July 30th 2023 O.A.
Nisei Week Opening Ceremony
Sunday, July 16th was the opening ceremony of the Nisei Week Festival at the JANM in Little Tokyo.
Nisei Week is a festival that celebrates Japanese culture and tradition. This year marks the 81st time.
The 2023 Nisei Week Foundation president, David Yamahata announced this year’s theme “Turning the Corner” as many things are returning back to normal from the pandemic.
The theme song for this year’s parade is Enka singer Takashi Hosokawa’s “Maneki Neko” and “We Are” from the anime ONE PIECE.
The choreography is done by Master Bando Hirohichiro and “Kyo no Kai.”
This year’s grand marshal is former executive director of the Little Tokyo Service Center, Bill Watanabe.
The parade marshal is former Nisei Queen court and CrossFit athlete, Jamie Hagiya.
Pioneer Spirit awardees and other individuals who contributed to the Japanese American community were awarded for their hard work as well.
Lastly, this year’s 7 Nisei Queen candidates were announced.
Isabella Rose Polizzotto-24 years old representing Gardena Evening Optimist Club.
Kaitlyn Emiko Chu-24 years old representing Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council.
Kamalani “Kama” Higashiyama-25 years old representing the Japanese Restaurant Association of America.
Aiko Marie Matsumura Dzikowski-25 years old representing Venice-West LA Japanese American Citizen’s League and Venice Japanese Community Center.
Nancy Izumi Chin-26 years old representing Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.
Kaili Mika Inouye-23 years old representing San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center.
And Sara Emiko Kubo-26 years old representing East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center.
Candidates will appear in the coronation ball that will be held the night before the grand parad and this year’s Nisei Queen will be crowned.
Nisei Week will be held for 9 days from August 12th to the 20th at Little Tokyo.
Various events like the Tanabata Festival and Nebuta will also be held at the same time.
Please check the Nisei Week website for more information.
Dodgers & Angels Japanese Heritage Night
Japanese Heritage Night was held at the Dodger Stadium in LA and Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
The Dodgers and Angels both hold many events for the local community, and Japanese Heritage Night is one of them. Recently, events are being held in conjunction with the so-called Freeway Series, where the Dodgers and Angels compete against each other.
Tuesday, June 27th was Japanese Heritage Night at the Angel Stadium of Anaheim.
Kibou Taiko performed before the game with the help of OCJAA. Members of the Tokushima Kenjin Kai joined with their Awa Dance performance.
The first pitch was done by 2022 Nisei Queen, Kristine Yada who represented the Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council.
Tokuji Yoshihashi who served in the Japanese American Combat Team during WWII and turned 100 years old was also introduced during the game.
The entire audience showed respect through a round of applause.
Shohei Ohtani of Angels pitched for the game hitting a pair of home runs and got his 7th victory which put his fans in a delirium. A part of the ticket profit will be donated to the
JANM.
Following that night, Saturday, July 8th was Japanese Heritage Night at Dodger Stadium.
Consul General Kenko Sone, retired horse racing jockey Corey Nakatani, and other representatives gathered at the field.
The LA Taiko Ichiza started the event with their performance.
Followed by the 2022 Nisei Queen and her court promoting this year’s Nisei Week that is happening in August at Little Tokyo.
Singer Crystal Kay sang the national anthems of both the US and Japan.
And the first pitch was done by NBA player, Rui Hachimura.
Hachimura renewed his contract with the LA Lakers just this month.
Hachimura wore the Dodgers uniform that is written “Black Samurai” and did an amazing pitch.
Manager Dave Roberts caught the ball.
The Dodgers won this game and made up for their loss at Anaheim.
Joruri Puppet Show
Tuesday, June 27th was a special Joruri Puppet Show held at Sakura Gardens, a retirement home located in Boyle Heights.
Awa Ningyo Joruri is a Tokushima-based Japanese puppetry with 400 years of rich history.
Industry individuals visited New Mexico as the Awa Puppet was housed to a museum in Santa Fe, and 2 shows were held there.
After their visit, they decided to stop by LA. The crew wanted senior members to also enjoy this traditional puppetry, and that is how their performance at Sakura Gardens became possible.
The performance started with a lecture about the Joruri puppetry and its history.
The audience learned the basics like how 3 people move 1 doll.
Then, the popular performance “The Scene of the Pilgrim’s Song,” from the play, Keisei Awa no Naruto was played.
A girl who was separated from her parents stops by a house.
The woman living there realizes that the girl is her child that she left behind, however, she cannot reveal her identity.
The narrator, the sound of the shamisen, and the doll’s delicate movements all helps portray the sorrow of the mother and daughter.
This event provided a glimpse into the depth of what Japanese traditional art has to offer.