In case you've been drinking too much sake (see “L.A. Sake Festival”), yesterday was the first day of the 69th Annual Nisei Japanese Festival, a weeklong extravaganza of everything, well, Japanese. The highlight, however, is the Grand Parade, featuring colorful and illuminated floats called nebuta. Hand carried, mounted on poles or pulled by trailers, the handmade nebuta originated in Aomori, Japan. Expect taiko drummers, Japanese pipers and haneto dancers in traditional costumes, as well as a kodomo (children's) parade to follow. Little Tokyo, downtown. Line up anywhere from Central Ave. to Second St., or Los Angeles St. to Second St.; parade ends at Central and First.

Sat., Aug. 15, 2009

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