Nisei Week in Little Tokyo

The annual Tofu Festival has been canceled as a separate activity, but Nisei Week, one of the area's longest-running cultural events, will still be happening this year in LA's Little Tokyo. "Nisei" are second generation Japanese Americans and Nisei Week is an American celebration of all things Japanese. The week begins with a Street Faire with carnival rides and the Grand Parade the weekend of August 16-17 and finishes with a student-organized Matsuri festival at Weller Court, Taiko Gathering and Closing Ceremony with Obon street dancers (pictured) on Sunday, August 24, 2008.

In addition to the street festivals, there are films, stage performances, dinner dances, exhibits, demonstrations and sporting events including sumo wresting, scheduled at various venues in Downtown LA’s Little Tokyo neighborhood.

When: August 16-17, Street Faire Sat 11 am - 7 pm , Sun 11 am - 4 pm followed by the Grand Parade at 5 pm; Sat Aug 23 "New Generation Remix" 6-10 pm, Sun Aug 24 Taiko Gathering 11:30 am - 4 pm, Closing Ceremonies at 4 pm, check the website for full schedule.
Where: 237 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (On San Pedro and 2nd)
Cost: Free entrance to most activities; fee for rides, games and food
Parking: Get Directions and Parking info.
Info: www.niseiweek.org

Photo © 2004 Kayte Deioma, courtesy of www.KayteDeioma.com