Nisei Week Japanese Festival

Celebrate Nisei Week in the historic Little Tokyo District in Downtown Los Angeles.

Schedule:

9:00am - 5:00pm: Los Angeles Tanabata Festival at Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival was founded in 2009 by Yoshito Yonezawa. It brings a taste of the summer festival from his hometown in Miyagi Prefecture to Little Tokyo. View the colorful paper decorations called kazari to celebrate the folk story of two lovers who meet once a year in the sky!

11:00am - 4:00pm: Plaza Festival at JACCC Plaza
The family-friendly event features food, games, booths, and live entertainment at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) plaza!

11:00am - 4:00pm: Cultural Exhibits at JACCC
Cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more will be on display inside the JACCC.

11:00am - 4:00pm: Taiko Gathering at JACCC Plaza
Showcasing Japanese drum (taiko) groups from across Southern California.

4:00pm - 6:30pm: Ondo Public Street Dancing & Closing Ceremony at 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 festival on August 18.
Celebrate Little Tokyo’s 140th anniversary with a special event at 4:30 p.m., presented by the Little Tokyo Community Council and Little Tokyo Historical Society.