The 2025 Nisei Week Queen candidates were introduced during the festival’s Opening Ceremony on July 13. From left, in front: Mika Fumiyo Megumi Dyo, Emma Yasuko Shojinaga Fukunaga, Kimi Look, Samantha Kimiyo Cirelli. Back: Mia Miyoko Takatsuka, Casey Mariko Kuramoto and Megan Ayumi Miyamoto.
Seven Queen Candidates Introduced; Festival Embraces Theme of “Gratitude”
By TOMOKO NAGAI
RAFU STAFF WRITER
The 83rd Nisei Week Festival officially started on July 13 with an opening ceremony held at the Japanese American National Museum’s Daniel K. Inouye National Center for the Preservation of Democracy in Little Tokyo.
Distinguished guests, including Kenko Sone, consul general of Japan in Los Angeles; Shinichi Fujinami, president of the Japan Business Association of Southern California (JBA); Yuko Kaifu, president of Japan House Los Angeles; and Ann Burroughs, president and CEO of JANM, joined friends, families, and representatives of supporting community organizations to celebrate the start of the traditional Japanese American festival.
Helen H. Ota, who returns as festival chair for the second time since 2008, declared the official beginning of Nisei Week 2025. The ceremony featured congratulatory speeches from dignitaries, a kagami-biraki (sake barrel opening), and a lively preview of the dances selected for this year’s Grand Parade.
Seven queen candidates sponsored by various community organizations were introduced to warm applause. These young women will compete for the title of Nisei Week Queen at the Coronation Ball to be held on Saturday, Aug. 9.
Also announced were the grand marshal and parade marshal for the Grand Parade on Sunday, Aug. 10, along with recipients of the Pioneer Spirit Award, Inspiration Award, and Franes K. Hashimoto Community Service Award, recognizing individuals and organizations who have contributed to the Japanese American community.
With the 2025 festival theme of “Kansha (Gratitude),” Nisei Week will run through Aug. 17, culminating with the Ondo Public Street Dancing and Closing Ceremony. In addition to many events hosted by the Nisei Week Foundation, a wide array of community-sponsored activities will take place.
Especially during the two weekends of Aug. 9-10 and 16-17, Little Tokyo is expected to welcome its largest crowds of the year.
Expression of Gratitude
Celebrating Japanese and Japanese American culture, Nisei Week is one of the longest-running ethnic festivals in the U.S., offering events rooted in tradition — ranging from calligraphy, tea ceremony, and flower arranging to martial arts, taiko drumming, folk songs, and dance.
At the opening ceremony, Ota said, “We could not present the festival without the tremendous support of the community, and because of that, I’m happy to share that our theme for 2025 is ‘Kansha,’ or gratitude. This year offers a special opportunity to express our heartfelt gratitude and honor the Nisei who founded the festival in 1934.”
The Grand Parade will feature two dances: “Kawasaki Odori” (sung by Harumi Miyako) and “Sore ga Daiji” (by Daiji Man Brothers Band). Mme. Bando Hidesomi, a Los Angeles representative of the Bando School of Japanese classical dance in Tokyo and instructor of Bando Hidesomi Nihon Buyo, selected the music and is serving as choreographer.
Members of the Bando troupe will lead the parade dance procession, followed by other groups. Public dance practice sessions will be held at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center Plaza on July 22, 24, and 29.
The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center will host the Nisei Week Baby Show on Saturday, July 26, and is currently accepting applications.
The Coronation and Award Celebration, a highlight of the festival, will take place on Aug, 9 at 6 p.m. at the Aratani Theatre. The Grand Parade will follow on Aug. 10 at 4 p.m. on the streets of Little Tokyo.
The tradition of the queen program dates back to 1935, making 2025 the 90th year since Alice Watanabe was crowned the first queen. Fittingly, this year’s grand marshal, Thomas Iino, is Watanabe’s son.
During the Coronation, queen candidates will take to the stage to showcase their wit, talents, and leadership as future representatives of the Japanese American community. The Grand Parade will feature proud marchers from various community organizations, cheered on by crowds lining the streets.
Other key events include:
- Japanese cultural exhibits (Aug 9-10, 16-17 at JACCC)
- Mika Fumiyo Megumi Dyo (Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute)
- Karate Exhibition and Tournament (Aug 9, 1 p.m. at Terasaki Budokan)
- Japanese Song Show (Aug 10 at Aratani Theatre)
- Plaza Festival (Aug. 16–17 at JACCC Plaza)
- Dekocar Car Show (Aug 16 at Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple)
- Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Aug 16, 12 p.m. at JANM)
- Taiko Gathering (Aug 17, 11 a.m. at JACCC Plaza)
- Ondo Public Street Dancing and Closing Ceremony (Aug 17, 4 p.m., on First Street between San Pedro and Central), featuring local dance groups and more live music than ever before.
The Pioneer Spirit Award Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, at the JACCC.
Tickets are available through the Nisei Week website:
English: www.niseiweek.org
Japanese: https://niseiweek.org/jp
Honorees and Queen Candidates
Grand Marshal: Thomas Iino Parade Marshal East West Players
Inspiration Award: Japanese American Vietnam Veterans, Michael Okamura Francis K. Hashimoto
Community Service Award: Chris and Doug Aihara, Azay Pioneer Award: Miya Iwataki, Gene Kanamori, Katsuyoshi Miyazato, David Miyoshi
2025 Queen Candidates (with sponsoring organizations): Mia Miyoko Takatsuka (East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center) Samantha Kimiyo Cirelli (Venice Japanese Community Center and Venice-West L.A. Japanese American Citizens League)
- Megan Ayumi Miyamoto (San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center)
- Casey Mariko Kuramoto (Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council)
- Kimi Look (Gardena Evening Optimist Club)
- Emma Yasuko Shojinaga Fukunaga (Japanese Restaurant Association
of America)