2012 Tanabata Matsuri in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo - Front of MOCA Geffin Contemporary MuseumNEW

Food Booth, Arts/Craft Booths, Games, and Entertainment.� The 10 big Kazari from Sendai will be also on display besides the 200+ Kazari made by LA's community members.� Come and enjoy this colorful festival!

Open to public.

Date
Friday, Aug 10, 2012 - 5:00 pm: Opening Ceremony
Friday, Aug 10 to Sun, Aug 12: Festival will go on during Nisei Weekend.
Friday, Aug 10 - Mon, Aug 13: Tanabata Kazari will be on view.

Tanabata Kazari Making Work shops
June 2012
Saturday: June 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
Sunday: June 3, 17, 24

July 2012
Saturday: July 7, 14 and 28
Sunday: July 1, 8, 15 and 29

Contact
Please ask for Yonezawa at KOBAN (213) 613-0282
KOBAN is open Tues through Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
More information, visit www.jhills.com

2012 Tanabata Entertainment Stage Line-Up
Chikara Daiko Taiko, L.A. Daiku Choir, Koriyama Children's Choir from Fukushima
Aloha Picking O'hana, Kotobuki No Kai, Chikurei-Kai Shigu
Magician � Daisuke Seo, Karou Enjoli, Nanka Tottori Club, Michael Paulo and Band, Miwa Lyric
Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate, Sawami Shinohara � Singer, Fujima Seiyumi Kai, Yoshie Sato & Friends
Miyuki � Geta dance, Rob Narita � Singer, Local Mojo, Awa Odori, Eco Hero Zeros
Momotama- Japanese Anime music

2012 Food Booths Line-Up
Yakisoba-Otafuku souce / Hiroshima kenjinkai Hiroken
Ramen-Shinsengumi / Kagoshima kenjinkai
Sushi Roll-California Roll / Red Shell
Japanese Tacos / Chop Suey
Takoyaki / Tanota
Mochi, Dango, manjyu / Fugetsu-do
Cold Soba / American Miyazaki Kenjinkai
Yakitori Skewers / Rockin Akewers
Omusubi Rice ball Miyagi kenjinkai
Wasabi Kettle Corn / Kodokan Judo
Shaved Ice / Orange County Buddist Church
Iced Green Tea- Yama moto yama / LTPSA
Draft Beer / Kirin�


Additional Information
Held in conjunction with the Nisei Week Annual Japanese Festival, the Fourth Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival is set for August 10-13, 2012, in Little Tokyo.� Admission is free and the festival is located in front of the MOCA Geffen Contemporary Museum(151 Central Ave) on First Street and Central Avenueand the Japanese American National Museum plaza (369 First Street) in Little Tokyo, downtown,Los Angeles.� The schedule includes Opening Ceremonies Friday (10) at 5 pm, Saturday (11) 11 am to 8 pm and Sunday (12)11 am to 5 pm.

The Opening Ceremony on Friday (10) is set for 5 pm and highlights include the unveiling of the giant community dragon kazari, the Award-winning kazari from the 2012 Tanabata Festival from Sendai, Japan. Noted actress Tamlyn Tomita and former Consul of Japan, Yiko Kaifu will emcee the festivities to kick off the festival with the official ribbon cutting ceremony and traditional breaking of the sake barrel and entertainment.

Opening Ceremony chairman Terry Hara, Deputy Chief, Los Angeles Police department, will be joined by Mistress of Ceremonies actress Tamlyn Tomita and former Consul of Japan Los Angeles Yuko Kaifu for the event.� Entertainment features Chikara Daiko Taiko, Japanese odori (festival dance) by Awa Odori, and Japanese folk dance by Matsutoyo Kai/Minyo Station and Kotobuki No Kai.

The festival is a fun and festive event with colorful kazari, food, arts & crafts vendors, and live entertainment. Sponsored by the Nisei Week Foundation (Reverend Mark Nakagawa), and the Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogi kai (Chogi Higa), and Little Tokyo Public Safety (Koban president, Brian Kito), the Festival brings together diverse segments of the Japanese American Community to celebrate a part of Japanese culture.�Southern California organizations, families, and individuals are encouraged to join in by creating their own Tanabata decorations.�

A variety of kazari will be judged in six categories including the Nanka kenjin kai, government, business, non profit organizations/community, families/individuals and schools/and religious organizations.� New categories added this year include Manga/Anime. The hand-made kazari will contribute to a spectacular uplifting display of culture and pride as part of the Festival.