Live entertainment, traditional Japanese foods, craft booths & more!

The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival will be held August 13–16, 2010 in conjunction with the Nisei Week Festival. In addition to the colorful kazari decorations on display, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, traditional Japanese foods, cultural craft vendors, and a chance to view the stars. Featured performers are Michael Paulo , June Kuramoto and Kimo Cornwell , Minyo Station , and Ajuku Band .

Tanabata kazari made by various organizations and individuals throughout Southern California will be on display from Friday through Monday. Also on display will be the Community Kazari, the largest of its kind ever made in the United States. Almost 300 people helped in making the kazari by folding the paper flowers. The kazari was made in collaboration with the Narumiya Kamishoji Company in Sendai, Japan.

The event is free and open to the public. The weekend’s festivities will take place in front of MOCA’s Geffen Contemporary at 152 North Central Avenue and on the Japanese American National Museum Plaza.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 13 AT 5 PM: OPENING CEREMONY

The Opening Ceremony will feature Minyo Station and taiko performance. Dignitaries attending will include Consul General Junichi Ihara, California Speaker of the Assembly John Perez, and Councilwoman Jan Perry. The winners of the kazari design contest will be announced. The event will be broadcast online live to Japan.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUGUST 14-15 FROM 12-8 PM: ENTERTAINMENT, FOOD & CRAFTS

Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, the festival will include live cultural entertainment, traditional Japanese food booths, and craft vendors. On Saturday, jazz musician Michael Paulo, June Kuramoto and Kimo Cornwell of Grammy-nominated band Hiroshima, Ajuku Band, and 12-year-old shamisen prodigy Naoki Atkins will perform. Sunday will feature Magic by Allen at 3 PM to amaze kids of all ages.

 Learn about Japan by talking to members from various local Kenjinkai associations who can share information about their regions. Kintetsu International will have a booth for those interested in visiting Japan. In the evening, the Orange County Astronomers will bring their telescopes to view the constellations from the Tanabata legend.

 
CONTACT

For more information, visit the its website or contact the Little Tokyo Koban at 307 E First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. By phone at 213-613-1911.

This event is presented by the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, Nisei Week Foundation, and Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai. Corporate Sponsors: Union Bank and Kintetsu International.