Nisei Week: Third Annual LA Tanabata Festival in Little Tokyo August 12-15 (Photos)NEW

Held in conjunction with the Nisei Week Annual Japanese Festival, the Third Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival is set for August 12-14, 2011, in Little Tokyo.  Admission is free and the the festival is a fun and festive event with colorful kazari, food, arts & crafts vendors, and live entertainment.

Sponsored by the Little Tokyo Public Safety (Koban, Brian Kito), the Nisei Week Foundation (Reverend Mark Nakagawa), and the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogi kai (Chogi Higa), the Festival brings together diverse segments of the Japanese American Community to celebrate apart of Japanese culture.  Southern California organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to join in by creating their own Tanabata decorations.

"This year the Festival pays tribute to the Japanese spirit, it simply amazing how they are dealing with the massive devastation and destruction caused by the recent tsunami and earthquake," according to Brian Kito, general chair of the Tanabata Festival. "The Theme, 'Uplifting our Spirits' is meant to serve as a message to us all to face adversity with perseverance and strength," Kito continued.

"Hundreds of youth and adults worked on the Daruma kazari for this year's entry at the JACCC Children's Day Celebration in May," said Kito. "The popular red-colored Daruma tumbler doll was chosen this year because it symbolizes resilience, when knocked on its side it always pops back to the upright position. And, the Daruma also is believed to bring good luck," offered Kito.

"We invite everyone to come participate and enjoy the amazing Tanabata Festival a true community celebration with, entertainment its food, and arts and crafts booths. And, we will take donations for the on going Japan Relief effort at the Festival," Kito concluded.

Tanabata Comes to Los Angeles
Yoshihito Yonezawa, president of the Miyagi Kenjinkai, had a dream to bring the Tanabata Festival to Los Angeles. Working together with the Nisei Week Foundation, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, and the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association (Koban), they made Yonezawa-san's wish a reality in 2009.

Last year, 240 colorful kazari were proudly displayed in front of MOCA's Museum of Contemporary Art's Geffen Contemporary Museum. The decorations were made by members of various organizations, including churches, Kenjinkai groups, community centers, non-profit organizations, businesses, and youth groups. Senior residents at Keiro and Little Tokyo Towers made multiple kazari to display. Many multi-generational groups and families participated, forging stronger community and familial ties. As people worked together to fold flowers and assemble their kazari, conversations flowed. As a cultural tradition was shared, friendships were renewed and strengthened.