The streets of downtown’s Little Tokyo will be filled with revelers Sunday for the 84th Nisei Week Grand Parade, according to organizers.
Riverside Congressman Mark Takano will be the grand marshal with acclaimed mural artist Robert Vargas serving as parade marshal. Kara Kimiko Chu, 23, of Irvine, who was crowned Saturday, will preside as 2026 Nisei Week Queen.
The 4 p.m. Sunday procession will begin at Central Avenue, travel west on Second Street, north on San Pedro Street, east on First Street and then south to end back on Central Avenue.
JX Matsuri, a carnival-style community event celebrating Japanese entertainment, food brands and pop culture will precede the parade starting at 11 a.m.
Nisei Week will continue through Aug. 23 with a variety of activities including traditional performances, cultural exhibits, an anime marketplace and a street dance party — giving visitors a chance to experience one of the city’s oldest cultural celebrations, organizers said.
This year’s theme is Ichigo, Ichie.
“Ichigo, Ichie – one time, one meeting – signifies that every moment is unique, unrepeatable and should be treasured,” Nisei Week president Helen Ota told an audience during July’s kickoff festivities. “The Nisei Week Foundation cherishes each festival as a unique experience, and with the spirit of ichigo, ichie, we carry a deep appreciation for the overwhelming support we receive from the community.”
The word Nisei means “children of Japanese immigrants” or “second generation.”
It is generally used to differentiate from the generation that came to the U.S. starting in the 1880s and established communities such as Little Tokyo, which was declared a .National Historic Landmark District in 1995 by the National Historic Trust of Preservation.
L.A.’s first Nisei Week was held in 1934. In recent years, the celebration has grown to include “modern draws” such as anime and car culture, gaining younger crowds while linking them to the community’s deep roots.
Other key events will include:
— Crazy Talented Asians, a musical cabaret celebrating the Little Tokyo community at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the East West Players Theater;
— the family friendly Plaza Festival 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday
— and a Karate exhibition and tournament, 1-4 p.m. Saturday.
A complete schedule is at niseiweek.org.