As of October 2024, approximately ****** Japanese residents lived in Los Angeles, continuing the downward trend. Los Angeles had the largest Japanese population of any city outside Japan. In the same year, the United States was by far the country with the highest number of Japanese residents.

About this dataset

Context

This list ranks the 86 cities in the Los Angeles County, CA by Japanese population, as estimated by the United States Census Bureau. It also highlights population changes in each city over the past five years.

Content

When available, the data consists of estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, including:

• 2019-2023 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2014-2018 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
• 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Variables / Data Columns

• Rank by Japanese Population: This column displays the rank of city in the Los Angeles County, CA by their Japanese population, using the most recent ACS data available.
• City: The City for which the rank is shown in the previous column.
• Japanese Population: The Japanese population of the city is shown in this column.
• % of Total City Population: This shows what percentage of the total city population identifies as Japanese. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• % of Total Los Angeles County Japanese Population: This tells us how much of the entire Los Angeles County, CA Japanese population lives in that city. Please note that the sum of all percentages may not equal one due to rounding of values.
• 5 Year Rank Trend: This column displays the rank trend across the last 5 years.

Good to know

Margin of Error

Data in the dataset are based on the estimates and are subject to sampling variability and thus a margin of error. Neilsberg Research recommends using caution when presening these estimates in your research.

Custom data

If you do need custom data for any of your research project, report or presentation, you can contact our research staff at research@neilsberg.com for a feasibility of a custom tabulation on a fee-for-service basis.

Inspiration

Neilsberg Research Team curates, analyze and publishes demographics and economic data from a variety of public and proprietary sources, each of which often includes multiple surveys and programs. The large majority of Neilsberg Research aggregated datasets and insights is made available for free download at https://www.neilsberg.com/research/.

As of October 2024, Los Angeles had the highest number of Japanese residents among cities outside Japan, with approximately ****** residents. In the same year, the United States remained by far the country with the largest Japanese population outside Japan.

According to a survey conducted in September 2024, baseball player Shohei Ohtani was the most popular athlete in Japan, with **** percent of respondents voting for him. Shohei Ohtani also placed first in the previous years. Baseball as the most popular sport in Japan Baseball has been one of the most recognized sports in Japan since the start of the *****. With the introduction of the two-league system in 1950, the Japanese professional league, Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) was established into what it is today and gained popularity. The Japanese national baseball team also frequently participates in international baseball competitions. Japanese baseball players in Major League Baseball The Japanese national team has typically performed well on the international stage. In fact, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) placed the Japanese national team first in the current world ranking, ahead of the United States. Despite this, playing in the Major League Baseball (MLB) is considered a glorious career path for Japanese baseball players. Ichiro Suzuki, who began his career in the MLB at the Seattle Mariners in 2001 and announced his retirement in 2019, has been an idol of the nation for decades. Shohei Ohtani is another example of this phenomenon. Since his signing with the Los Angeles Angels in 2017 and then in 2024 with the Los Angeles Dodgers, people in Japan (and the world) have acclaimed him as one of the best baseball players of all time.

Izakaya Market Outlook

According to our latest research, the Global Izakaya market size was valued at $21.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $37.8 billion by 2033, expanding at a robust CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period of 2024–2033. One of the major factors fueling the growth of the Izakaya market globally is the rising international popularity of Japanese cuisine and culture, which has led to the proliferation of Izakaya establishments beyond Japan’s borders. The fusion of traditional Japanese hospitality with contemporary dining experiences is attracting a broader demographic, including millennials and Gen Z, who are seeking unique social dining venues that offer both authenticity and innovation. Moreover, the growing demand for experiential dining, where consumers value ambiance and social engagement as much as the food and beverages, is further propelling the expansion of the Izakaya market worldwide.

Regional Outlook

Asia Pacific holds the largest share of the global Izakaya market, accounting for approximately 58% of the total market value in 2024. This dominance is primarily attributed to the deep-rooted cultural significance of Izakaya establishments in Japan, where they originated, as well as their widespread adoption in neighboring countries such as South Korea, China, and Taiwan. The region benefits from a mature market landscape, where traditional dining habits, high consumer awareness, and government policies supporting the hospitality sector foster the growth of Izakaya businesses. Urban centers like Tokyo, Osaka, and Seoul are particularly vibrant, with a high concentration of both traditional and modern Izakaya formats that cater to diverse consumer preferences. The integration of innovative service models, such as interactive dining and themed Izakaya, further cements Asia Pacific’s leadership in this market.

North America is emerging as the fastest-growing region in the Izakaya market, with a projected CAGR of 8.1% from 2024 to 2033. The surge in demand is driven by the increasing multicultural population, heightened interest in Japanese food culture, and the rapid expansion of modern and themed Izakaya concepts in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Strategic investments by both local and Japanese hospitality groups are fueling market penetration, while collaborations with celebrity chefs and the adoption of fusion cuisine are attracting new customer segments. The region is also witnessing a rise in Izakaya chains, which are leveraging franchise models and digital platforms for delivery and takeaway services, thereby broadening their reach and appeal to tech-savvy consumers.

Emerging economies in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are gradually embracing the Izakaya dining concept, albeit at a slower pace due to localized challenges such as limited consumer familiarity, regulatory hurdles, and supply chain constraints. In these regions, the adoption of Izakaya is often concentrated in metropolitan areas with significant expatriate populations and a growing middle class that is open to international cuisines. However, cultural adaptation and menu localization remain critical for success, as operators must balance authenticity with the preferences of local diners. Government initiatives to promote tourism and culinary diversity, alongside increasing investments in the hospitality sector, are expected to create new opportunities for the Izakaya market in these emerging markets over the coming years.

Report Scope