2024: 14th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, Little Tokyo (Tanabata Kazari will be on Display During Nisei Week)NEW

L.A. Tanabata Exhibit at JANM Aug. 10-18 as Part of Nisei Week.  The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival (LATF) celebrates its 14^th exhibition Saturday, Aug. 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Central Hall of the Japanese American National Museum (JANM), 100 N. Central Ave. (at First Street) in Little Tokyo.

JANM hosts the Tanabata Festival’s community kazari exhibition as part of its annual Natsumatsuri Family Festival, which is free and open to the public. The kazari (decorations) will remain on display at the museum through Aug. 18 and can be viewed with regular museum admission.

The community kazari are created by individuals, families, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai (Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California), churches and other organizations.

Giant 8-foot kazari from Sendai will be displayed outside JANM and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo, throughout the month of August. JACCC and JANM agreed to partner with LATF to ensure that the kazari will continue to be on display as part of the 82^nd Nisei Week Japanese Festival.

LATF aims to unite the community and give everyone reasons to feel they belong since the very core of the Tanabata legend is that everyone hopes to find happiness together.

Known for its spectacular bamboo decorations, Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture has one of Japan’s largest Tanabata festivals, established over 400 years ago when the city was built by Date Masamune (1567-1636).

Tanabata or Star Festival celebrates the folklore of Japan’s best-known lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi - represented by the stars Vega and Altair - who are only allowed to meet once a year. Located on opposite sides of the Milky Way, it is said that the stars are closest to each other on the 7th of July.

Yoshihito Yonezawa, former president of the Miyagi Kenjinkai and president of LATF, fulfilled his dream to bring the Tanabata Festival to Los Angeles in 2009. The festival celebrates its 15^th year with 14 festivals (one was canceled due to COVID). Working together with the Nisei Week Foundation, Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai, and Brian Kito of the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, his wish became a reality.

The support of Ichiro Shiromatsu from Sendai was integral in establishing the festival in Los Angeles by sending the award-winning kazari from the long-running Sendai Tanabata Festival.

The event is made possible with support from JANM, JACCC and the Nisei Week Foundation.

For information on LATF, visit https://tanabatalosangeles.com/ or contact Miyako Kadogawa at (310) 650-5687 or [email protected].

Special Dates
August 10 - 18, 2025 as Part of Nisei Week.

Previous Year

How to See Tanabata Displays?

• JANM (Japanese American Museum)
            Outside - Award-winning Sendai Kazari
            Inside - Conmunity Kazari Display

• JACCC (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center)
            Outside - Award-winning Sendai Kazari

• Around Little Tokyo - US BANK Lobby

Tanabata Event is Part of Nisei Week

Nisei Week: List All Events

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(PREVIOUS TANABATA FESTIVAL)

What You Will See at Tanabata Festival?
Amazing hand-made giant 7-foot kazari (decorations) will remain on display - A highlight of the festival are the spectacular, award-winning kazari shipped from Sendai, Japan. They will be available to view during the Nisei Week festivities outdoors on the JANM building.

Tanabata Festival is Part of JANM Museum Natsumatsuri Family Festival  
The Tanabata display will be part of the Natsumatsuri Family Festival Event presented by JANM (Japanese American Museum Location) during Nisei Week (See Nisei Week Event Schedule). Admission is free for the day and the public is invited to attend but reservations are requested.

About Tanabata 
The Tanabata Festival features handcrafted giant decorations to celebrate the traditional festival, which goes back to 16th- century Japan, at the start of the Edo Period. It is a celebration held on the seventh day of the seventh month and brings the legend of the Princess and the Cowherder to colorful life in the form of seven decorations:

1) Tanzaku (paper strips of handwritten wishes)
2) Orizuru (paper cranes to symbolize long and healthy lives)
3) Kinchaku (purses to symbolize wealth and good business)
4) Toami (nets made of paper to catch not only large hauls of fish but also good fortune)
5) Kamigoromo (paper kimono to display a wish for improved sewing and artistic skills)
6) Kuzukago (ornamental paper trash bags to celebrate cleanliness and frugality)
7) And perhaps most famously the fukinagashi (long streamers of paper hanging down from a frame to symbolize the art of weaving) that are usually hung underneath a circular ball or box frame.

