LA Nebuta Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary at the 84th Nisei Week Grand Parade Experience the Energy and Tradition of Aomori’s Famous Nebuta Festival in the Heart of Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — One of Southern California’s most celebrated Japanese cultural traditions reaches a major milestone this summer as LA Nebuta celebrates its 20th Anniversary during the 84th Nisei Week Japanese Festival Grand Parade on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
Since bringing the first authentic Aomori Nebuta float to the U.S. mainland in 2007, LA Nebuta has grown into one of the festival’s signature attractions and a symbol of cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
This year’s celebration will feature special participation from Aomori, Japan, with support from the Aomori Convention & Visitors Bureau and members of the Aomori Nebuta community. Their participation will bring the authentic sights, sounds, and spirit of Aomori’s world-famous Nebuta Festival directly to Los Angeles, making this year’s 20th Anniversary celebration especially meaningful.
Over the past two decades, hundreds of volunteers from diverse cultural backgrounds have helped keep this tradition alive, making LA Nebuta one of Southern California’s most unique community-driven cultural celebrations.
Spectators will experience the excitement of illuminated Nebuta floats, the powerful rhythms of traditional Nebuta music, and the energetic dancing of Haneto performers, recreating the festive atmosphere of Aomori’s celebrated summer festival in the heart of Little Tokyo.
This year’s parade promises to be one of the largest LA Nebuta celebrations to date, bringing together special guests from Aomori, longtime supporters, community volunteers, and first-time participants to celebrate two decades of cultural exchange.
Join the Celebration
LA Nebuta invites community members to become part of this unforgettable cultural experience.
Community members are invited to participate as:
- Haneto (Nebuta Dancers)
- Float Pushers (Nebuta Float, Taiko Float, and Sound Cart)
No previous experience is required. Participants of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.
As LA Nebuta celebrates its 20th Anniversary, the organization welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds to join this special milestone—as Haneto dancers, float pushers, volunteers, or enthusiastic spectators—and experience one of Japan’s most dynamic summer festivals in the heart of Los Angeles.
Registration Information
Haneto Registration https://lanebuta.com/eng/page/haneto
Float Pusher Registration https://lanebuta.com/eng/page/volunteer-nw
Event Information
Event: The 84th Nisei Week Japanese Festival Grand Parade
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Location: Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California
About LA Nebuta
LA Nebuta is a nonprofit cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions of Aomori’s Nebuta Festival in the United States. Since bringing the first authentic Aomori Nebuta float to the U.S. mainland in 2007, the organization has inspired thousands of participants and spectators through annual performances, community engagement, and cultural exchange.