Hi Everyone,

I was about to leave my home and run over to JANM to take some pictures of the "staging area" for the Nisei Week Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo.  I didn't have to because social media was being bombarded with pictures of the exact location I was headed to...  Here are pictures of the area we will be using in front of JANM for next Sunday's "staging area" minus the ICE agents and vehicles...  Today, Little Tokyo and JANM belonged to ICE, but come Sunday August 17th, !st Street in Little Tokyo (and the area in front of JANM) BELONGS TO US !!!  The show will go on.  This is what we need to remember, this area during the Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo will be the most "secured" section of the city on August 17th.  On the west end of 1st Street we have the LAPD headquarters just steps away.  And on the other side of 1st Street (east side) we have the Federal Buildings just steps away with California National Guards and US Marines stationed.  In a "war" Little Tokyo and 1st Street would be classified as a "GREEN ZONE" (or SAFE ZONE.)  We will be in the most secure part of LA during the Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo...  With that being said I'm reminded of a familiar saying from the Nisei generation, "GO FOR BROKE"... The pictures that I have included with this email personally disgust me.  The idea that this "scare tactic" RAID not only took place at JANM, but steps away from the GFB Monument.  NEXT SUNDAY AUGUST 17th at 4 PM we will ALL be together at the very same staging site that ICE is using today.  When we "stage" next Sunday it will be a POWERFUL message of WHO WE ARE as we gather in SPIRIT CULTURE COMMUNITY.    Please share with family and friends, JOIN US !!!  in solidarity...  HAPPY NISEI WEEK !!!  thanks, Wesley

2025 NWCCSO FINAL rev. 0815b

Prior to program

• 7 am - Yagura assembled at JANM
• 11:30 am - First Street closed - Yagura, tables and chairs set up on 1st St.
• 12 pm - Sound tech arrives, PA setup
• 12:30 pm - Break for lunch
• 2:45 pm - Call time for presenters 
  • NW President (administrative duties)
  • MCs issued script
  • Queen and Court
  • Nisei Week Raffle
• 2:45 pm - Sound check for performers
  • LA Taiko Collective / LA Mugen Taiko
  • Ryujin Taiko
  • Minyo Station
  • Nobuko, Atomic Nancy & the Fandango Obon Band
  • Rayko - Lolita Dark
  • Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club
• 3:15 pm - Ondo Line up at JANM, check in groups and organizations for Ondo
• 3:45 pm - Stand by (Yagura) 
  • LA Taiko Collective / LA Mugen Taiko
  • NW President
  • Consul General of Japan
  • Queen and Court

START OF PROGRAM

• 4 pm - LA Taiko Collective and LA Mugen Taiko - 2 pieces (gathering)  (12 min)  *1*
• 4:12 pm - MCs introduce selves (2 min) Raffle Ticket announcement - “purchase raffle tickets” *2*
• 4:15 pm - MCs introduce NW President  *3*
  • NW President gives WELCOME speech (5 min)
  • NW President “welcomes” Consul General of Japan (3 min)
  • NW President introduces Queens Court Chairperson and Nisei Week Queen and Court (12 min) *4*
• 4:40 pm General Announcements
  • Tamlyn Tomita “filming announcement”  *5*
  • Rilakkuma and VIZ Media  *6*
• 5 pm - MCs introduce Minyo Station.  Minyo Station performs two songs (10 min)  *7*
• 5 pm - Ondo Line up begins - groups and organizations line up at Yagura to be INTRODUCED  
• 5:10 pm - MCs thank Minyo Station and announce the start of the STREET ONDO (2 min)
• 5:12 pm - MCs introduce groups and organizations as they enter the street.  NW President, Consul General, Queen & Court greet and welcome street participants as they enter the street. (18-20 min)  *8*