Tanabata Display will be part of Natsumatsuri Festival (1 Day)
This year Tanabata joins with JANM’s annual summer celebration. Natsumatsuri features cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages. The festivities include dynamic drumming from Makoto Taiko, music from Mariachi Arcoiris de Los Angeles, author and librarian-led interactive storytimes, tanzaku bamboo wish tree, traditional Bon odori dance lessons, Obon festival-themed origami, crafts to celebrate the summer, a festival-themed photo booth, a scavenger hunt for prizes, exclusive benefits for JANM members, and free admission to see the exhibitions.

Natsumatsuri is free but RSVPs are requested. The Japanese American National Museum is located at 100 N. Central Ave. (at First Street) in Little Tokyo.

For information on The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival
Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TanabataLA
Instagram at or at Instagram @tanabatafestivallosangeles

Here are Some Tanabata Questions & Answers

Where can I see the Tanabata streamers? Inside or Outside the JANM?
The award winning Kazari from Sendai will be outside of JANM.

Where will the Contestants Kazari Streamers be?
The contestant Kazari will be inside the JANM and is open to the public during JANM hours.

What are the Costs to See Tanabata Streamers from Contestants which will be inside the JANM?
August 13, Saturday is Free, as part of the Natsu Matsuri Festival.

August 14 through 21, Free for JANM members,
JANM admission fee. $16 Adult $7 Seniors, Students 18+ with Valid ID, Youth 6 - 17

After August 14, do people pay to see the streamers at JANM?
JANM members with card Free
Admission fee. $16 Adult and $7 Seniors, Students 18+ with Valid ID, Youth 6 - 17, Child under 6 free

What is the Tanabata Festival Consistent of?
1) Award winning Kazari streamers from Sendai Japan.
2) The contestant Kazari streamers which will be held inside JANM.

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2022 Nisei Week Summary Tips for JANM

At JANM Location - Japanese American Nationa Museum Events 

1) Natsumatsuri Family Festival (Aug 13 Only 1 Day) Free-need a reservation
2) Tanabata Festival Display (Aug 13-22, 2022)

What is at Natsumatsuri Family Festival?  Taiko, interactive storytimes, tanzaku bamboo wish tree, traditional Bon odori dance lessons, Obon festival-themed origami, crafts to celebrate the summer, a festival-themed photo booth, a scavenger hunt for prizes, free admission to see the exhibitions.

**You need reservations for Natsumatsuri Family Festival

What is Tanabata Display at JANM?
Spectacular, award-winning kazari shipped from Sendai, Japan.  

 
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PREVIOUS EVENT

Tanabata Festival Opening ceremony will be held on Friday. The festival admission is free and starts in August.

At the Tanabata Festival Festival features hundreds of gigantic kazari (ornaments) hung in front of MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art, at the Geffin) on Central Avenue and First Street.

This Event is Part of Nisei Week
See Nisei Week Tips

Tanabata Festival Dates & Times 
August 13- 22, 2022

Check Website for Changes
Fri: 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm - Tanabata Festival Opening Ceremony, Kazari contest awards presentations, traditional breaking of the Sake barrels. 
Sat: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sun: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

Los Angelese Tanabata Festival Celebrates
The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival celebrates its 11th Anniversary this year as part of the annual 78th Nisei Week Japanese Festival. Set for August 2019, in historic Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles. The theme this year is “Spirit of Togetherness” with a heartfelt wish of the LA Tanabata Committee for our community.

The festival is admission free and is take place outdoors on Central Avenue and First Street in downtown, Little Tokyo at MOCA and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM).

Opening ceremonies on Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. will include performances by UCLA Kyodo Taiko, Minyo Station the traditional sake breaking ceremony with dignitaries and sponsors highlighted by the announcement of the Kazari contest winners.

New this year is added entertainmentstage on the JANM steps, featuring: Saturday - Cosplay fashion show and two "Burai" samurai sword shows; Sunday - musical performances by Miru Daru, a sibling duet.

