14th Annual Nisei Week Car Show

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Nisei Week Car Show, Anime Wrap on a Scion FR-S — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

The 78^th annual Nisei Week Japanese Festival held in the Little Tokyo district of Los Angeles has remained an iconic event and Nisei “second generation” tradition—commemorating Japanese heritage.

Nisei Week Car Show, Wrapped RSX and Yellow Scion FR-S — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Nisei Week Car Show, Modified Yellow FR-S — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Cultural exhibitions, entertainment, and parades can be found taking over a three square block area for a nine-day celebration, but among the vendors selling sweet rice cake treats and spectators joining ceremonial Obon dancing; car enthusiasts look forward to this time of the year to attend the Nisei Week Car Show. For the past 14 years, Ken Miyoshi, founder and a pioneer of import car shows took his event, which was formerly known as Import Showoff and grew it into a cult classic. This popular show became etched into the “Nisei Week” culture as this year’s event was held at a new venue inside the parking lot of Nishi Hongwanji Buddist Temple located on 1^st Street.

Nisei Week Car Show, Silver Honda S2000 — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Nisei Week Car Show, Silver Honda S2000 Engine Bay — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Nisei Week Car Show, White Honda RSX Type-R — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

This year’s event was branded “Super Sugoi x Dekocar Nisei Cars & Anime Art Show”. Yes, the name seemed a bit extravagant and rather complicated to understand if you’re not a fan of anime or a resident Otaku. In layman’s terms, “Dekocar” is short for decoration car which was of plenty at this year’s event. Extravagant vinyl prints and full graphics schemes of scantily clad Japanese anime characters were decorated on both the exterior and interiors of vehicles.

Nisei Week Car Show, Red Acura NSX — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Nisei Week Car Show, Green Honda Civic EK Hatch — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Nisei Week Car Show, EK Engine — Photo Credit: Scott Tsuneishi

Albeit the flashy Anime show vendors and cosplay suited attendees roaming the lot, the majority of participants brought their custom JDM, Euro-Spec, and American Muscle to compete for a top class finish and bragging rights. This year’s top honors went to the Auto Concept Elite Skyline R35 owned by Jesse Sabater.