Street Ondo Parade Participants *8 (LETTER)*

• A) LA Bando Ryu
  • Bando Hidesomi
  • Bando Hiromiya 
• B) SFJCCC Meiji Dance Club
  • Janet Yamamoto, Leader
• C) Nisei Week Public Ondo Dance Group / Sanjo Kabuki Dance Company -  Sanjo Kanfuji, Leader
  • Miles Hamada
• D) Fujima Kansuma Kai
  • Fujima Kansuzu, Leader
• E) Japanese Speaking Parents Association of Children with Challenges (JSPACC) / Rising Star Youth Leadership Program
• F) Bando Kyo no Kai
  • Bando Hirohichiro, Leader
• G) Sun Valley Japanese Community Center
  • Christine Inouye, Leader
• H) Go For Broke National Education Center
• I)  Hoshun Kai
  • Hashimoto Hoshun Ki, Leader
• J) San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute
• K) JANM Volunteers and Staff / Little Tokyo Historical Society
• L)  Boyle Heights Community Partners
• M) The Minnies
• N) Kotobuki No Kai
  • Imoto Hoshun Jyu, Leader
• O) Long Beach Ondo Club
  • June Donovan, Leader
• P) Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club
• Q) Moe↗Age! from  Asayoru Maid Cafe
• R) Little Tokyo Dance Club / Skid Row-Kyo Mission
• 5:30 pm - MCs announce, “Ondo dancing begins” Inner Circle Dance Leaders: East side of 1st Kotobuki no Kai and West side of 1st Meiji Dance Club. “Yagura Taiko” by Ryujin Taiko.  Audience encouraged to join the dance circle, just “follow the leaders”  *9*

1st half of the Street Ondo

• KYUSHU TANKO BUSHI 5vs / 6Pon (Live 3:30) Marisa, Natsu, Aki, Huuka
• KAGOSHIMA OHARA BUSHI 5vs / 6Pon (Live 3:06) Natsu & Mina
• AIZU BANDAISAN 4vs / 6Pon (Live 3:30) Aki & Huuka (Minyo Station performers exit floor stage, so Choichi Kai can set up)
• ICHI TATSU ICHI 1+1 (Live Karaoke Only 3:25) Marisa, Atomic Nancy, Rayko (Choichi Kai will start set up during Ichi Tasu Ichi)
• ASADOYA YUNTA – (Live 3:10) Ryukyu Koten Afuso-ryu Ongaku Kenkyuu Choichi Kai – LA Shibu (Choichi Kai performers exit off floor stage)
• SHO TOKYO ONDO 4vs / 5Pon (Live Karaoke & Shamisen 3:51) Sato Matsutoyo Sensei & Marisa
• NAGOYA MARUHACHI ONDO (Live Karaoke Only 5:36) Marisa, Atomic Nancy, Rayko - Looking for lyrics
• (Fandango Obon Band will start set up during Nagoya Maruhachi Ondo)
• BAMBUTSU NO TSUNAGARI (Live) Nobuko Miyamoto, Atomic Nancy Sekizawa & the Fandango Obon Band
• 6:10 pm - MCs announce BREAK from dancing (intermission), water available for ondo participants (south side of Yagura.)  LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS.  Drawing just MINUTES AWAY !!! (5 min) *2* 
• 6:15 pm - MCs announces “Photo Opportunity” with “Rilakkuma” East side of Yagura (3 min) *10*
• 6:18 pm - Certificate of Appreciation presentation to dance groups
  • Certificate of Appreciation presentation.  Groups announced,  COAs presented all together in groups
• 1) Dance Schools 
• 2) Ondo Groups
• 3) Honored Guests
• (22 min) *11*
• 6:40 pm - MCs announce Raffle Drawing
  • Presenter TBD (5 min) *12*
• 6:45 pm - Flash Mob - Bando Ryu - Kyo No Kai  (10 min) *13*
  • MCs announce, “As we start our 2nd half of Ondo Dancing Dancers please make your way back into the dance circle… We also have a LOST CAT !!! ...” 
  • *please note, this is part of the Street Ondo - public encouraged to participate... 
  • “MIC CHECK” Flash Mob - Rayko and Lolita Dark
    • Big City Girl Ondo
• 6:55 pm - MCs announce 2nd half of Street Ondo continues - “Ondo dancing begins” Inner Circle Dance Leaders: East side of 1st Long Beach Ondo and West side of 1st Team Kawachi Ondo. “Yagura Taiko” by Ryujin Taiko.  Audience encouraged to join the dance circle, just “follow the leaders”  ondo dancing resumes  *14*
• Ue O Muite Arukou / Sukiyaki Ondo - Live Rayko - Lolita Dark
• Tanko Funk (Tanko Bushi & Uptown Funk) - Live Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club (TKO/LAKC)
• Tokyo Ondo - Live TKO/LAKC
• Pokemon Ondo - Live TKO/LAKC
• Ee Ja Nai Ka - Live TKO/LAKC
• Ashibina - Live TKO/LAKC
• Kawachi Ondo - Live TKO/LAKC
• Dancing Hero - Live TKO/LAKC
• ONDO HARD STOP AT 7:50 pm - may not get to all dances…
• 7:50 pm - Closing remarks by Nisei Week President Helen Ota, 2026 Nisei Week announcements and Group Photo (10 min) *15*
• 8:00 pm / 8:15 pm - Clear street for reopen by 9pm

