67th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival
To Take Place August 18-26

During August 18 - 26 visit Little Tokyo to partake in the 67th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival, 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.

Nisei Week’s first weekend of activities (August 18-19) are being held in association with the 12th Annual LA Tofu Festival (see www.tofufestival.com), cultural exhibits, entertainment, and the U.S. Sumo Federation’s 2007 National Championship (August 18 - $10 admission), and the Nisei Week Car Show (August 18 – $10 admission). On Sunday August 19 be sure to come see the Grand Parade starting at 6 p.m. This year’s parade will be extra spectacular with a traditional Nebuta float from Japan that measures 24 ft. (L) x 30 ft. (W) x 17 ft. (H) made out of wood, special colored paper and hundreds of lights. Additionally, hundreds of lively dancers dressed in customary costume, taiko drummers and pipers will accompany Nebuta along the parade route.

The second weekend (August 25-26) will include a fun-filled community carnival with food, games, crafts, and entertainment. Admission is free, and the carnival will run from 2 – 10 p.m. both days. The ever popular Anime Festival will be held both days from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at the Little Tokyo Shopping Center. Also free at the JACCC, the popular Taiko Gathering will be held on August 26 featuring some of LA’s best taiko groups. To close another year of Nisei Week, the Ondo street dancing will be held on Sunday at 4 p.m. The free event is fun and the public is encouraged to join in the Japanese street dancing.

Nisei Week activities will be held in various locations throughout Little Tokyo, including the Japanese American Community & Cultural Center (JACCC) at 244 S. San Pedro Street and Little Tokyo Shopping Center at 333 S. Alameda Street. Both weekends will feature live entertainment, food and fun for the entire family. So come enjoy and share the experience of Los Angeles’ premiere Japanese American cultural event of the year. For further information go to the Nisei Week website at www.NiseiWeek.org or call the Nisei Week office at 213/687-7193.