2026 Nisei Week Opening Ceremony

On July 12, the opening ceremony for the 84th Nisei Week was held at the Daniel K. Inouye Democracy Center in Little Tokyo.

Nisei Week is one of the largest Japanese American community festivals in the U.S., held every August.

At the ceremony, President Helen Ota delivered the opening remarks and announced this year’s theme, “Ichigo Ichie,” meaning “one encounter, one opportunity.”

Next, the Japanese Business Association of Southern California and JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles presented donations in support of the opening ceremony.

One of the highlights of Nisei Week is the Grand Parade.
Featuring performances by local Japanese dance groups, this year’s parade will showcase two theme songs choreographed by Bando Hidesomi.

This year’s Grand Marshal is U.S. Representative Mark Takano, and mural artist Robert Vargas will serve as the Parade Marshal.
Community Award recipients will also join the celebration.

The seven Nisei Week Queen candidates, nominated by local Japanese American organizations, were introduced.

Ai Grace Kusayanagi.
Jacqueline Fujiko Naito.
Emily Kaori Gruhn.
Deena Maiko Umeda.
Kara Kimiko Chu.
Meagan Sueko Pham.
Kailah Julianne Tokushige.

The candidates will compete at the Coronation Ball on the eve of the Grand Parade, where the 84th Nisei Week Queen will be crowned.

The 84th Nisei Week will be held from August 15 to 23, centered in Little Tokyo.
The Grand Parade on August 16 will feature the 20th anniversary of LA Nebuta, along with representatives of the Japanese American community and various organizations.

The festival will also offer a variety of events celebrating Japanese culture and pop culture.
For more information, visit the official Nisei Week website.

Nagoya Sister City Gifts

On June 24, the City of Nagoya’s Sister City gifts were unveiled during a ceremony held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, community leaders, representatives from cultural organizations, and government officials attended the ceremony.

The three gifts include the Mikoshi Shinto Shrine, donated in 1960, the Puppet Float, presented during Nisei Week in 1989, and the Nagoya Clock, donated in 1994.

Previously displayed at Los Angeles City Hall, these commemorative gifts were restored and relocated to the Los Angeles Convention Center, where they will be permanently displayed for the public to enjoy.

Los Angeles and Nagoya became Sister Cities in 1959 and continue to foster exchanges in various fields today.

The ceremony included a taiko performance and ribbon-cutting, celebrating the enduring friendship between Los Angeles and Nagoya.

The Convention Center hosts numerous events across various fields, welcoming more than 1.2 million visitors from around the world each year.