EVERYONE, remember to just have fun, it's going to be a GREAT MONUMENTAL EVENT.  Famous character “Rilakkuma” will be joining Nisei Week’s Mascot “Aki the Akita” greeting everyone (LOL, well kind of.  We have to keep them separated for safety concerns…)  We have LA Taiko Collective, LA Mugen Taiko and Ryujin Taiko.  Minyo Station with guests from Matsutoyo Kai and Choichi Kai.  BAMBUTSU NO TSUNAGARI (Live) Nobuko Miyamoto, Atomic Nancy Sekizawa & the Fandango Obon Band, our friends from Great Leap never disappoint…  Not one, but TWO FLASH MOB DANCES during intermission - Maneki Neko Ondo and Big City Girl’s Ondo.  Then Rayko (Takahashi) and the band Lolita Dark will start off the 2nd half of Street Ondo with an exclusive cover of “Ue O Muite Aruko” as we dance “Sukiyaki Ondo.”  It happens to be Rayko’s BIRTHDAY and all her friends and fans are joining us…  Then LIVE performers from Team Kawachi Ondo and the LA Kansai Club will finish the street ondo with LIVE singers such as President of the LA Kansai Club Shinichi Hirokawa, professional singer NorikoYamashiro Yonami and many other great talents…  NO OTHER NISEI WEEK CLOSING CEREMONY AND STREET ONDO in recent times has been put together like this…  It’s going to be a BLAST !!!

Come join us at the Centenary Arigato Bazaar on Saturday May 2nd from 10am to 4pm.  Centenary is located in Little Tokyo DTLA at 300 S. Central Ave.  LA   CA  90013 (corner of 3rd St. & Central Ave.)  The annual bazaar is known for its food, a very well stocked "white elephant" sale and a "silent auction" that is second to none.  A raffle with tons of door prizes as well. 

But is there something missing ???  How about a "Chance to Dance !!!"  The Little Tokyo Dance Club was asked to provide PA for the event and manage the stage.  Unfortunately the LTDC was not given a time slot for an ONDO.  So we are going Little Tokyo Dance Club "old school" and will "hijack and flashmob" the ENTIRE DAY with ONDO MUSIC...  Here is a "Chance to Dance" the entire day.  Joining the LTDC stage crew will be Ryujin Taiko to provide "Yagura Taiko" for the Ondo dances.  June Donovan and the Long Beach Ondo Club have been invited to participate and lead some of the Ondo Flashmobs throughout the day.  What dances ???  "Potluck Ondo" LTDC is bringing music, Long Beach Ondo Club will bring music, no planned set list, this is going to be a lot of fun... 

So if you want a "chance to dance" join us at the Centenary Bazaar.  Come dressed in yukata, jin bei, temple / organization hapi coat or just as you are.  Cosplayers always welcome to join in the fun.  This is guaranteed to be an event that you don't want to miss.  Please share with family and friends Public Ondo Dancing all day at Centenary on Saturday May 2nd from 10 am to 4 pm...  Thanks - www.ltdanceclub.org 

8/13/26 General Announcement and Update for NW Parade Participants
Hi Everyone,
     2026 Nisei Week Festival Grand Parade Update for participants.  Nisei Week Festival Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo Update for participants will be coming shortly on a separate email...  

