2011 Nisei Week / Pasadena’s Erika Mariko Olsen selected 2011 Queen

From left: Kay Yamaguchi, Erika Olsen, and Mimi Yang (Photo by Daniel Tam Lung)

Erika Mariko Olsen, representing Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute, was selected 2011 Nisei Week Queen on August 13 at Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena.

Mimi Mitsuko Yang, representing West Los Angeles Japanese American Citizens League and Venice Japanese Community Center, was selected 1st Princess.

Kay A. Yamaguchi, representing Gardena Evening Optimist and The Loft Hawaiian Restaurant, was selected Miss Tomodachi.

2011 Nisei Week Queen Olsen and seven court ladies will appear at the Nisei Week Grand Parade on August 14 at 5:30 pm at Little Tokyo.

Erika Mariko Olsen is 22 years old and graduated cum laude from the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music at California State University of Long Beach with a bachelor’s degree in Music Performance.

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival was first held in 1934 and is today one of the longest running ethnic festivals in the United States. The 71st Nisei Week is taking place in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo district from August 13-21.