The Tanabata Festival is on Saturday, August 10, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 11, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., just before the Nisei Week Grand Parade begins. Admission is free, and the community is invited to see the eight-foot kazari decorations crafted by the members from the community. Come participate by voting for the Annual Kazari Contest People’s Choice Award on Saturday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) enjoy performances, visit arts and crafts booths, play games, arts and crafts and enjoy traditional festival (matsuri) food.

The Tanabata Festival features hundreds of the amazing hand crafted kazari Japanese decorations made by members of the community. Participants also celebrate, by writing wishes in small strips of paper (tanzaku) and hanging them from decorated bamboo branches. Games, a beer garden and arts & crafts vendors will be active on both days as well.

Continuous festival entertainment features traditional and contemporary performers, including taiko, classical Japanese and Hawaiian dance, jazz, rock and pop singers in Japanese and English. Saturday highlights include Matsubayashi Shorin-ryu Dojo of Little Tokyo, FOB Four with Brian Yamamoto (Beatles tunes) and Lolita Dark Band/Orchestra with taiko. Sunday features the popular Atomic Project with Atomic Nancy and Benny Yee (original members of Hiroshima), Cosplay Contest and the announcement of the People’s Choice Award. Check our website for a full list of confirmed performers.

Traditional Japanese festival food booths new this year include tamago yaki, Okinawa dango and a food truck. Returning this year will be takoyaki, onigri cold tofu, Fugetsu-do manju, shaved ice, cold drinks and the popular beer garden.

Tanabata is a traditional festival originating from Japan that celebrates the legend of two stars Alistair (Hikoboshi), the Ox Herder and Vega (Orihime), the Weaver Princess. separated by the Milky Way, are reunited when their stars align in the summer constellations. The Tanabata festival celebrates the meeting of these two stars and is known as the Star festival in Japan. Sendai famous for its bamboo decorations is one of the largest festivals having been established over 400 years ago when the city was built by Date Masumune (1567-1636). A festival highlight is the display of the ten award-winning Kazari giant ornaments which are shipped from Sendai.

Yoshihito Yonezawa, former president of the Miyagi Kenjinkai, fulfilled his dream to bring the Tanabata Festival to Los Angeles. Working together with the Nisei Week Foundation, Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California (Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai), and the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association, his wish became a reality in 2009. The support of Ichiro Shiromatsu was integral in establishing the festival in Los Angeles. He has supported the festival since its inception by sending 10 giant award-winning kazari from the long-running Sendai Tanabata Festival. He is the third-generation president of Shiromatsu Ga Monaka, established in 1932 by his grandfather. The company is a multiple award winner for excellent facilities and is nationally known for producing the finest quality confections in Japan.

The festival theme The Spirit of Togetherness prompted comment from Festival chair, Masumi Muya. “We all know that modern life includes news of social, political, and economic distress every day; however, we believe that as a community can care about each other to make it better. Our festival, therefore, aims to unite the community and give everyone reasons to feel they belong since the very core of the Tanabata legend is that everyone hopes to find happiness together,” stated Muya.

She continued, The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival was a dream of Miyagi Kenjinkai member Yoshihito Yonezawa. Along with Brian Kito president of the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association (Koban) they traveled to Sendai, Japan to seek support to establish the Festival in Los Angeles. “We acknowledge our original presenters Nisei Week Japanese Festival, the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California and the Little Tokyo Public Safety Association for their continued support and our merchant vendors who continue to support the festival” she concluded.

For information visit our website at: www.Tanabatalosangeles.org

The Tanabata Festival is located at Central Ave and First St in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles. Admission free the festival is outdoors on the plazas of the MOCA (Museum of Contemporatry Art/Geffen) and the JANM (Japanese American National Museum).

The Little Tokyo Koban is located at 307 E First Street, Los Angeles, 90012, in historic Little Tokyo on First St and John Aiso (San Pedro). Phone 213.613-1911

Tanabata Festival Entertainment Schedule 


FRIDAY - Opening Ceremonies
The 11th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival officially opens.

