From left to right: 2011 Nisei Week Foundation President, Reverend Mark Nakagawa; 2010 Princess Brynn Nakamoto, Parade Marshal Tommy Lasorda, 2010 Princess Kelli Teragawa, and Princess Christy Sakamoto. (Photo by Jun Nagata / Rafu Shimpo)
The Nisei Week Foundation held a press conference Sunday, June 26, at Dodger Stadium to announce Tommy Lasorda as its 71st Parade Marshal.
Lasorda, who most known as the former Dodgers coach, said he accepted because of his ties to Japan and the Japanese American community.
“Being selected means a lot to me, including my relationships with the Japanese people here and in Japan,” Lasorda said.
Aiko Yoshinaga-Herzig, Japanese American civil rights activist, will be its Grand Marshal.
The 2011 Nisei Week Japanese Festival, the longest running ethnic festival of its kind, will be held August 12 – 21 throughout Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district.
Enjoyed by thousands every summer, Nisei Week showcases free Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music and entertainment, food and fun games for all age groups.
Grand Marshal Herzig and Parade Marshal Lasorda will lead the procession of Grand Parade participants as they are routed through the streets of Little Tokyo on Sunday, August 14, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The parade will feature Nebuta, smaller floats made of paper and lights that originated from Aomori, Japan.
This is the second year that the Nebuta are being designed, created and paraded by local community organizations, including the parents and students from the Los Angeles Unified School District.
For further information, visit the Nisei Week website at www.NiseiWeek.org or call the Nisei Week office at (213) 687-7183.