Nihon buyo (Japanese classical dance) by Bando Hidesomi.
Attendees enjoyed a bento lunch.
From left: Ron Takasugi, Keiro and Keiro Kikyo Home board member; Sarah Fukui, Keiro Board; Kimiko Fujita, Advisory Committee; Beverly Ito, Keiro president and CEO; Susan Uchiyama, Keiro Board; Yukari Roberts, Keiro and Keiro Kiyo Home boards; Gerald Iseda, Keiro Board chair.
Vendors and community organizations had booths at the festival.
Brian Kito of Fugetsu-Do showed how to make Japanese confections.
Helen Ota and Rika Tejima served as emcees.
Games included the Human Slot Machine.
Mary Ellen Wong (right) presented “Fresh Takes on Japanese American Meals.”
2026 Nisei Week Court members serving as volunteers (from left): Princess Deena Umeda, Queen Kara Chu, Princess Meagan Pham, First Princess Ai Kusayanagi.
Orange County Friendship Choir
Okinawan music by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko.
Koto and shamisen music by L.A.’s 33 Strings.
Art Ishii and his students from Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do gave a presentation on self-defense.
Asian Persuasian performed oldies in Japanese and English.
Keiro’s ninth annual Keiro no Hi Festival, presented by Kawaguchi-Kihara Memorial Foundation, brought hundreds of community members to Little Tokyo from across Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.
Held on Sept. 12, at Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi), the sold-out event was especially meaningful as Keiro commemorates its 65th anniversary of serving older adults and caregivers in the community.
The festival welcomed over 650 participants, including older adults, small business vendors, and volunteers in honor of the Japanese holiday of Keiro no Hi, or Respect for the Aged Day, and gave the community space to thank and celebrate the older adults who continue to inspire us.
“Keiro no Hi is about celebrating older adults, but it is also about celebrating community. At the festival, we have the opportunity to learn something new, enjoy a great bento, experience our culture, and connect with one another. All of those things contribute to healthy aging,” said Beverly Ito, president and CEO of Keiro.
The day featured exciting performances by Asian Persuasian, Bandō Hidesomi, L.A,’s 33 Strings, Orange County Friendship Choir, and Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, as well as demonstrations by Art Ishii from Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-Do of Los Angeles, Mary Ellen Wong, and Brian Kito from Fugetsu-Do.
Attendees bought items from local vendors, played festival games for character-button prizes, made crafts, took photos with loved ones, and enjoyed a bento lunch.
“I think this is a wonderful time to get out for our elders … [The festival] is a great way to be with the community, be in a cultural atmosphere, and have some fun!” shared a festival attendee.
The Keiro no Hi Festival is Keiro’s largest annual community event and reflects Keiro’s commitment to celebrating the accomplishments and longevity of the community’s older adults. Your support helps make this work possible and ensures Keiro can continue serving generations to come. To make a gift, visit keiro.org/donate.
Sign up for Keiro’s newsletter at keiro.org/newsletter to be the first to know the date of next year’s Keiro no Hi Festival.