Celebrating its 79th anniversary, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival offers two weekends of free, family-friendly cultural events, interactive and unique activations, delicious tastes, music, and more in the historic neighborhood of Little Tokyo.

The JACCC hosts free outdoor entertainment,including  taiko drums, Japanese dancers, martial arts, and musical performances, as well as children’s activities, cultural exhibits, and food & drinks.  (A schedule of many of the festival events can be found on their website).

Among the first weekend highlights are a Grand Parade that goes through Little Tokyo on Sunday at 4 pm,  and the 11th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival (all weekend). Returning on the first Sunday is Aki’s Pup Up Pawty, where attendees can bring their fur babies to partake in the festivities and enjoy a special appearance by Aki the Akita and other celebrity Instagram-famous dogs.(11am - 2pm).

Notable events on the second weekend include Gyoza Eating Competition,  a Rubik's Cube Open and the Nisei Week Car Show, (all on Saturday). On Sunday, guests can enjoy ​Ondo Public Street Dancing at 4pm on 1st Street.  A Closing Ceremony follows.

Nisei means second generation in Japanese, describing the first American born Japanese.