The Festival

Showcase of Japanese cultural events, activities and exhibits, including music, entertainment, food, and fun

August 12 – 20, 2023

 

 

Nisei Week Sponsors

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival would not be possible without the generous support and donations of our corporate & community sponsors, whose partnerships allow us to continue and invest in the Nisei Week festival tradition.
2023 DIAMOND SPONSORS
2023 PLATINUM SPONSORS
2023 GOLD SPONSORS
2023 SILVER SPONSORS
2023 BRONZE SPONSORS
2023 COMMUNITY FRIENDS & IN-KIND DONATIONS
WEBSITE SPONSOR
Nikkei Women Legacy Association

A nonprofit organization founded by former Nisei Week Queens focused on giving back to the Little Tokyo and Nikkei community. The heart of NWLA’s mission is to preserve and promote Nikkei history and culture with a primary focus on women.

Nisei Week Honorees

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Grand Marshal

Bill Watanabe

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Parade Marshal

Jamie Hagiya

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Choreographer

Bando Hirohichiro

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President's Award

Cathy Tanaka

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Dr. Akiko Agishi

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Ron Dyo

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Akira Fujimoto

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Joan Kuniko Ota Kawase

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Nancy Kyoko Oda

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Pioneer Spirit Award

Kanji Sahara

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Inspiration Award

Kristin Fukushima

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Inspiration Award

Don Tahara

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Community Service Award

Anzen Hardware

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Community Service Award

Tanaka Farms

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Community Service Award

Toyo Miyatake Studio

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Community Service Award

U.S. Bank

Downloadable Festival Booklets

2015 Festival Booklet
75th Anniversary
1990 Festival Booklet
50th Anniversary
Festival Booklet Archive
Cal State University, Dominguez Hills

 

Maps & Transportation

See below for the key Festival locations including nearby hotels, parking lots and parade route.  Click on each marker to get directions or learn more about them.

Points of Interest

Click on Map Toggle for more info


Festival Locations
  • JACCC
  • Japanese Village Plaza
  • Japanese American National Museum
  • Centenary United Methodist Church
  • Go For Broke National Education Center
  • Nishi Hongwanji Los Angeles Betsuin
  • Terasaki Budokan Community Gymnasium

Parking Lots
  • Japanese Village Plaza Parking Lot
  • Aiso Parking Garage
  • Sho Tokyo Parking Garage
  • City of Los Angeles Parking Lot 2
  • City of Los Angeles Parking Lot 7
  • Mangrove Parking Lot
  • Centenary United Methodist Church

Area Hotels
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
  • Miyako Hotel
  • Omni Hotel at California Plaza
Toggle for more info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Nisei Week Japanese Festival?

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is a nine-day cultural event held in the historic Little Tokyo District of Downtown Los Angeles. We are proud to be one of the longest running ethnic festivals in the United States. With leadership from the Nisei Week Foundation and vital support from local, national and international businesses, the Festival continues to thrive in size and scope.

What does the Nisei Week Foundation do?

The Nisei Week Foundation was established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to oversee and organize the Nisei Week Japanese Festival and raise funds to produce the annual event.

How can I support Nisei Week?

We welcome your support and involvement with the festival. The Nisei Week Foundation is deeply grateful for the generosity of its volunteers and donors. Community participation ensures the festival legacy continues on. For more information on how to support Nisei Week, please call 213.687.7193 or click here.

How do I get there and where do I park?

For a complete list of parking locations in and around Little Tokyo during Nisei Week, please go to the Maps & Transportation page.

What does the logo mean?

The Nisei Week Foundation logo is the Japanese character matsuri, meaning festival.

Where can I get a listing of Nisei Week events?

Nisei Week offers a variety of cultural events and activities. There are many opportunities to participate during the festival plus special events throughout the year. Check out Events Overview for an updated schedule.

Note many of the events are free. Click here to see a listing of Nisei Week events and admission/parking information.

Who is Nisei Week operated by?

Nisei Week is produced entirely by volunteers. Thousands of hours each year are invested by individuals from:

  • corporations and local businesses
  • religious and community organizations
  • high school and college service groups

Where can I buy Nisei Week merchandise?

Nisei Week is honored to partner with Japangeles to create limited edition merchandise. Please visit Japangeles during the festival at:

141 Japanese Village Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Volunteer Form

Please provide your contact information below and select which events you would like to volunteer for.  For more information about each event, place your cursor over the  icon next to the event name.  After submitting your volunteer form, a member from the event committee will contact you about available roles.

  • Select from the following:
  • You will be automatically redirected to the Liability Consent Form after submission.