From Sat Aug, 12 through Sun Aug, 20, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival returns for its annual cultural celebration. In its 81st year, it is the oldest ethnic festival in the US; its purpose is to celebrate and share the Japanese and Japanese American culture. This year’s theme is Turning the Corner, a post-pandemic desire to return to normal.
Nisei means second generation in Japanese, the first American-born Japanese. During the 1930s Great Depression, Japanese immigrants created Nisei Week, a way for Nisei to attract interest in supporting businesses in Little Tokyo. Due to the increased interest in Japanese food and culture, the annual event now attracts people from numerous ethnic backgrounds.
Sat Aug 12 – Sun Aug 13
If you are obsessed with fantastic food and drink like me, plan to shop with local merchants and savor delectable Japanese specialty cuisine, beer, and sake while enjoying live entertainment and cultural demonstrations such as ikebana flower arrangements and tea ceremonies. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the JACCC Plaza on San Pedro St.
On Sun, Aug 13, the Nisei Week Grand Parade will transform the streets of Little Tokyo with Japanese festival dancing, entertaining taiko drumming, and live music. Participants include local high school marching bands, ondo dancing groups, martial art dojos, and other lively groups. Crowds cheer at their favorite floats and taiko drummers. Plan to arrive early for a prime viewing spot.
Sat Aug 19 – Sun Aug 20
Tasty Japanese delicacies and refreshing beverages return to the JACCC Plaza on Aug 19/20 weekend. From 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., festival-goers gather at the plaza to enjoy live music, cultural demonstrations, and Japanese delicacies to satisfy their need to meet their inner foodie.
Also, from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., the annual taiko gathering takes place, where taiko groups across Southern California will entertain festival goers. Later that afternoon, from 5 – 8 p.m., Nisei Week’s closing ceremony and street ondo will take place on 1st St., and all attendees may join the annual festival-style dancing.
In addition to these events, Little Tokyo’s many restaurants, shops, and museums will offer specialty products, promotions, and programs only available during the Nisei Week Festival dates.
Nisei Week is an exciting and engaging way to experience Japanese and Japanese American culture. If you are interested in the arts, music, food, or culture, there is something for everyone.
Access niseiweek.org for more details.