Nisei Week Festivities Kick Off
Saturday, July 12, 2008

Carnival, Nisei Week Grand Parade highlight annual J-Town festival.

MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo
Dancers will take to the streets of Little Tokyo on Sunday, Aug. 17 for the Nisei Week Grand Parade.

The 68th Annual Nisei Week Japa­nese Festival will take place 16 to 24 in Little Tokyo. It is the nation’s longest running ethnic festival. Every summer Nisei Week offers free Japa­nese cultural activities and exhibits, music and entertainment, good food and fun games for everyone—from young children, adults, and seniors.

Activities kick off on Sunday with the invitation-only opening ceremonies at the Japanese American National Museum. The event will showcase the 2008 Nisei Week Court and feature a performance of the official ondo by 2008 Nisei Week Choreographer Madame Sumako Azuma.

Nisei Week’s first weekend of activities (Aug.16-17) will filled with free entry to cultural exhibits, martial arts demonstration, and a Street Faire, “Going Green” at the Japa­nese American Community and Cultural Center (JACCC). On Saturday Aug. 16, the 2008 Nisei Week Queen will be crowned at the annual Coronation Dinner (Kyoto Grand Hotel) and Show (Aratani Japan America Theater). Tickets for the dinner/show are $160 per person and for the show only are $75 for orchestra level and $65 for balcony.

Also on the Aug. 16 is a free sumo demonstration at the JACCC and Nisei Week Car Show ($12/door or $10/showoffcafe.com ) to be held at 100 S. Alameda Street. On Sunday, Aug. 17 be sure to come see the Grand Parade starting at 5 p.m. This year’s Grand Marshal is long-time community supporter Fred Hoshiyama and Honorary Grand Marshal is Sen. Daniel Inouye. The Parade Marshal is Gordon Tokumatsu, KNBC-TV news reporter.

The second weekend (Aug. 23-24) will also include excit­ing cultural events at the JACCC, including free exhibits. On 23 only, the second Gyoza Eating Contest will take place on the JACCC plaza—so come out to see national food eaters participate. The ever popular and free Taiko Gathering will be held on 24 at the JACCC and feature some of LA’s best taiko groups. To close another year of Nisei Week, the Ondo street dancing will be held on Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. on Little Tokyo’s First Street. The public is encouraged to join in this Japanese street dancing ritual.

For calendar of events and volunteer information, please log onto www.NiseiWeek.org or call the Nisei Week Foun­dation office at (213) 687-7193.