The 74th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival will take place in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. From August 9 -17. Nisei Week is one of the nation’s longest running ethnic festivals of its kind.
The Festival showcases free Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music and entertainment, food and fun games spanning two weekends.
The 6th annual free Tanabata Festival (August 8-10) will color Little Tokyo’s Central Avenue and the Museum of Contemporary Art (Geffen) between Temple and First streets with large, assorted streamers (kazari).
Many individuals, families, community groups, businesses, churches, temples, and others have contributed there one of a kind displays.
Plenty of entertainment such as Taiko, Geta Tap, martial arts exhibitions, and activities will be available for the entire family at the Plaza Festival at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC), Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, free cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more will be on display.
Routed through the streets of Little Tokyo on Sunday, August 10, the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m.
The parade will include Japanese traditional dancers, led by 2014 Nisei Week Choreographers, Madame Fujima Kansuma and Madame Fujima Kansuzu, Japanese taiko drums, Haneto dancers preceded by small Nebuta floats made of paper and lights and paraded by local community organizations.
Also, Grand Marshal Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, Medal of Honor recipient and WWII/Korean War veteran, Parade Marshal Hello Kitty, and Kenichi Ebina, made famous from America’s Got Talent, will be participating in the parade.
For parking, visit the Nisei Week website. Both weekends feature live entertainment, food and fun for the entire family.
For further information, visit www.NiseiWeek.org, call the Nisei Week office at 213-687-7183 or email info@niseiweek.org.
August 9 (Sat)
Nisei Week Rubik’s Cube Open, JACCC Plaza, 9 am – 1 pm
Nisei Week Japanese Festival/JACCC Plaza Festival, 10am – 6 pm
Taiko Gathering, Martial Arts, etc. – JACCC Plaza, 1 – 6 pm
Golden Circle Dinner, Double Tree by Hilton, 5 pm (Dinner)*
Coronation Ball, JACCC/Aratani Japan America Theater, 7 pm*
August 10 (Sun)
Nisei Week Japanese Festival/JACCC Plaza Festival, 10 am- 4 pm
Geta Tap Dance, Taiko Gathering, Martial Arts, Anime/Cosplay, Beer Garden, etc.
Grand Parade – Little Tokyo, 4 pm