Dear Friends:

On behalf of the Nisei Week Foundation Board of Directors, I welcome you to the 71st Annual Nisei Week Foundation Japanese Festival.

The Nisei Week Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote the Japanese and Japanese American heritage throughout southern California. To that end, our all-volunteer organization has worked tirelessly throughout the year to bring you a festival that offers a multitude of opportunities to celebrate this unique cultural heritage in its contemporary setting.

The theme for this year's Nisei Week Japanese Festival is "Honoring Our Community Heroes," through which we applaud and recognize individuals and organizations for their courage, vision and fortitude in helping to improve life for their communities. Through such endeavors as the arts, sports, music, social welfare and business, our honorees reflect the best in human qualities and selfless devotion to humanity. We congratulate them, their families and loved ones as we thank them for making the world a more brighter and hopeful place in which we live

This year's festival has a special significance in two important ways. The earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan earlier this year was a powerful reminder of our connectedness with the global community. We pay special tribute to the many unsung heroes both locally and across the Pacific who continue to help rebuild the shattered lives of families and communities with whom we share a common heart. We also recognize three organizations that celebrate 50 years of outstanding service: Asia America Symphony Associationl; Japan Business Association; Keiro Senior HealthCare. Their contributions to the community have enhanced the lives and livelihoods of countless numbers of people, and we wish them continued success in the next half-century.

I invite you to enjoy Nisei Week in its entirety throughout these nine days of cultural and community celebration. Taste the delicious food offerings and various cuisines! See colorful displays in a variety of artistic mediums! Listen to traditional and contemporary music while witnessing traditional and contemporary dance forms! Cheer for your favorite athletes on the field and the martial arts floor! Shout for joy as the Nisei Week Grand Parade cascades right in front of you!

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Board of Directors and Committee Chairs for their selfless devotion to this year's Nisei Week Japanese Festival. I thank all of our sponsors, supporters and volunteers for their generous contributions of time, talent and resources that insure a successful Nisei Week year after year.

Come one, come all, and enjoy the 71st Annual Nisei Week Foundation Japanese Festival!

With Gratitude,

Reverend Mark Nakagawa
Nisei Week Foundation President