Community Corner
Nisei Week Japanese Festival & Parade 2022 Returns To Little Tokyo, LA
One of longest-running ethnic fests in U.S., the cultural event spans two weekends with free, family-friendly activities, live music & more.
LOS ANGELES, CA — After a two-year-absence, the 80th Nisei Week Japanese Festival returns with its Grand Parade and Plaza Festival to Little Toyko in downtown Los Angeles.
The historic event runs Saturday, Aug. 13 to Sunday, Aug. 21 —a two-weekend extavaganza with a parade (Sunday, Aug. 14), plaza fest (Saturday, Aug. 20), food and exhibits, plus dance and drum performances.
Hosted by the Nisei Week Foundation, the festival promotes Japanese and Japanese American heritage and traditions. And aside from the recent COVID-related cancellations, the only other time the event was not held was during World War II, when Japanese Americans were sent to U.S. incarceration camps, according to organizers.
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"As one of the nation’s longest-running multi-weekend ethnic festivals, Nisei Week pays homage to those who blazed the trail for Japanese-American tradition within the vibrant city of Los Angeles during two weekends of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive activities, live music, and more," officials said.
The two biggest crowd draws are the Grand Parade and Plaza Festival.
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The Grand Parade, one of the largest Japanese American parades in the country, is Sunday, Aug. 14, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Little Tokyo, featuring Japanese dancers, musicians and floats.
The Plaza Festival at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center plaza on San Pedro Street is Saturday, Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., with live music, acts and Japanese delicacies.
Other events include:
Coronation: Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. - 6p.m. at Aratani Theatre for the crowning of the 2022 Nisei Week Queen.
JANM 2022 Natsumatsuri (Summer Family Festival). Saturday, Aug. 13, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Japanese American National Museum. Featuring free cultural performances, crafts and activities for all ages. Event is free, but RSVPs are requested. Those who RSVP and show their ticket at the JANM membership table will be entered into a drawing for a one-year JANM family/dual level membership. For more information and to RSVP.
Cultural Exhibits: Saturday, Aug. 13, 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. at JACCC. View collected Japanese objects such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana and more.
Go Little Tokyo Pop-up Shop: Sunday, Aug. 14, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Yoboseyo Superette.
Shop for exclusive Little Tokyo merchandise including enamel pins, T-shirts and more. Proceeds benefit the Little Tokyo Community Council.
Cultural Exhibits: Saturday, Aug. 20, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sunday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at JACCC. Viewing collected Japanese objects such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana and more.
Taiko Gathering: Sunday, Aug. 21, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. at JACCC Plaza. Enjoy the art of Taiko drumming by groups from Southern California.
Ondo Public Street Dancing & Closing Ceremony: Sunday, Aug. 21, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on 1st Street. The public is invited to join Nisei Week’s finale – the Japanese tradition of dancing in the street with live entertainment to close out the annual festival.
Follow this link for more Nisei Week Japanese Festival information, schedules and updates.
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