A free, student-led Japanese American cultural festival, Tsunagi Matsuri, will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. At Isamu Noguchi Plaza, located at 244 S. San Pedro St. In Little Tokyo.
A Growing Community Event
Building on the success of its inaugural year, which drew over 8,000 attendees, Tsunagi Matsuri is expanding to become a larger, all-day festival. Organizers state the event aims to connect generations, campuses and the Little Tokyo community through shared culture.
The festival is hosted by the UCLA Nikkei Student Union in partnership with the Intercollegiate Nikkei Council, described as the largest Japanese American student cultural organization in the nation. Hundreds of Southern California college students are planning and running the event.
Supporting Little Tokyo
Tsunagi Matsuri is intended as a visible demonstration of community support, particularly as Little Tokyo faces challenges related to gentrification and displacement. Twenty-five percent of the festival’s profits will be donated to the Little Tokyo Community Impact Fund to aid local preservation efforts and combat displacement. Remaining proceeds will benefit student-led Japanese American organizations.
Attendees can expect a variety of attractions, including food from 13 vendors – such as Boba Bestie, Tako Ichi, Doskoi, and Sandoitchi – live performances by acts like Kyodo Taiko, kendo demonstrations, and musical performances by Hana Effron, The Visionaries, and fiveALIVE. Local businesses like Buttery Popcorn and Faith, Hope and Pastries will also be present.
Community organization booths will be available from groups including Kizuna, the Japanese American National Museum, and the Dodgers. Games will be led by volunteer high schoolers and Yonsei Basketball athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tsunagi Matsuri?
Tsunagi Matsuri is a free, student-led Japanese American cultural festival.
Where and when will it be held?
It will be held on Sunday, March 8, from 11 a.m. To 7 p.m. At Isamu Noguchi Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St. In Little Tokyo.
Who is hosting the event?
The event is hosted by the UCLA Nikkei Student Union in partnership with the Intercollegiate Nikkei Council.
As Tsunagi Matsuri expands this year, what role do you think student-led initiatives can play in supporting and celebrating cultural heritage?
