By ANN NISHIYAMA
Prepare for an unforgettable weekend at the Venice Japanese Community Center’s annual Summer Natsu Matsuri Festival.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, June 22, 12 to 9 p.m., and Sunday, June 23, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., as we come together at the VJCC to celebrate our vibrant Japanese heritage and a strong sense of community.
Enjoy rich cultural demonstrations and exhibits all weekend, traditional ondo dancing both weekends, and a performance by Elemental Funk on Saturday night.
Let’s not forget about the favorite Japanese delicacies awaiting you at our food booths, including udon, chicken curry, takoyaki, cha siu bao, and more.
Plus, there’s fun for everyone at our game booths with activities like Goldfish Toss, Nerf Targets, Aloha Toss, and Plinko.
Don’t forget to purchase your raffle tickets before Sunday’s drawing to win fantastic prizes and support the VJCC.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to the Summer Natsu Matsuri Festival for an experience filled with joy, cultural richness, and community camaraderie. See you all there!
Important festival reminder: No pets — only service animals allowed.
VJCC is located at 12448 Braddock Dr. in Los Angeles, one block west of Centinela Boulevard and half a mile north of the 90 Freeway. Info: (310) 822-8885, [email protected], vjcc.com
The last ondo practice will be held on Thursday, June 20, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Cultural Exhibition Schedule
Saturday, June 22
1:30 p.m.: Iaido
2 p.m.: Kendo
2:30 p.m.: Aikido
3 p.m.: Judo
3:30 p.m.: Karate
4 p.m.: Taiko
4:30 p.m.: Miss Western L.A. and VJCC Scholarship Awards
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Ondo 7 p.m.: Elemental Funk
Sunday, June 23
1 p.m.: Zumba
1:30 p.m.: Hula
2 p.m.: Kendo
2:30 p.m.: Aikido
3 p.m.: Judo
3:30 p.m.: Karate
4:30 p.m.: Taiko
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Ondo
7 p.m.: Raffle (raffle prizes to be drawn throughout the day; top prizes drawn after ondo on Sunday)