Come join your fellow Angelenos for the annual Nisei Week Festival closing ceremony located at the heart of historic Little Tokyo.
“It is with great pride that we present to you the much-anticipated return of our beloved festival to the streets of Little Tokyo,” shared co-presidents Nancy Okubo and Cory Hayashi in a statement. “The past two years marked only the second time that the Festival was not held. The first time was during World War II (1941-1948), when Japanese Americans were unjustly sent to U.S. incarceration camps. During both these times, Little Tokyo was affected by economic uncertainty as well as political and racial turmoil.”
This significant local festival is a nine-day cultural event honoring Japanese culture and is one of the longest-running ethnic festivals in the U.S. and the celebration comes to an end this very weekend.
“Over the last two years, Little Tokyo showed its resolve as our community rallied around each other creating programs to feed those affected by the shutdowns, offering grants, increasing patronage to our local businesses, and continuing to take a stand against hate, bigotry, and injustice,” they continued. “As we gather, let this year’s Nisei Week be a memorable celebration as we emerge from these challenges. May our community and the Festival continue to persevere.”
All week long, Little Tokyo has invited Angelenos to come celebrate and learn about Japanese culture and history through events and installations throughout the district from August 13–21, 2022. The incredible festival is coming to an end this weekend with grand finales taking place on Saturday, August 20 to Sunday, August 21. Guests can expect a lovely plaza festival, Japanese cultural exhibitions, traditional ondo street dancing, and more!
The festival is also doing an online Nisei Week Stamp Rally on Snapchat, where if you collect all 5 stamps around town you’ll unlock an amazing mystery prize!
Closing Events:
- Plaza Festival – Aug. 20 & 21: 11:00A.M. – 4:00P.M., Taking place at JACCC Plaza, guests can expect Japanese cultural food and entertainment for the whole family.
- Cultural Exhibits – Aug. 20 & 21: 11:00A.M. – 4:00P.M., there are beautiful cultural exhibits such as bonsai, calligraphy, Ikebana, and more on display inside the JACCC.
- Taiko Gathering – Aug. 21: 11:00A.M. – 4:00P.M., Taking place at JACCC Plaza, showcasing Japanese drum (taiko) groups from across Southern California.
- Ondo Public Street Dancing & Closing Ceremony – Aug. 21: 4:30P.M. – 6:30P.M. 1st Street, Angelenos are invited to join Nisei Week’s closing ceremony – the Japanese tradition of dancing in the street with live entertainment to close out the annual festival.
Get the full parade route here, and be sure to visit the official Nisea Week Japanese Festival to get the full schedule.
Read more: In need of some more weekend plans? Here are 10 fun things happening around town.