Nisei Week in August is a celebration of Japanese American culture. Two events are coming up this weekend August 10 and 11: Nisei Week in Little Tokyo http://www.niseiweek.org/events-festival/ and the USC Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena’s Free Second Sunday “Art & Food”https://pacificasiamuseum.usc.edu/
“Issei” were the first generation immigrants from Japan, and their children are “Nisei” meaning second generation. Started in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles in 1934 by the Japanese American Citizens League, this year marks the 85th anniversary. The festival is the longest running Japanese festival in California. Only during the WWII years when Japanese and Japanese Americans were sadly sent to internment camps did the festival not happen. At the Nisei festival, you will find colorful streamers, traditional dancing, music, food, martial arts demonstrations, and a parade. The Pacific Asia Museum’s program is free. Discover how food inspires art and cultural identity.
The site of the Tuna Canyon Detention Center is here locally in the foothill community of Tujunga. Once a Tongva village, later the internment camp, then a golf course and now in limbo. Advocates continue to fight for historical designation. If you want to read more about Tuna Canyon Detention Center: http://www.tunacanyon.org/
