Court rental fees will be comparable and competitive to local gym rentals.


If our sports organization donates to the BoLA, will we have priority scheduling?
➢    At this time, we cannot guarantee scheduling for any individual or group.
➢    An Advisory Board will determine how the facility will be used on an ongoing basis after the facility is developed.
➢    Board Members will represent diverse groups in the community that the BoLA will serve.  Our goal is to represent the broadest mix of individuals and groups.