Nisei Week Queen Kimi Look (second from the right) and her Court wave with smiles to the cheering crowd on 1st Street at last year’s Grand Parade.
Join thousands this summer in Downtown Los Angeles for the 84th Nisei Week Japanese Festival, taking place Aug. 15-23, one of the nation’s longest-running ethnic festivals of its kind.
The festival features free Japanese cultural events, activities, and exhibits, including music, entertainment, food, and family-friendly experiences across two weekends.
Nisei Week Baby Show
Kicking off the festivities is the annual Nisei Week Baby Show on Saturday, July 25, at the East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, 1203 W. Puente Ave., West Covina (new location). Children ages 1 to 6 are invited to participate in this popular family event across three categories:
- Tiny Tots – 1 year to 23 months (check-in 9 a.m., judging at 10 a.m.)
- Romper Stompers – ages 2–3 (check-in 11 a.m., judging at 12 p.m.)
- Jet Setters – ages 4–6 (check-in 1 p.m., judging at 2 p.m.)
Entry is $65 per child with advance registration (deadline: July 15); walk-in registration is $75. Participants must be at least one-quarter Japanese ancestry.
Each division’s prince and princess will receive a crown, trophy, sash, and special prizes. Additional awards will also be presented. Winners, along with the Most Photogenic honoree, will have the opportunity to ride in the Grand Parade on Sunday, Aug. 16.
Applications are available at NiseiWeek.org. For more information, email babyshow@niseiweek.org.
Parade Street Dance Practice
To help participants prepare for the Grand Parade, Ondo, and Closing Ceremony, free public dance practices will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, July 27 through Aug. 12, at the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo.
First Weekend
On Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15-16, visit the JACCC, where traditional arts such as bonsai, ikebana, tea ceremony, and calligraphy will be on display.
The Grand Parade will wind through the streets of Little Tokyo beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, featuring traditional dancers, taiko drumming, and more.
Second Weekend
The Plaza Festival at JACCC returns Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 22-23, with entertainment and activities for the entire family. Enjoy a beer garden and free cultural exhibits throughout the weekend. The Taiko Gathering will take place Sunday at the JACCC Plaza. At the Terasaki Budokan, enjoy a Shotokan karate exhibition and tournament.
To close out the festival, ondo street dancing will take place on Aug. 23 along First Street in Little Tokyo, beginning at 4 p.m. The public is encouraged to join this traditional Japanese community dance.
Both weekends will feature live entertainment, food, and activities for all ages. For more information, parking details, and tickets to paid events, visit NiseiWeek.org, call (213) 687-7183, or email info@ niseiweek.org.
About Nisei Week
Founded in 1934, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival is one of the nation’s longest-running ethnic festivals, celebrating Japanese and Japanese American culture and heritage in the historic Little Tokyo district of Downtown Los Angeles. The annual festival honors the contributions of Japanese Americans while promoting cultural awareness through traditional arts, performances, community events, and educational programming.
Organized by the Nisei Week Foundation, the week-long celebration continues to bring together generations of the community and visitors from across Southern California and beyond.