Go For Broke Monument

The Go For Broke Monument, a tribute to Japanese American soldiers

In Little Tokyo, the Go For Broke Monument pays tribute to the Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States during the Second World War. This plain and moving memorial honours their courage, at a time when their community was otherwise unjustly treated. The Los Angeles audio-guided tour stops here with respect to evoke this page of history.

The motto of the 442nd Regiment soldiers

Go for broke, to risk everything, was the motto of the Japanese American soldiers who served in the United States army during the Second World War. Many served with exceptional bravery even as families of Japanese origin were interned on American soil. The monument, semicircular in shape, engraves their names and perpetuates the memory of this sacrifice, in the heart of Little Tokyo.

What to see

The monument, plain and semicircular, presents the names of the honoured soldiers, in a setting conducive to contemplation. Located in the heart of Little Tokyo, it is part of the memory of the Japanese American community of Los Angeles. It is a powerful and moving stop, shedding light on a significant episode of the history of the United States and the city.

Practical information

The Go For Broke Monument lies in Little Tokyo, in the centre of Los Angeles, reachable on foot and by public transport. It is an open-air memorial, freely accessible at all times, with no ticket office, to be walked with respect. On the level, it is discovered during a walk in the Little Tokyo district.

What does the Go For Broke Monument commemorate?

It pays tribute to the Japanese American soldiers who fought for the United States during the Second World War, whose names are engraved on the monument.

What does Go for broke mean?

It is an expression meaning to risk everything, the motto of the Japanese American soldiers honoured by this Little Tokyo memorial.