Nisei Week Festival Grand Parade Participants Staging Instructions
The 2026 Nisei Week Festival Grand Parade is just days away (Sunday August 16, 2026.)   This announcement is for PARADE PARTICIPANTS ONLY...  Instructions are the same as past parades:
* We are unable to post the parade "line up" due to safety and security reasons and unable to assign numbers to dance groups until the day of the event.  I can however share some information in regards to group line up...  This is subject to change, this is just my estimation with the information I have been given:
ONDO GROUP
#1 2026 NISEI WEEK CHOREOGRAPHER – BANDO HIDESOMI BANDO SCHOOL OF JAPANESE CLASSICAL DANCE ONDO GROUP - Beginning of parade
#2 SFVJACC MEIJI DANCE CLUB ONDO GROUP - Beginning of parade#3 NISEI WEEK PUBLIC ONDO DANCERS ONDO GROUP - Beginning of parade#4 AZUMA KOTOBUKI KAI ONDO GROUP - Middle of parade#5 HONSHUN KAI ONDO GROUP - Middle of parade#6 KOTOBUKI NO KAI DANCE - Later half of parade       AWA ODORI - Later half of parade
... Please note, there are over 75 entries in this years parade

* Nisei Week Festival RELEASE OF LIABILITY/HOLD HARMLESS online form:Here is the one and done "release/hold harmless" form that only has to be completed once for ALL Nisei Week events forever (no expiration date.)  Please click on link to fill out form if you have not already done so.
https://niseiweek.org/liability-release/
* For INDIVIDUALS participating in the parade that are not associated with a group or organization,, would you kindly send me (email or text) "emergency contact" information.  I just need a telephone number of a family member or friend just in case the need for such information is needed.  I do not need this information if you are participating with a group or you are participating with others (buddy system).  You will also have an opportunity to give me this information on the day of the parade.  Just need: your name, contact person's name and contact person's telephone number...  Call or text to : 213 359-7755 or email to wnishinaka@aol.com Staging Information for 2026 Nisei Week Festival Grand Parade Participants Sunday August 16, 2026 - Event starts at 4 pm - Staging Check in begins at 2:30 pm 

• Group (Schools and Clubs - this includes the Awa Odori group...) check in begins 2:30 pm at Honda Plaza (corner of Central Ave and 2nd St. in Little Tokyo.) 
  • Only one person from your group needs to check in.  At check in, your representative will be given your group’s parade line up number.  
• Parade starts at 4 pm, so we need your representative to return to the staging area by 4 pm and your group in close proximity or near the staging area.  (except for the 3 lead groups:  LA Bando Ryu, Meiji Dance Club and Nisei Week Community Public Ondo Group - we need all 3 groups at the staging area (Honda Plaza) by 4:00 pm)  
• LA Bando Ryu will be the first group out followed by the Meiji Dance Club, then the  Nisei Week Community Public Dancers.  
• Like last year, we will be posting the group's “line up number” on the tall tree by Honda Plaza.  When you see your group’s line up number posted, this is when we will stage your group ON THE STREET and line up in parade formation…  We will include an estimated “on the street” time on the post.
• Nisei Week Community Public Dancers do not need to check in, just be at the staging area NO LATER than 4:00 pm (Honda Plaza - corner of Central Ave. and 2nd St.)  Dress any way you wish (no actual dress code.)  I would recommend comfortable walking shoes (but that is your choice.)  We will have a water cart on the parade route, please hydrate as needed during the parade.  Don't forget to bring your senshu and naruko.   
• USE the Little Tokyo Dance Club website for continued “practice” and to find ALL Nisei Week Ondo instructions, demonstrations and music gallery.  Google search “Little Tokyo Dance Club” or go to www.ltdanceclub.org
• EVERYONE, remember to just have fun, it's going to be a GREAT parade.  If you have any additional questions or need additional information please do not hesitate in reaching out to me.  See everyone on Sunday.    - HAPPY NISEI WEEK,  Wesley Nishinaka  -  Nisei Week Festival  Volunteer                        