5:15pm - Taiko with Danny Yamamoto
5:30pm - Minyo Station
5:45pm - Opening remarks by Emcee Grace Shiba & Susan Jekarl
5:50pm - Chairperson’s Welcome - Masumi Muya
5:55pm - Introduction of VIPs
6:25pm - Song “Uchiage Hanabi (Fireworks)” with MiruDaru
6:30pm - Tanabata legend play with Nancy Hayata & Nao Ikeda
6:45pm - Kazari Awards with Gail Matsui
7:00pm - Sake Barrel Breaking

Opening Ceremony Conclusion

Ondo Dancing led by Nancy Hayata, children, and audience

SATURDAY - Tanabata Festival 

All Day
Kazari Exhibits on Display
Vote for Your Favorite!
The People’s Choice Award voting is open to all Tanabata Festival attendees. Stroll the grounds and choose the kazari you think deserves the award. Winner will be announced on Sunday at 2:45pm.

11:00am - 9:00pm
Vendor Booths
Food & Drink, Arts & Crafts
Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine; shop for that perfect tanabata memorabilia.

11:00am - 8:00pm
Entertainment
JANM Steps Stage
5:00pm : DJ: Yui SensationaL☆
8:00pm : Kawachi Ondo with Shinichi Hirokawa

Under the White Tent - Main Stage
Relax under the big white tent as various individuals and groups provide an assortment of entertainment throughout the day.

11:00am : Chikara Daiko
12:00pm : Matsubayashi Shorin-Ryu Dojo of Little Tokyo with Art Ishii
1:00pm : Minyo Duo “nou-min” with Kayoko Machida
2:00pm : J-Town Rebels Rock Band with Mia Yamamoto and Brian Yamamoto
3:00pm : J-Pop with MiruDaru
4:00pm : Classical Japanese Dance with Nancy Hayata
5:00pm : Kaoru Enjoji Band
6:00pm : Cali Crisis Band with Stephanie Yanez & Indie Artist “Plasmic”
7:00pm : Tokyo Mavericks

SUNDAY - Tanabata Festival 
3:00pm People’s Choice Award - The crowd favorite will be revealed on the Main Stage!
11:00am - 4:00pm Vendor Booths - Food & Drink, Arts & Crafts
Your last chance to feast on all the festival food; shop for that perfect tanabata memorabilia at the different arts and crafts booths.
11:00am - 4:00pm Entertainment - JANM Steps Stage
11:30am : Kendama (not confirmed)
1:30pm : Cosplay Contest sponsored by Anime Expo
3:00pm : Burai Production Samurai Sword
Under the White Tent - Main Stage
Relax under the big white tent as various individuals and groups provide an assortment of entertainment throughout the day.
11:00am : Yuujou Taiko
12:00pm : Burai Production Samurai Sword
1:00pm : O’hana Polynesian Dancers
2:00pm : Pumana Band
3:00pm : Awaodori Hiryu Sakura-Ren

People’s Choice Awards
Schedule Subject to Change. Please check back often for the latest information.

Come Participate in the Kazari Making Workshops (Tanabata Festival)

Workshops are held starting in June to August to help 'first timers' and to show all the new washi paper from Japan. Check website for the full workshop schedule through August, which is subject to change.

Volunteers are needed to put on this event every year.  If you and family members or friends would like to be a volunteer for the LA Tanabata Festival, please come to the first volunteer recruiting meeting at the Little Tokyo Koban (LTPSA) at 307 E. First Street.

For high school students that would like to do some community service, we will issue letters of volunteerism. Come join us and help make our Annual LA Tanabata Festival a success!!!

For more information, please go to our website at http://www.tanabatalosangeles.org/ or call the Little Tokyo Koban @ 213 613-1911. The Little Tokyo Koban (LTPSA) is open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 6 pm.

The Festival is presented by the LTPSA/Little Tokyo Koban, the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California and the Nisei Week Festival.

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Tanabata Festival Location
Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, Little Tokyo, 100 N Central Ave & First Street, Japanese American National Museum & MOCA at the Geffen, Los Angeles, CA 90012 

Tanabata Festival Title
2019 - 11th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival, Little Tokyo (Arts & Crafts, Food, Games, Entertainment..) [During Nisei Week] Los Angeles (2 Days)