The 83rd Nisei Week Japanese Festival—running August 9–17, 2025, under the heartfelt theme of Kansha (Gratitude)—has become a festive cultural event, creating a lineage of thankfulness woven through Little Tokyo. As Helen from the Nisei Week Foundation shared: this year, the celebration shines brightest because of “the individuals, the donors, the stakeholders, the businesses and organizations that continue to provide support… to bring people back to Little Tokyo.” That gratitude, she emphasized, fuels not just tradition, but the very future of community connection.
As Helen from the Nisei Week Foundation shared: this year, the celebration shines brightest because of “the individuals, the donors, the stakeholders, the businesses and organizations that continue to provide support… to bring people back to Little Tokyo.” That gratitude, she emphasized, fuels not just tradition, but the very future of community connection.
Gratitude, Community, Legacy
Nisei Week stays anchored in ritual with calligraphy, tea ceremonies, flower arranging, taiko drumming, martial arts, and the iconic Grand Parade. But it’s also expanding its reach—integrating modern partnerships like Crazy Talented Asiansand contemporary art, balancing nostalgia with innovation to spark new interest.
“It’s not about cutting anything,” Helen explains. “It’s about asking: what can we continue from tradition, and what can we add that will reach a new audience? That’s why we’ve partnered with East West Players on Crazy Talented Asians. We want people to come for the show, and then come back to experience Little Tokyo’s restaurants and organizations year-round.”
Helen knows Little Tokyo’s survival isn’t guaranteed. As new developments press in, spaces once occupied by family-owned stores and cultural hubs face pressure. But events like Nisei Week become a counterweight—reminding Angelenos why this neighborhood matters.
“We’re just one of many organizations working to ensure Little Tokyo remains Little Tokyo,” Helen says. “We work alongside the Japanese American National Museum, the Little Tokyo Community Council, Kizuna, and others. Our role is to spotlight Little Tokyo through the festival, so the attention—and the connection—never fade.”
Engaging the Next Generation
For Nisei Week to last another 83 years, young people need to see themselves in it. Helen and her team start early—sometimes before kids can even read.
“Our Queen & Court program connects six to eight young women each year to the community. They train, develop professionally, and represent both Nisei Week and the Japanese American community,” Helen says. “Then there’s the Baby Show—kids as young as five participate. Some, like our current Baby Show chairperson, started there, became festival volunteers, and are now on our board.”
This multi-generational flow is deliberate: older leaders pass on institutional knowledge, younger ones bring fresh energy. “It’s an intergenerational moment,” Helen says. “That’s how Little Tokyo thrives—together.”
Closing the Week, Opening the Heart
The festival ends on Sunday, August 17, with the Ondo street dance—a massive, public invitation to join in, swaying under summer skies along First Street. “That’s when everyone comes together—locals, visitors, elders, kids—and you feel the heartbeat of gratitude,” Helen says.
And in that shared rhythm, you see the future she envisions: a Little Tokyo where the next generation steps forward, the established leaders stay present, and the traditions are never forgotten.
“The issei, the nisei—they built this foundation. The sansei built on it. Now it’s time for the yonsei and gosei to take their turn. Our goal is to keep the momentum going.”
2025 Nisei Week Schedule
Nisei Week Plaza Festival & Beer Garden
Aug 16-17 | 11 am-4 pm @ JACCC Plaza
A weekend of live entertainment, games, shopping, Japanese food, beer, and sake – promising fun for the whole family!
Crazy Talented Asians: Homecoming Nisei Week 2025
Saturday, Aug 16 | 8 pm @ David Henry Hwang Theater
Curated and hosted by AJ Rafael, Crazy Talented Asians is a high-energy celebration of AAPI creativity across theater, television, poetry, and music. Featured performers include Grace Yoo (Hadestown on Broadway), Jasmine Rafael (& Juliet on Broadway), Leah Lewis (Pixar’s Elemental), and more. Tickets start at $45 at eastwestplayers.org.
Taiko Gathering
Sunday, Aug 17 | 11 am-4 pm @ JACCC Plaza
Feel the rhythm as taiko groups of all ages from across SoCal deliver powerful, pulse-pounding performances as part of the Nisei Week Plaza Festival.
Closing Ceremony & Street Ondo
Sunday, Aug 17 | 4-8 pm on 1st Street
Wrap up the week with a joyous street dance party open to all – no experience necessary, just bring your energy!
Need-to-Know
Address: Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
Hours (Both Restaurants): Check Website for Times
Website: nisei.org
Instagram: @niseiweek
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of Toyo Miyatake
