Our popular annual summer celebration events features Japanese and Japanese American performances, crafts, and activities for the whole family.

FREE ALL DAY

Date
Saturday, August 13, 2022

Time
11:00 am - 5:00 pm



This Event is Part of Nisei Week
  See Nisei Week Events & Tips



RSVP Link
This event is free, but RSVPs are requested. Those who RSVP and show their ticket at the JANM membership table at the Natsumatsuri Family Festival will be entered into a drawing for a one-year JANM family/dual level membership.

All Day Activities

Photo Booth: Grab some fun props from Cre8tive Outlets and take a souvenir photo with friends and family.

Obon Fan Craft: Make and decorate a colorful paper fan to use during Obon Festival season!

Summer Shades Craft: Decorate some snazzy sunglasses to show off your style this summer.

Wishing Tree: Wishing trees are a popular summer tradition in Japan, appearing as part of the annual Tanabata Festival. Write your wish on a tanzaku (strip of ceremonial paper) and tie it to a bamboo tree at our Tanzaku Wish station.

Ruthie's Origami Corner: Learn to fold a jumping frog, and a paper lantern, a colorful summer festival decoration!

30th Anniversary Scavenger Hunt: Explore JANM's current exhibitions, find all the items on our scavenger hunt list, and win a prize.

Quiet Room: Take a moment to decompress in our quiet space for young children and families. There will also be a private area for nursing.

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Schedule of Festival Events

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Performance by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles
Start the day with a performance by Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles! Led by director Carlos Samaniego, Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles performs its repertoire to suit the LGBTQ community while it maintains the highest level of musicality. Reserved seating for members!

12:15 PM - 12:45 PM: "I am Able to Shine" Book Reading
Join author Korey Watari for a reading from her book I am Able to Shine, an affirmative, empowering story about embracing your identity and finding your voice. Reserved seating for members!

12:45 PM - 1:45 PM: Obon Lecture and Community Dance
Learn about Japan's obon festivals, which honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors, with Rimban William Briones of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. A group bon odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto.

2:15 PM - 2:45 PM: Kendo Demonstration
Learn about kendo with a demonstration led by Sho Tokyo Kendo Dojo, a member dojo of the Southern California Kendo Federation. Reserved seating for members!

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Storytime with the Los Angeles Public Library
Join friends from the Los Angeles Public Library for a fun filled storytime session! Reserved seating for members!

3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: "I am Able to Shine" Book Reading
Join author Korey Watari for a reading from her book I am Able to Shine, an affirmative, empowering story about embracing your identity and finding your voice.

Korey will also sign copies of the book, available in the JANM Store. Reserved seating for members!

4:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Performance by Makoto Taiko
Finish up the fun-filled day with a performance by Makoto Taiko, a taiko group that strives to connect and empower people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with intention and sincerity.

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See Nisei Week Festival Events: See Nisei Week Tips Page 
Natsumatsuri is held in conjunction with Nisei Week Festival, Little Tokyo's biggest annual event. Make your plans early! 

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Event Location
Japanese American National Museum (janm.org), 100 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Event Title
2022 JANM Annual Natsumatsuri Family Festival Event Summer Celebration - Bon Odori, Hula, Tea Ceremony, Taiko..