2024 Nisei Week queen candidates: Back Row (L to R): Anita Sumi Yayi Komatsu (Representing Gardena Evening Optimist Club), Amy Ryoko Kubo (East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center), Seia Loraine Watanabe (Japanese Restaurant Association of America), Morgan Mayuko Gee (Venice Japanese Community Center & Venice-West Los Angeles JACL). Front Row (L to R): Caitlyn Tera Sasaki (Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council), Carina Aiko Sakimura (Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute). Photo by Toyo Miyatake Studio.
The 82nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival is scheduled for August 10-18 in Los Angeles.
The 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 spanning two weekends.
On July 14, the opening ceremony of the 82nd Nisei Week took place at the Japanese American National Museum in Litte Tokyo, and six candidates for 2024 Nisei Week Queen, official choreographer, grand marshal, parade marshal, recipients of Nisei Week awards were introduced.
Aug. 10-11
On Sat. and Sun., Aug. 10-11, visit the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center where Japanese arts such as bonsai, ikebana, tea ceremony, calligraphy and more will be on display. Plus head over to the Budokan to see the Shotokan karate exhibition and tournament. In addition, on Saturday, six candidates will participate in the Nisei Week Coronation at the Aratani Theatre (admission required) where a queen and court will be named. Routed through the streets of Little Tokyo, the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m., on Sunday, Aug. 11. The parade will include Japanese traditional dancers, Japanese taiko drums, and more, with special guests and honorees, including Grand Marshal, KABC-TV news anchor, David Ono, and Parade Marshal, actress Amy Hill.
Aug. 17-18
Entertainment and activities will be available for the entire family at the Plaza Festival held at the Japanese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC), Saturday and Sunday. There will be a beer garden, free cultural exhibits as listed above. In addition, the Taiko Gathering will be held on Sunday, at the JACCC Plaza. To close another year of Nisei Week, Ondo street dancing will be held on Aug. 18, on Little Tokyo’s First Street. Starting at 4 p.m., taiko and a special program to commemorate Little Tokyo’s 140 years. The public is encouraged to join in this Japanese street dancing ritual.
Over the two weekends, also check out the Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, where Japanese “kazari” (large paper lanterns) will be on display at the Japanese American National Museum.
Both weekends feature live entertainment, food and fun for the entire family. Take part and experience one of LA’s premier summer cultural events. For further information, parking, and tickets to paid events, visit NiseiWeek.org, call the Nisei Week office at 213-687-7183 or email info@niseiweek.org.
