Venice Japanese Community Center hosts its annual Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) on June 27 and 28. Admission is free.
This two-day event is the center’s biggest public event as well as fundraiser each year. Funds raised subsidize a variety of cultural, service and sports activities offered to the community. It is also an opportunity to showcase Japanese/Japanese American culture, have a great time with family, and see old friends and new.
The festival will feature a variety of demonstrations such as judo, karate, kendo and taiko. There will also be ondo dancing each evening.
Exhibits include, bonsai, ikebana (flower arrangement), shodo (calligraphy), sumi-e (ink painting), and watercolor.
Food booths will also be prominent and include teriyaki chicken, sushi, udon, and beef short ribs, just to name a few. There will also be many game booths for the kids to enjoy.
Dates: Saturday, June 27, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Venice Japanese Community Center, 12448 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles (one block west of Centinela Boulevard, half a mile north of the 90 Freeway)
Demonstration Schedule
Saturday, June 27
1:30 p.m.: Gakuen
2 p.m.: Aikido
2:30 p.m.: Judo
3 p.m.: Iaido
3:30 p.m.: Kendo
4 p.m.: Line dance
4:30 p.m.: Karate
5 p.m.: Introduction of Miss Western L.A. and Scholarship Awards
5:30 p.m.: Taiko
6 p.m.: Ondo
7 p.m.: Donut-Eating Contest
Sunday, June 28
1:30 p.m.: Hula
2 p.m.: Shodo
2:30 p.m.: Ikebana
3:30 p.m.: Odori
3:30 p.m.: Karate
4 p.m.: Judo
4:30 p.m.: Aikido
5 p.m.: Taiko
5:30 p.m.: Ondo