The ?????? ????? ?????Japanese American National Museum, 100 N. Central Ave. in Little Tokyo, presents Natsumatsuri, its annual summer celebration featuring traditional Japanese and Japanese American performances, crafts, and activities, on Saturday, Aug. 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All-Day Activities
? Omikuji —?What does your future hold? Find out through omikuji, a Japanese fortune-telling method.
??Natsumatsuri Photo Booth — Don a traditional happi coat and get your picture taken against a fireworks-filled sky, a common sight during Japanese summer festivals. (One print per family. An express line will be available for JANM members.)
??Paper Lanterns — Create your own string of paper lanterns, a popular festival decoration.
? Baseball Buttons — Design your own baseball button to show off your team spirit and celebrate the exhibition “Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game.”
??Paper Hats — Make a colorful paper hat to wear while you enjoy Natsumatsuri.
? Ruthie’s Origami Corner — Make a festive origami kimono with Ruthie.
? Face Painting —?Get in the spirit of the exhibition “Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World” and have your face painted by Party Face Magic. (For children only. Line ends at 4:30 p.m. An express line will be available for JANM members.)
? Toddler Room — A fun place for the youngest guests to hang out (with an adult who brought them).
??Scavenger Hunt — Follow the clues and look for special items throughout the museum to win a prize. (While supplies last.)
Scheduled Activities
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m. —?Screenings of the film “42” (2013, rated PG-13), which documents Jackie Robinson’s life story and his inspirational legacy with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. — Learn taiko drumming. JANM docent Hal Keimi will give a basic lesson in the exciting Japanese art of taiko.
1 p.m. —?What is Obon? Rinban Bill Briones of Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple will discuss the Obon festival, which honors and celebrates the spirits of ancestors, and what his temple does to prepare for Obon season.
1 to 2 p.m. — The UGLARworks arts collective — composed of “Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World” artists Chris “Horishiki” Brand, Espi, and Evan Skrederstu — have been making acclaimed murals throughout Los Angeles since the early 2000s. The group will be on site to collaboratively create a new art piece at JANM.
1:30 p.m. — Discover Japanese American history and culture with a tour of JANM’s core exhibition “Common Ground: The Heart of Community” led by experienced docents.
1:30 p.m. — Celebrate summer with a Bon odori (traditional dance) led by Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple.
2:30 p.m. — Sing your heart out in a karaoke competition. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Up to 15 contestants; registration opens at the beginning of the festival and is first-come, first-served. Two categories: 12 and up, 11 and under. The first 15 contestants to sign up for either category will complete. They must select a song by 2:15 p.m. Performers will be judged on three criteria, earning up to 90 points total. Judges: Gina Hiraizumi, Denise Iketani, and Randy Guiaya, all friends of the Little Tokyo community with experience in the entertainment industry.
3 to 4 p.m. —?Hello Kitty, the subject of a major exhibition opening at JANM in October, will be on site for photos.
4 p.m. —?Enjoy a unique blend of Latin rhythms and taiko drumming with an energetic performance by East L.A. Taiko with Lysa Flores. Before the performance, JANM will screen an excerpt from “Maceo: Demon Drummer of East LA,” an award-winning film about East L.A. Taiko’s leader. Maceo Hernandez. The film was produced and directed by John Esaki, director of JANM’s Frank H. Watase Media Arts Center.
Free admission. For more information, call (213) 625-0414 or visit www.janm.org.