Little Tokyo’s Big Event

It was started by the Nisei, second-generation Japanese Americans, during the Depression to promote goodwill and boost the economy in Little Tokyo. Sixty-eight years later, the Nisei Week Japanese Festival has become the largest annual event in the community and one of the largest ethnic festivals in the nation.

The event, which begins Saturday, is expected to draw an estimated 30,000 people the first weekend and thousands more throughout the week. Volunteers from local businesses, religious groups and community organizations are hosting a wide range of Japanese cultural activities and entertainment.

“This event brings the whole community together,” said Joyce Shimazu, executive director of Nisei Week. “People from all cultures come to see what the Japanese culture has to offer and to come visit Little Tokyo.”

The festival features dozens of free activities and performances and includes such events as the Samurai 5K fun run-walk, martial arts demonstration, traditional Japanese dancing and games plus arts and crafts.

Here is a sampling of events planned during the Nisei Week festival:

The Yabusame Exhibition will include 30 representatives from Japan performing the ancient art of Yabusame archery on horseback. This traditional Japanese sport dates to the middle ages and features an equestrian archer on a speeding horse who shoots three targets in a row, martial arts style. Nisei Week officials say this is the first time Yabusame will be performed in the U.S.

Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hunt and Cricket Field, Equestrian Center in Griffith Park. Free.

The Taiko Gathering includes 12 drumming groups taking turns showing off their skills by pounding the big drums all afternoon. In ancient times, taiko drumming was used to scare off the enemy; today it is a popular form of Japanese entertainment.

Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Plaza. Free.

The third annual L.A. Tofu Festival features more than 30 of L.A.’s favorite restaurants and food vendors showcasing tofu every way they can. Try a taste of smoked eel soba noodles, tofu enchiladas, tofu cheesecake and tofu avocado ceviche. Samples cost $1 to $4. Proceeds benefit the event sponsor, the Little Tokyo Service Center, which provides nonprofit social services to low-income individuals. Also included: storytelling, puppet shows and entertainment for kids.

Saturday, 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center Plaza and San Pedro Street between 2nd and 3rd streets.

The Akita and Shiba Inu Dog Education Program focuses on two of the most popular Japanese dog breeds. About 20 dogs will be on display.

Saturday, 11 to 5 p.m; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. at 2nd and San Pedro streets. Free.

The Street Arts Festival of arts and crafts will include 50 vendors selling Japanese cultural and modern-day novelty items and knickknacks.

Saturday and Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday and Aug. 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. San Pedro Street between 2nd and 3rd streets.

“From Bento to Mixed Plate: Americans of Japanese Ancestry in Multicultural Hawaii” explores the evolution of Japanese American identity as symbolized by the Japanese boxed lunch made popular by the Issei, first-generation Japanese Americans. Japanese and Hawaiian arts and crafts activities, allowing children to make paper leis, gecko visors and flower headbands, will be held throughout the day.

Japanese American National Museum, 369 E. 1st St., Los Angeles. (213) 625-0414. Saturday, Sunday and Aug. 22 and 23, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with museum admission; adults $4, students and senior citizens $3; children under 5 and museum members are free.

The Grand Parade includes floats made by community organizations carrying taiko drummers, Odori dancers, the 1998 Nisei Week Queen and her court, political dignitaries and members of several Japanese American cultural organizations.

Sunday, streets of Little Tokyo. 4 p.m. Free.

Ondo Street Dancing started up during Nisei Week in 1932 by the farmers and has continued ever since. Traditional Japanese dancers wearing yukata, the traditional summer dress, will dance in a circle as their hands tell a story with the music. Anyone can join in.

Aug. 23 at 1st Street between San Pedro and Central streets, 6 p.m.

BE THERE

Nisei Week Japanese Festival, numerous locations throughout Little Tokyo and Los Angeles. Saturday through Aug. 23. (213) 687-7193.