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Presented by Kawaguchi-Kihara Memorial Foundation
Saturday, September 12, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi)
815 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Our Community is thriving and resilient today because of the generations before us, their hard work, sacrifices, and unwavering dedication to laying a strong foundation. Keiro is excited to host the 9th annual Keiro no Hi Festival to thank and celebrate the older adults who continue to inspire us.
We invite you to join us for a festival filled with joy, entertainment, and meaningful connections. Let’s come together to celebrate the vibrant and diverse experiences of Our Community’s older adults.
Click here to view this page in Japanese / 日本語でご覧になる方はこちらから。
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Registration
Registration will close on Friday, August 21, 2026 (or when capacity is reached).
Each admission ticket includes access to the festival and one (1) bento lunch. We are prioritizing registration for older adults age 60+. This event will have a limited number of tickets, and participation will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is required to attend. All tickets are non-refundable and cannot be transferred.
Free admission is made possible by the generosity of our supporters. If you are able, please consider making a donation to help Keiro continue to provide meaningful experiences that celebrate and uplift our older adults. Thank you for making events like this possible.
Transportation
Bus Transportation
For a $5 fee, attendees can register for round-trip bus service to the festival from the following locations. Spaces on the buses will be limited.
- Anaheim
- Oxnard
- Pacoima
- Torrance
- Venice/Culver
- West Covina
Parking
Free parking at the venue will be limited. Paid street parking and several public parking lots are available throughout Little Tokyo, including but not limited to:
- Mangrove Lot 753 (0.2 Miles from Nishi)
- 414 East Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Aiso Parking Garage (0.5 Miles from Nishi)
- Judge John Aiso St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Japanese Village Plaza (0.4 Miles from Nishi)
- 115 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Sho Tokyo (Joe’s Parking) (0.5 Miles from Nishi)
- 350 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Metro
Festival attendees have the option to take Metro’s A and E Lines to and from the new Metro Regional Connector, which is a short walk (0.3 miles) to the entrance of the festival on Vignes Street. Please visit Metro’s website to plan your trip.
We highly recommend carpooling or utilizing public transportation. Keiro is not responsible for reimbursing any parking or public transportation fees.
Event Details
Here are a few exciting things we have in store for this year’s festival:
Get a front-row seat to exciting demonstrations by skilled community members as they showcase their unique talents for everyone to enjoy.
Enjoy live performances from talented local musicians and artists of all ages who have found joy and purpose through music and the arts. Their passion and energy will fill the festival with lively melodies and inspiring performances.
Food
No festival is complete without great food! A delicious bento lunch will be available. Additionally, a limited number of vegetarian bento options will be available upon request on the day of the event, while supplies last.
Vendor Fair
Shop around our vendor fair featuring amazing products from local small businesses. Whether you are shopping for some gifts or looking to treat yourself, our vendor fair has something for everyone. Items may include custom crafts, snacks, and more!
Games & Activities
Play your favorite festival games, get creative with some crafts, and take some photos with your family and friends. You can also win some new Keiro no Hi Festival buttons as prizes, exclusive to this year’s festival!
Entertainment
Demonstrations
Crafting Japanese Confectionaries with Brian Kito from Fugetsu-Do
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Fugetsu-Do, the family-owned Little Tokyo confectionery beloved by Our Community since 1903. Watch as their iconic rainbow dango is created before your eyes and hear the rich history of one of Japanese America’s most treasured shops directly from owner Brian Kito. Stay for a taste and leave with a deeper appreciation for the traditions that have shaped Our Community for generations.
Fresh Takes on Japanese American Meals with Mary Ellen Wong
Eating well does not have to be complicated. Step into the Japanese American kitchen with Mary Ellen Wong for a warm and interactive demonstration. Putting her own twist on the California roll, Mary Ellen will share techniques to make nutritious and delicious dishes simple enough for even the busiest days. Leave feeling inspired and ready to bring a little more fun and wellness to your table.
Strength Through Self-Defense with Art Ishii from Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-Do of Los Angeles
Join Matsubayashi Ryu Karate-Do of Los Angeles, Little Tokyo’s beloved community dojo, for a lively crash course in self-defense. Head instructor, Art Ishii, will share how karate can be a meaningful tool for healthy aging through situational awareness, practical self-defense techniques, and basic mobility exercises. Walk away with skills that will empower you to move through life with increased confidence.