Updated from original email 8/17 - General Announcement NWF Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo Staging Instructions for Groups, Organizations and Participants…

Email Friday August 21:

Nisei Week Closing Ceremony and Street - general announcement to performers, participants, groups and organizations

Hi Everyone,

    Just a few reminders as we get closer to the Sunday's (Aug. 23rd) Nisei Week Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo.

* Performers have a 2:45 pm "Sound Check" with the Sound Engineer at the yagura.  This is the time you would "check in" and go over your set with "Karl".  Sessions should not be long (5 minutes top) as Karl will need to resume his work to ready for the program (need to finish all sound checks by 3:15 pm.)  Order is "first come" basis...

• LA Taiko Collective 
• Ryujin Taiko
• Rayko “Reiko” Takahashi “Sunset Road”
• Yosakoi San Diego
• Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club

Participants - 3:15 pm Ondo Line up at JANM check in for groups and organizations.  

We are making some changes to "staging" before groups enter the street for the Street Ondo.  Starting from 3:15 pm at JANM please send one person from your group or organization to "Check in".  Nisei Week Public Community Dancers do not need to check in...  You will be given a "letter" which is the order your group will enter the street for the Street Ondo.  The "order" and your group "letter" is below, we would just like to know that your group is present.  After your group checks in they have an option to gather at JANM or watch the beginning of the Closing Ceremony on 1st Street.  The announcer before handing off the microphone to the "opportunity drawing" committee (2nd drawing) participants will be asked to "line up" to enter the street for the Street Ondo.  This will take place on the East Side (Japanese Village Plaza side) of the yagura, on the street, between the back side of the yagura and JANM.  LA Bando Ryu ( A ), then the Meiji's ( B ), then the Nisei Week Public Dancers ( C ), etc...  will form the line to enter the Street Ondo on the North Side of the yagura (Far East Cafe side)

• A) LA Bando Ryu
  • Bando Hidesomi
  • Bando Hiromiya 
• B) SFJCCC Meiji Dance Club
  • Janet Yamamoto, Leader
• C) Nisei Week Public Ondo Dance Group / Sanjo Kabuki Dance Company -  Sanjo Kanfuji, Leader
  • Miles Hamada
• D) Fujima Kansuma Kai
  • Fujima Kansuzu, Leader
• E) Japanese Speaking Parents Association of Children with Challenges (JSPACC) / Rising Star Youth Leadership Program
• F) Bando Kyo no Kai
  • Bando Hirohichiro, Leader
• G) Sun Valley Japanese Community Center
  • Christine Inouye, Leader
• H) Azuma Kotobuki Kai (not present but will be recognized)
• I)  Hoshun Kai
  • Hashimoto Hoshun Ki, Leader
• J) San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute (partnered with Hoshun Kai)
• K) JANM Volunteers and Staff / Little Tokyo Historical Society
• L)  Boyle Heights Community Partners (partnered with Little Tokyo Historical Society)
• M) The Minnies
• N) Kotobuki No Kai
  • Imoto Hoshun Jyu, Leader
• O) Long Beach Ondo Club
  • June Donovan, Leader
• P) Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club
• Q) Little Tokyo Dance Club / Skid Row-Kyo Mission
• NOTE:  As all groups complete one circle around 1st Street:
  • LA Bando Ryu will stop at the beginning (starting point) and the 26 NW Court will line up with them.  
  • Meiji Dance Club, after entering the circle, will parade up to the WEST END ondo circle and take their position.
  • NW Public Community Dance Group will parade up to the Miyako Hotel (South Side) then break into the designated “small” dance circles for 120,000 Stories performance (Great Leap.)  Just like in practice we will have a “James circle” West Side (Koban) and a “Shirley circle” East Side (Japanese Village Plaza)
  • All other participating groups please continue to form one dance circle around 1st Street EXCEPT for:
    • Kotobuki No Kai, take your place at the East Side dance circle
    • Long Beach Ondo, join in the 120,000 Stories dance circles
    • Team Kawachi Ondo / LA Kansai Club, join in 120,000 Stories dance circles
    • Little Tokyo Dance Club, join in the 120,000 Stories dance circles
    • Note to Long Beach Ondo, TKO / LAKC and LTDC.  Only participants that are helping with the 120,000 Stories performance need to break into the small dance circles, all other group participants can continue to form the larger 1st Street dance circle.  After 120,000 Stories small circles will break to the larger dance circle. For those participating in the 120,000 Stories performance, break into the “James” and “Shirley” circles when you reach the Miyako Hotel (South Side). 

