Kazari
View the rows and rows of different kazari designs on display and be sure to vote for your favorite!
Vendors
Plenty of food and shopping throughout the festival grounds. Something to please every member of the family.
Entertainment
Music, dance, manga, and more don the stage under the big white tent throughout the weekend.
Schedule
AUG 9-10-11
Opening Ceremonies
The 11th Annual Los Angeles Tanabata Festival officially opens.
5:15pm
Taiko with Danny Yamamoto
5:30pm
Minyo Station
5:45pm
Opening remarks by Emcee Grace Shiba & Susan Jekarl
5:50pm
Chairperson’s Welcome – Masumi Muya
5:55pm
Introduction of VIPs
6:25pm
Song “Uchiage Hanabi (Fireworks)” with MiruDaru
6:30pm
Tanabata legend play with Nancy Hayata & Nao Ikeda
6:45pm
Kazari Awards with Gail Matsui
7:00pm
Sake Barrel Breaking
Opening Ceremony Conclusion
Ondo Dancing led by Nancy Hayata, children, and audience
Vendors
FOOD BOOTHS
Nanka Miyagi Kenjinkai
America Miyazaki Kenjinkai
Nanka Gifu Kenjinkai
Yonsei Basketball Association
Fugetsu-do Confectionery
Little Tokyo Koban
Fujiwara Tofu Cafe
SUNSEEKER
FOOD TRUCKS
Drizzle
Takuma’s Burger
NON-PROFIT BOOTHS
Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF)
EGAO
Go For Broke
Japan Film Festival Los Angeles
Nisei Week Foundation
Rafu Shimpo
ARTS & CRAFTS BOOTHS
Anime Jungle
Bunkado, Inc.
Clenn Designs
Edge of the World Art Studio
Furry Feline Creatives
Happy Shirts
Ink-On
Instactions
Kimono & Green Tea
Kingyo Sukui
Little Tokyo Historical Society
Pika Dude
Solsiss Jewelry
Tamiko Creations
WATO
COMMERCIAL BOOTHS
DIRECTV
METRO
FURUSATO BOOTHS
Nanka Kenjinkai Kyogikai
Cosplay Contest
Sunday, August 11, 2019 at 1:30pm
Anime Expo will be giving away prizes this year. Come in your best cosplay. We recommend you sign up online ahead of time.
Contest Structure:
- Contestants may sign up online on the ANIME-EXPO Website
- To confirm your participation, please check in onsite in front of the Japanese American National Museum between 12:30 – 1:15 PM on Sunday, August 11.
- Sign-ups may also be accepted on the day of the contest at the Tanabata Festival Info Booth, subject to availability.
- Each contestant will have approximately 90 seconds to walk on stage, present their cosplay, and walk off stage. You do not need to use all of your time but please try to make sure everyone gets a good look at you in your costume!
Guidelines:
- Both purchased and handmade costumes will be permitted. We want to see your love of the character and the spirit of cosplay!
- Contestants will be judged on overall presentation only. This includes: Embodiment and personality of the character (ex: emulating the personality of the character), pose and walk on quality (ex: utilizing your time to pose well for the audience and judges), over all presentation of costume (ex: costume is ironed and looks well fitted to the participant) and as a bonus, wig or hair styling and make up.
- Please refrain from doing anything that would be dangerous or impede the contestant after you from coming on stage. Please do not leave anything on the stage (costumes, confetti, etc).
Prizes:
- 1st Place: 4-Day badge to Anime Expo 2020 + Anime Expo Merchandise Prize Package
- Honorable Mention: Anime Expo Merchandise Prize Package
Faq
Does it cost to view the kazari?
The kazari displays are free to the public. You can even vote on your favorite design all day Saturday. The winner of the People’s Choice Award will be presented on Sunday.
Where does it take place?
The Los Angeles Tanabata Festival is situated in the heart of Little Tokyo. The various kazari will be on display at E 1st St and N Central Ave, in front of the JANM (Japanese American National Museum) and MOCA (Geffen/Museum of Contemporary Art).
What else is there to do?
Satisfy your hunger at the many festival food and drink booths located throughout the closed-off street. There are Arts & Crafts booths, too, where you can browse and shop. And kids can have fun competing at the various games booths! Go to the big white tent where you can sit and relax while being entertained by a wide assortment of music, manga, dancing, and more.
How Long is the Event?
The Opening Ceremonies actually begin on Friday evening and the festival runs all day Saturday and concludes on Sunday evening.
Can I learn to make a kazari?
Yes! Anyone can do it. And it’s easy once you know how. The best way to learn is to visit and participate in one of our Kazari Workshops. They are taught in 2 locations: Little Tokyo and Torrance. Complete times and dates can be found on the Workshop section of this website.
How do I enter my kazari in the contest?
Entering your beautiful kazari is easy. Go to the Contest section and register. It only takes a few minutes to complete. The entry fee is only $10, and there’s even an early-bird registration fee discount if you register online by June 30, 2019.
Where do I buy material to make kazari?
You can purchase all the materials you need at one of our workshops. We are also selling material in our online storefront. Shop early for best selection of papers and other material!
I have other questions. Who do I ask?
You can contact us anytime with any question you may have using our online General Inquiries form. We will do our best to get back to you promptly.