2023/8/3, 8/1, 7/27, 7/25 : Nisei Week Ondo Practices take place July 25, 27, Aug. 1, 3 from 7:00PM – 9:00PM at JACCC Plaza, Little Tokyo

Los Angeles – The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is proud to finally be celebrating its 81st year from August 12-20. As tradition goes, the nine day festival will conclude with the Ondo and Closing Ceremony on Sunday, August 20.

The public is welcome to come enjoy the live entertainment and participate in the Ondo “traditional Japanese street dancing,” followed by the Closing Ceremony.

This event will begin at 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 20, and is held on 1st Street, between San Pedro Street and Central Avenue.

The 2023 Nisei Week choreographer is Master Bandō Hirohichirō, who was born and raised in Southern California. He will make history as the first male official choreographer of the Nisei Week Japanese Festival.

Master Bando Hirohichiro and his Bando Ryu Kyo No Kai will lead “Maneki Neko” and “We Are” (the anime ‘One Piece’) at the Grand Parade on August 13 and the Closing Ceremony on August 20.

The ondo practices will be held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) Plaza, 244 South San Pedro Street in Little Tokyo, starting Tuesday, July 25, from 7 to 9 p.m. Other dates are Thursday, July 27; Tuesday, Aug. 1; and Thursday, Aug. 3.

Parade practice takes place from 7-8pm. Street dance practice takes place from 8-9pm.

Participants will also need a sensu for one of the two parade dances and a Uchiwa for a few of the street dances.
Beginning time for the Parade is August 13 at 4pm.
Beginning time for the Ondo and Closing Ceremony is August 20 at 3:45pm.

Video of the Parade/Ondo dances:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXTZN7VZJTg

Questions should be directed to Miles Hamada at mileshamada@yahoo.com.