News Summary
The Nisei Week Japanese Festival in Los Angeles kicked off with a vibrant nine-day celebration honoring Japanese and Japanese American heritage. Featuring cultural exhibits, taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, and a Grand Parade, the festival emphasizes community participation and accessibility. Highlights include performances such as ‘Rack To The Future’ and educational events at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This year’s theme, ‘Kansha’ (gratitude), reflects appreciation for past generations, with the newly crowned Nisei Week Queen Kimi Look leading the festivities that promote cultural exchange and connection.
Los Angeles Hosts Nisei Week Japanese Festival Celebrating Heritage
The Nisei Week Japanese Festival kicked off in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, with a vibrant nine-day celebration dedicated to Japanese and Japanese American heritage. The festival, which commenced on August 9, brings together various cultural exhibits, performances, and events that honor the traditions and contributions of the Issei, Nisei, and Sansei generations.
One of the key highlights of the Nisei Week is the Grand Parade, scheduled for Sunday from 4 to 7 p.m. The parade will affect traffic in the area, impacting Central Ave., 2nd St., San Pedro St., and 1st St. Spectators can expect a colorful display of floats, traditional costumes, and lively performances as part of this annual tradition.
In addition to the Grand Parade, attendees can enjoy a variety of other events throughout the festival, including taiko drumming, tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and dancing, particularly hosted around the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. Most of these events are free, promoting accessibility and encouraging community participation.
On Sunday evening, a special performance titled Rack To The Future will take place at Crown City Theatre in Pasadena. This burlesque parody show, performed by the Hollywood Jane Revue, has tickets priced at $20 and is set to begin at 7 p.m. This event adds a unique twist to the festival, blending traditional cultural elements with contemporary entertainment.
Another engaging activity is the Salt Marsh Open House at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. This event invites visitors to explore wetlands at Cabrillo Beach. It is open to all ages, offering a free educational opportunity to learn about local ecosystems and maritime environments.
Highlighting the festival is the presence of the Nisei Week Queen, Kimi Look, who was crowned on August 9 during the 83rd annual coronation ceremony. Kimi Look, whose platform emphasizes support for the Go For Broke National Education Center, is joined by First Princess Megan Ayumi Miyamoto and Miss Tomodachi Mika Fumiyo Megumi Dyo. Members of the court represent various Japanese community centers and organizations within the Los Angeles area, emphasizing the festival’s community spirit.
The theme for this year’s festival is “Kansha” (感謝), which translates to “gratitude” in English. This theme honors the sacrifices and legacies of past generations in the Japanese American community. The festival is hosted by actress Tamlyn Tomita and ABC 7 anchor David Ono, further enhancing its visibility and reach.
Kimi Look, during her coronation, expressed her dedication to the community, underscoring the importance of connection and storytelling through shared experiences and traditions. The Nisei Week aims to foster a sense of belonging and appreciation for cultural heritage among participants and onlookers alike.
The festival has previously entertained audiences with events like the Bond, James Bond concert and Free Shakespeare productions in Griffith Park, demonstrating a commitment to diverse cultural programming. The Nisei Week Japanese Festival serves as a crucial platform for cultural exchange and understanding, promoting the rich history and contributions of the Japanese American community.
This annual event not only celebrates a longstanding tradition but also reaffirms the significance of maintaining cultural connections in an ever-evolving society. As the festival unfolds, it promises to enliven the streets of Little Tokyo with a spirit of joy, remembrance, and togetherness.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Los Angeles Hosts Weekend of Cultural Events
Additional Resources
- Rafu: Kimi Look Crowned 2025 Nisei Week Queen
- CBS News: Nisei Week Japanese Festival is Back in Little Tokyo
- NBC Los Angeles: Celebrate Nisei Week in Little Tokyo
- Timeout: Nisei Week Japanese Festival
- Daily News: Things to Do in Los Angeles County
- Wikipedia: Nisei
- Google Search: Nisei Week Japanese Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nisei
- Google News: Nisei Week
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
