August 28th 2022 O.A.
2022 Nisei Week
The largest Japanese American festival in LA, Nisei Week Japanese Festival was held in Little Tokyo.
This year marks the 80th time for Nisei Week.
It was held virtually for the past 2 years due to the coronavirus, so the festival took place in Little Tokyo for the first time in 3 years.
Saturday, August 13th was the Coronation at the Aratani Theatre where this year’s Nisei Queen was chosen.
The Coronation also had audiences for the first time in 3 years.
The candidates were dressed in their kimonos as the crowd cheered them on in the opening.
There were 7 candidates this year. Emily Shigeko Kumagai from San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center.
Faith Sumiko Nishimura from Venice Japanese Community Center & Venice-West Los Angeles JACL.
Maile Tabata Yanguas from the Japanese Restaurant Association of America.
Audrey Emi Nakaoka from Gardena Evening Optimist Club.
Lorie Hatsuko Meza from Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.
Amanda Akiko Hiraishi from East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center.
And Kristine Emiko Yada from Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council.
The queen is chosen based on their interview with the judges, presentation, and communication skills.
For entertainment, former Earth, Wind and Fire guitarist Sheldon Reynolds played his hit songs and liven up the stage.
The candidates showed up on stage wearing Tadashi Shoji’s gowns for the second half of the Coronation.
After the Q&A session with the host comes the result.
The queen and court will act as the ambassador for the Japanese American community in LA and attend various events as well as be involved in the community.
The following day, 14th was the grand parade.
The parade started off with the veterans that fought in WWII, Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf War.
This year’s grand marshal was George Sugimoto who is a veteran and a businessman.
The parade marshals were figure skaters Maia and Alex Shibutani.
Consul General Akira Muto also participated in the parade as he will be leaving LA for ending his term.
Many people representing cultural activities, local officials, and different businesses participated in the parade.
“This year’s official parade songs were “Kawachi Otokobushi” and “One Wish.”
The dance was choreographed and led by “Nihon Buyo Azuma”, followed by many different Nihon Buyo schools in LA.”
It was a parade that showed how diverse the Japanese culture is in the US, from sports, entertainment, and anime, to Japanese cars.
The parade ended with the queen and court that were chosen the day before.
Saturday, August 20th was the “Plaza Festival” in front of the JACCC.
Different goods and services, food stands, and a beer garden was made available.
Japanese food demonstration was also done on stage as well.
This year, the staple event “Gyoza Eating Contest” was not held, but instead the “Gyoza Making Contest” took its place.
The queen and court of last year were split into 3 teams making gyozas.
Within the time limit, the contestants had to make gyozas with the provided ingredients and neatly plate them.
Only, some of the ingredients were out of the ordinary, like snacks and even tofu!
But thanks to their year-long activity in the Japanese American community, the former queen and court all made unique gyozas full of ideas.
On the final day, Sunday the 21st was the “Taiko Gathering” at the JACCC Plaza, showcasing Japanese taiko groups from across SoCal, which many came to see.
Ondo Public Street Dancing and Closing Ceremony was held at 1st Street. Different Nihon Buyo schools and organizations danced with the public.
From a professional to an amateur, young to old, many people gathered around and danced together, making a great finale.