Festival - Nisei Week Annual Japanese Festival Ondo Street Dancing and Closing

The 64th Annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival presents ondo street dancing and closing ceremonies. Hideo Kikuchi is coordinating the ondo and has been involved with the Nisei Week Ondo Committee since 1975.  In 1978, Kikuchi took over the responsibilities and has been doing it single-handedly for the past 26 years.

The ondo is free and consists of dancing Japanese folk dances on 1st Street in Little Tokyo.  The street will be closed between San Pedro Street and Central Avenue.  The general public is encouraged to join in the excitement and dancing, no prior experience required or necessary.  Just follow the moves of the person in front – it's very simple and much fun. Kikuchi estimates that 23 dance groups will be participating in this year's ondo, totaling between 600 – 700 people.

Some of the dance groups who have participated in the past during Kikuchi's 29 years of involvement include: Bando Mitsuhiro, Fujima Kansuma, Fujima Chiseye, Hanayagi Tokuyae, Hanayagi Rokumine, Hanayagi Suzuyukino, Hanayagi Rokumie, Sanjo Kangiku, Azuma Sumako, Bando Mitsusa, Kikuta Kyoko, Kawamura Hoenshun, Emi Hojoen, Nishikawa Chieho, Matsubara Chiyoko, Hokubei Okinawa Kenjin Kai geino-bu, Monterey Park Senior Citizens, Nikkei Intaisha Home, Japanese Intaisha Home, Koreisha Chushoku-kai, Sun Valley Community Center, Union Church, Japanese American National Museum, and Nisei Week queen and court and the numerous volunteers.

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival will take place August 7-15. For further information on the Awards Diner or other Nisei Week events, please call the Nisei Week Festival office at 213/687-7193 or fax at 213/687-6510. The Nisei Week office is located at the Japanese American Community & Cultural Center at 244 South San Pedro Street, Suite 303, Los Angeles, Calif., 90012. Also visit the Nisei Week Web site at www.NiseiWeek.org for a full calendar of events.

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Cost : Free

Sponsor(s): The Nisei Week Foundation