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.
First Weekend Events – Aug. 15-16
Visit the ever-popular Nisei Week Deko Car Show and Anime Marketplace at Nishi Hongwanji Temple, 815 First St., from 1-6 p.m. on Saturday.
Then go to the JACCC, where traditional arts such as bonsai, ikebana, tea ceremony, and calligraphy will be on display on both Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The new Nisei Week Queen will be named at the Coronation and Awards Celebration on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles Theatre Center’s Tom Bradley Theatre, 514 S. Spring St., Los Angeles.
In addition, check out JX Matsuri at Weller Court, a first-time event at Nisei Week with food and vendors, Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Then go to the Grand Parade, which will wind through the streets of Little Tokyo beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, featuring traditional dancers, taiko drumming, and Nebuta lit-up floats as they celebrate 20 years in L.A., and more.
Second Weekend Entertainment – Aug. 21-23
“Crazy Talented Asians” will entertain Little Tokyo visitors both Friday and Saturday night from 7:30 p.m. at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Also St.
In addition, the Shotokan Karate Exhibition and Tournament will take place from 1-4 p.m. at the Terasaki Budokan, 249 S. Los Angeles St., on Saturday.
The Plaza Festival at JACCC returns Saturday and Sunday 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.
To close out the festival, ondo street dancing will take place on Sunday 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.