A young guest with a paper sun hat at Natsumatsuri.

The Japanese American National Museum (JANM), 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo, presents the 2025 Natsumatsuri Family Festival on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 12 to 5 p.m.

The free family festival celebrates the summer at JANM’s Democracy Center and the Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza. RSVP at janm.org/natsumatsuri2025.

This year’s festival features a range of cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages. Guests will get a chance to participate in cultural performances like taiko, Bon odori dancing, and improv comedy with Cold Tofu. They will also get a chance to make and decorate their own paper sun hats, add their wishes for the U.S.’ 250th birthday to the Democracy Center’s “Wish Wall,” go on a scavenger hunt in Little Tokyo, and join in the fun at the Nisei Week Plaza Festival.

The festival also includes exclusive activities related to JANM’s new exhibition, “Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community,” which is now on view through Nov. 12 at the ArtCenter College of Design’s Peter and Merle Mullin Gallery in Pasadena. Guests can make origami cars with the “Cruising J-Town” logo and create their own cruise through a town of their own making.

They can participate in story time with author and professional drift racing driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu as she reads from her new book, “Sachiko and the Bully.” Hsu’s hot pink 1989 Nissan 240SX from her days with the Drifting Pretty team is in the “Cruising J-Town” exhibition.

The full schedule of activities are as follows:

All Day Activities

Ruthie’s Origami Corner, Democracy Lab. Fold an origami car in celebration of :Cruising J-Town.”

Photo Booth, Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza. Take a souvenir photo with friends, family, and fun props from Mighty Little Studio. Express lane for members.

Construct Your Cruise, Democracy Lab. In conjunction with “Cruising J-Town,” create your very own car and take it cruising through a town of your making.

Paper Sun Hat, Democracy Lab. Make and decorate a hat to protect yourself from the summer sun in style.

Wish Wall, Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza. What is your wish for the U.S.’ semiquincentennial (250th birthday)? Add your wish to the pop-up Wish Wall.

Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt, Democracy Center. Explore the historic neighborhood and win a special prize. While supplies last. Members receive two chances to win.

JANM Store Pop-Up, Democracy Center. Support JANM’s work and find unique, cultural gifts for everyone when you purchase select products from the JANM Store in the Democracy Center lobby.

Los Angeles Public Library, Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza. Sign up for a library card and make fun crafts.

Nisei Week Plaza Festival

Japanese American Cultural & Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Head across the neighborhood for food, games, booths, and live entertainment at this family-friendly event.

Scheduled Activities

12:15 p.m.–1 p.m.: “Sachiko and the Bully” reading, Tateuchi Democracy Forum. Join author and former professional race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu for a reading and signing of her book, available in the JANM Store.

1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Obon lecture and community dance, MOCA Geffen Plaza. Learn about Japan’s Obon festivals, which honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. A group Bon odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto.

2:30 p.m.–3 p.m.: Cold Tofu improv and comedy group, Tateuchi Democracy Forum. Enjoy a performance by the nation’s longest-running Asian American improv and sketch comedy group as they improvise scenes and games based on audience suggestions.

3 p.m.–5 p.m.: Hot Wheels Race Track by Old Japanese Car Meet, Norman Y. Mineta Democracy Plaza. Gather your friends and family for a die-cast race with scaled speeds.

3:15 p.m.–4 p.m.: “Sachiko and the Bully” reading, Tateuchi Democracy Forum. Repeat of 12:15 event.

4 p.m.–4:30 p.m.: Makoto Taiko Performance, JANM Courtyard. Wrap up the festival with a performance by a local taiko group that connects and empowers people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of Japanese drumming with intention and sincerity.

The Natsumatsuri Family Festival is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Nissan Foundation, Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, and Port of Long Beach. The media sponsor is The Rafu Shimpo.

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