Photo by J.K. YAMAMOTO / Rafu Shimpo
Natsumatsuri participants learn about Obon dancing and its significance.

The Japanese American National Museum was awarded a $40,000 grant from the Nissan Foundation that supports JANM’s award-winning virtual and in-person School Visits programs and free biannual family festivals, including the 2024 Natsumatsuri Festival.

“Our award-winning School Visits programs and family festivals not only further our mission but also provide students, educators, and the general public with the tools they’ll need to understand and appreciate people from different backgrounds and cultures,” said Ann Burroughs, JANM president and CEO.

JANM’s School Visits programs encourage students to appreciate cultural differences, explore their heritage, and become informed and responsible contributors to social and civic life. By continuing to make these innovative programs accessible to students from all backgrounds, they will be able to make personal connections to the museum and its collections, build critical thinking skills and classroom connections, and engage in participatory learning experiences to become more engaged Americans.

JANM’s festivals are the Oshogatsu Family Festival in January and the Natsumatsuri Family Festival in August. They are vibrant and joyful celebrations that celebrate Japanese and Japanese American cultural traditions; foster understanding, appreciation, and respect for cultural diversity; and build meaningful cross-cultural bridges. They also strengthen a shared sense of community by celebrating unique cultural identities.

This year’s Natsumatsuri Family Festival is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10. The festivities include:

? Cultural performances by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko, East L.A. Taiko, and Cold Tofu Improv;

? An Obon lecture and community dance;

? A taiko workshop with JANM volunteers;

? A Giant Robot drawing workshop with the artist duo Giorgiko;

? Book readings with the Los Angeles Public Library and “Sachiko Goes Racing” author and former pro race car driver Nadine Sachiko Hsu;

? A book sale that benefits JANM’s Collections Management and Access;

? A scavenger hunt for prizes in the museum’s exhibition “J.T. Sata: Immigrant Modernist”;

? Souvenir photos by cre8tive outlets.

Visitors receive free admission to see all of the museum’s exhibitions and JANM members receive special perks. Select performances and activities will be posted on the museum’s YouTube channel throughout the day.

Free tickets and the full schedule are available at janm.org/events. Advance reservations are recommended.

The Natsumatsuri Family Festival is sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, Nissan Foundation, and the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. The media sponsor is The Rafu Shimpo.