August 27th 2023 O.A.
Nisei Week 2023
The 81st Nisei Week Japanese Festival happened at Little Tokyo from August 12th.
Nisei Week Festival is a festival that spreads the history, culture, and tradition of the Japanese and Japanese American community to the US.
Saturday, August 12th was the Coronation Ball at the Aratani Theatre for the Nisei Queen contest, one of Nisei Week’s marquee events.
7 candidates were chosen by Japanese American organizations located throughout LA.
For 3 months, they practiced manners, dance and speech to become the next Nisei Queen.
Sara Emiko Kubo was chosen as the first princess and Nancy Izumi Chin was chosen as Miss Tomodachi.
The queen and court will act as ambassadors and participate in various events domestically and internationally. They will represent the LA Japanese American community for an entire year.
The following Sunday August 13th was the Grand Parade.
People from all over gathered to watch the highlight event of Nisei Week.
The parade began with the veterans from WWII, Korean War, and the Vietnam War leading the way.
“Kyo no Kai” choreographed the official Ondo.
This year’s Parade Marshal was former USC basketball player who is now a CrossFit Athlete, Jamie Hagiya.
The Grand Marshal was former Executive Director of Little Tokyo Service Center and Community Leader, Bill Watanabe.
Different floats and performances were done by the government officials, LA’s sister city Nagoya prefecture, martial arts and sports, anime, dance, and Omikoshi.
People and organizations related to LA’s Japanese American community and culture appeared and were introduced.
The parade reached its climax as this year’s Nisei Queen and court appeared.
And the parade finished with LA Nebuta.
The parade successfully ended with many cheers.
The annual L.A. Tanabata Festival also happened alongside Nisei Week as well.
This year marks the 15th time for the Tanabata Festival.
Kazari decorations of Sendai Tanabata Festival were displayed at JANM and entertained people that visited the area.
Kazari made by each kenjin kai and local community organizations were also displayed inside the facility.
A workshop was also held on August 19th. Participants learned how to make their own kazari and hung their wishes onto small bamboos.
Visitors enjoyed Japanese customs that are done during the summer in LA.
Due to the impact of the hurricane that hit LA., all various events scheduled for August 20th, including the street Ondo and the closing ceremony, have been canceled.
SAKE ON THE ROCKS
Friday, July 28th was the “Sake on the Rock,” a sake and food event held at Little Tokyo.
This was held by the nonprofit organization, Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) as their 15th annual fundraising event.
It is the largest, most held Japanese sake and food event in SoCal.
The raised funds will be used for LTSC’s programs and initiatives that support senior members and low-income housing.
About 50 different Japanese sake, shochu, and craft beers were served at this all-you-can-eat event.
Food booths offering snacks that go well with alcohol were also available.
A shochu cocktail contest was also held and livened up the event.
About 1,000 people came to the event and participated in the fundraiser while having fun.