Performances
Asian Persuasian
Take a trip back to the era of doo-wop, Motown, and the pop hits of the 50s, 60s, and 70s with Asian Persuasian, a five-member Asian American vocal harmony group. Started more than 40 years ago by Kenny Itagaki and Gary Asamura, the group today includes Jeff Louie, Marlene Yamane Chau, and Helen Ota. Together, they will revisit the classic sights, sounds, and memories of those oldies but goodies.
Bandō Hidesomi
Enjoy the grace of Nihon Buyō, Japanese traditional dance, with the Bandō Hidesomi Nihon Buyō Class. With gentle, flowing movement and classical music, the dancers carry on an art form passed down through many generations. As you watch, discover the joy, peace, and harmony at the heart of their practice.
LA’s 33 Strings
Listen to the beautiful sounds of LA’s 33 Strings (三十三絃の会), a Japanese music ensemble devoted to keeping Japan’s musical heritage alive. Performing on traditional Japanese instruments, they share a wide range of music, from classical favorites to newer pieces. The group performs throughout Southern California and also leads workshops to pass these traditions on to others.
Orange County Friendship Choir
The Orange County Friendship Choir is a Japanese mixed-voice chorus based in Irvine, brought together by a shared love of music. Since 2009, the choir has performed a diverse repertoire ranging from classical choral works and opera to popular favorites at concerts and community events throughout the greater Los Angeles area. Experience a warm and varied program of music meant to be shared with everyone in the audience.
Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko
Experience Eisa, the traditional Okinawan obon drum dancing brought to life by Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko (Ryukyu Kingdom Festival Drums). Performers dance and drum to a lively blend of traditional and contemporary Okinawan and Japanese music. Founded in Okinawa in 1982, the group now has chapters across Japan, South America, and the United States. The Los Angeles branch was established in 1995 and celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025.
Event Sponsorship
2026 Keiro no Hi Festival Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor / プレゼンティングスポンサー
Kawaguchi-Kihara Memorial Foundation
Gold Sponsor / ゴールドスポンサー
JSL Foods Inc. / The Kawana Family
Silver Sponsors / シルバースポンサー
FEG Investment Advisors
Sarah Fukui & Family
Gene & Vickie Kanamori
Ron Takasugi & Nora Kubota
Troutman Pepper Locke
US Bank
Purple Sponsors / パープルスポンサー
ADS Consulting Group
Honda
Jerry Iseda
Beverly Ito
Karl Kim, Retirement Planning Advisors Inc.
Green Sponsors / グリーンスポンサー
Brad & Janet Fujikuni
Kimiko Fujita / Yamaha Music Center
The Key / Millennia
Yukari Roberts
In-Kind Donors / 物品提供
Del Rey Party Rentals
JSL Foods Inc. / The Kawana Family
Karl Kim, Retirement Planning Advisors Inc.
US Bank
Listed as of July 15, 2026.
How Can I Become a Sponsor?
We invite you and your organization or business to join us as a sponsor for our 2026 Keiro no Hi Festival! Your support will make a meaningful impact on our ability to celebrate and recognize the older adults in Our Community.
For more information on our sponsorship packages or to discuss customizing a package that aligns with your objectives, please contact Mike Tang, Director of Development, at [email protected].
A Gift for Your Generosity
Celebrate Keiro’s 65th anniversary by supporting the Keiro no Hi Festival! When registering for this year’s festival, you will have the option to donate to advance Keiro’s mission of enhancing the quality of senior life in Our Community.
As a token of our appreciation, donors attending the 2026 Keiro no Hi Festival will receive a commemorative 65th Anniversary button. (Available for pick-up only at the festival while supplies last.)
Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Keiro no Hi Festival! Volunteers play an important role in creating a memorable experience for Our Community. As a token of our appreciation, volunteers will receive a Keiro volunteer t-shirt, refreshments, and a bento lunch.
Submitting this form does not guarantee a volunteer assignment. If selected, a Keiro staff member will contact you by email with your volunteer assignment and shift details.
Past Keiro no Hi Festivals
The 2026 Keiro no Hi Festival is made possible by Keiro with support from our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and partnerships with community organizations. Please consider making a donation to help Keiro continue our mission to enhance the quality of senior life in Our Community.