The 2026 Nisei Week queen candidates took center stage today for their first official public appearance at the 84th Nisei Week Festival Opening Ceremony, held at the Japanese American National Museum Democracy Center on July 12, 2026.
The seven candidates will vie for the prestigious title of Nisei Week Queen on Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. during the Coronation and Awards Celebration. The event will take place at the Los Angeles Theatre Center’s Tom Bradley Theatre (514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles). Tickets are available for $105 (orchestra) or $75 (balcony) per person. For ticket information, visit NiseiWeek.org.
Upon official coronation, the 2026 queen and court will represent the Nisei Week Foundation at this year’s festival and other community events locally and nationally throughout the year.
Jacqueline Fujiko Naito (East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center) is 24 years old and received her bachelor’s degree in kinesiology with a minor in public health from California State University, Fullerton.
She is an administrative assistant for the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks Executive Office where she supports community-focused initiatives.
She plans to pursue an MBA to build a career in event operations and give back to the community by creating programs that positively impact others.
Jacqueline enjoys painting, arts and crafts, experimenting with new recipes, visiting nurseries, and gardening in real life and in the Stardew Valley video game.
As a former Division I water polo athlete, she stays active through swimming, running, volleyball, and ocean fishing.
She chose the Little Tokyo Business Association as her platform.