Considered the first Japanese-inspired pop-art space and café in California, Royal/T Café in Culver City, Los Angeles, became the place where art, whimsicality, Japanese-French cuisine, tea and Japanese pop culture merged. In the past five years, this establishment held fund-raisers, art exhibits, workshops, parties and other fun activities.

Susan Hancock, the owner and creator, had no idea Royal T would be such a success when she started the venture. Her goal  was to share art with a lot of people. For their last exhibit, they showcased everything kawaii, including a special appearance of Hello Kitty. There was also a shop that carried a wide variety of Japanese and art-theme merchandise, such as original art canvases, cute figurines, novelty toys, wacky accessories, unique housewares, Hello Kitty collectibles.

Royal/T Café is a place that shows how fun, zaniness, creativity and design all come hand in hand, and we have photos to make you giddy—even if it’s from the other end of the Pacific.