Nisei Week (Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA)

Enjoyed by thousands every summer, come join the downtown Los Angeles community at the 77thAnnual Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. One of the nation’s longest running ethnic festivals of its kind, the events will take place August 19-27. The Festival showcases free Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music and entertainment, food and fun games spanning two weekends.

Festival events calendar: http://www.niseiweek.org/events-festival/

The 11th annual free Tanabata Festival (August 19-20) will color Little Tokyo’s Central Avenue and Museum of Contemporary Art (Geffen) between Temple and First streets with large, assorted streamers (kazari). Individuals, families, community groups, businesses, churches, temples, and others have contributed to this one-of-a-kind display. Plenty of entertainment such as Taiko, geta tap, martial arts exhibitions, and activities will be available for the entire family at the Plaza Festival at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC), Saturday and Sunday (August 19-20). Additionally, free cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more will be on display.

Routed through the streets of Little Tokyo on Sunday, August 20, the Grand Parade will begin at 4 p.m. The parade will include Japanese traditional dancers, led by 2017 Nisei Week Choreographer, Madame Bando Hidesomi, Japanese taiko drums, Haneto dancers preceded by a Nebuta float, and special guests and honorees including ukulele artist Eden Kai (Yusuke Aizawa) from the popular Netflix series “Terrace House: Aloha State.”