Nisei (pronounced KNEE-say) means second generation, as in the children of immigrants, and Little Tokyo's Nisei Week honors that first wave of Japanese-Americans who were raised in the City of Angels. While the Nisei are now well past retirement age, their legacy lives on in this annual festival, with this year's centerpiece, the Nebuta Festival Grand Parade, bringing the Aomori Prefecture tradition stateside, with an illuminated float depicting Japanese warriors, encircled by costumed dancers and drummers. Also on the week's agenda: martial arts, sumo and calligraphy demonstrations, a karaoke contest (finals at Oiwake restaurant), film screenings (at the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy) and a Gyoza Eating Championship. Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, Outdoor Plaza, 244 S. San Pedro St., Little Tokyo; Grand Parade, Sun., Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m.; free. (213) 687-7193; see complete schedule at niseiweek.org.

Sun., Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m., 2010

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