This was submitted by Richard Watanabe from Arcadia, California, for Discover Nikkei’s Nima-kai Traditions: Matsuri photo activity.

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Nebuta makers from Aomori, Japan helped locals make slightly smaller versions of the traditional nebuta. This was the first locally-made nebuta. Not quite as large as ones made in Aomori, but the size was intentionally restricted to make navigation easier in LA streets. This was quite memorable, as it is rare for these to be made outside of Japan.