...  Continue to use the Little Tokyo Dance Club website for updates and information.

www.LTdanceclub.org

This might seem like a lot of information, but it really is not.   Basically let us know you made it to the event.  Gather and hang out at JANM or enjoy watching the beginning of the Closing Ceremony (it's your choice.)  When the time comes (during the 2nd "opportunity drawing") to enter the street for the Ondo, just make your way "behind" the yagura and we will "line you up."  The goal of this modification to staging is to make the gathering experience more relaxed and enjoyable for all.  The goal for the entire event is for ALL to have FUN and a GOOD TIME...  HAPPY NISEI WEEK !!!

               Thanks,

                               Wesley

Information from previous email...

• EVERYONE:  USE the Little Tokyo Dance Club website for continued “practice” and to find ALL Nisei Week Ondo instructions, demonstrations and music gallery.  Google search “Little Tokyo Dance Club” or go to www.ltdanceclub.org
• BANNERS in the “ONDO PARADE” - This is NEW and OPTIONAL.  Your group or organization will have the opportunity to carry YOUR BANNER after entering the street and as your group or organization PARADE’s 1st Street end to end.  This is OPTIONAL and instruction will come on another announcement email.  We will have our NW rented ‘UHAUL” truck available to store your group’s banner after the Ondo Parade ends and the Street Ondo begins…  
• EVERYONE, remember to just have fun, it's going to be a GREAT MONUMENTAL EVENT.  Famous character “Rilakkuma” will be joining Nisei Week’s Mascot “Aki the Akita” greeting everyone (LOL, well kind of.  We have to keep them separated for safety concerns…)  We have LA Taiko Collective and Ryujin Taiko. We also have San Diego Yosakoi joining us this year for entertainment.   Minyo Station and Matsutoyo Kai unfortunately will not be joining us this year and will be so missed.  We look forward to their return next year.   Nobuko Miyamoto, Atomic Nancy Sekizawa & the Fandango Obon Band, our friends from Great Leap never disappoint…  They will open the Street Ondo with a SPECIAL performance of 120,000 Stories and start off the Street Ondo with “Mottainai”.  Another email will be sent out in regards to the event program shortly.    NO OTHER NISEI WEEK CLOSING CEREMONY AND STREET ONDO in recent times has been put together like this…  It’s going to be a BLAST !!!
• Note - all emails will be posted to the Little Tokyo Dance Club website so please use the website as it will be updated till the day of the event.  

Little Tokyo Dance Club (LTDC) website link:  www.LTdanceclub.org 

…  Please check the website for “updated” Ondo list for 1st, intermission Flash Mob and 2nd half of the Street Ondo.  Note, we added “Sho Tokyo Ondo” to the first half of the Street Ondo.  Thank you Minyo Station and Matsutoyo Kai for decades of gracing the NW Street Ondo with your extraordinary talents.  We will dance “Sho Tokyo Ondo” in your honor and look forward to your return next year…

• If you have any additional questions or need additional information please do not hesitate in reaching out to me.  Call, text, message, email…  Be on the lookout for additional announcements and updates (lol, they will be coming…)  HAPPY NISEI WEEK !!! - Thanks,  Wesley Nishina Nisei Week Volunteer Closing Ceremony and Street Ondo (213) 359-7755 wnishinaka@aol.com