62nd ANNUAL NISEI WEEK JAPANESE FESTIVAL August 10 - 18, 2002

• Opening Ceremony

The sound of the Taiko drum and a Shinto ceremony officially begins the festival. City officials and community leaders attend to show their support and meet the Nisei Week Queen and Court contestants who represent surrounding communities of Orange County, San Gabriel, Venice, San Fernando Valley and Little Tokyo. Invitation only event.

Rev. Tsuyuki blessing Nisei Weeks	Nisei Week Queen and Court contestants
Over 300 Nikkei leader gather at opening ceremony	LA County Supervisor Mike Antonobich pray for event success
Zendeko taiko play	at Japanese American National Museum
Japanese Dancing group	Madam Fujima Kansuma
My Fair Ladies

• Fashion Show and Boutique

Contemporary Japanese American fashion designed by Tadashi. Choreographed by Kaori Nara.

Left to right - Shigeko Kajiya give flower to Fashion Designer Tadashi; MC Tamlin Tomita, Nisei Week Queen longtime ago?	Ready to married
Former Queen get to gather for Fashion Show Tadashi by Nisei Week

• Cultural Exhibits

Traditional Japanese art and crafts display. Bonsai (miniature trees,) flower arranging, Japanese Swords, calligraphy, paper dolls, Tea Ceremony and many others.

• Grand Parade

Hundreds of Kimono clad dancers representing local Japanese Dance schools, dance along the streets of Little Tokyo. As well as, Taiko performers, local bands and drill teams, floats and a procession of cars carrying visiting dignitaries from Japan, Hawaii, San Francisco and City of Los Angeles officials.

• Street Arts Fair

Vendors from around Southern California participate in this weekend event creating a cultural marketplace, with wares created for today's consumers. As well as community and corporate businesses presenting their products and services to this popular event

• Tofu Festival Car Show

Tofu is the specialty for this event, sample or put together an entire meal of Tofu dishes prepared by Southern California chefs representing today's most popular restaurants. The Car Show is an one-day event featuring customized import cars and related accessories.

• Ondo - Traditional Japanese Folk Dance

Lessons are offered free to the public prior to the festival in preparation for this public participatory event. Hundreds of dancers, some in traditional Japanese dress, and others in common "happi" coats representing their school or organization come to dance traditional Japanese folk dances.