The Nebuta float made a starring appearance on Nov. 29 at the 84th annual Hollywood Christmas Parade. The float, which debuted at the Nisei Week Grand Parade last August, was designed by Hiroo Takenami and assembled with the help of many local community volunteers. It depicts the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a celebrated general of the Minamoto clan who safely traveled across the ocean, by divine power, for battle.
Above and below: Taiko drummers and more than 60 dancers took to the street as the Nebuta float made its way down Hollywood Boulevard.
Former Los Angeles City Councilmember Tom LaBonge with a delegation of Los Angeles sister city representatives, including 2015 Nisei Week Miss Tomadachi Karen Nana Mizoguchi and First Princess Veronica Toyomi Ota.
Actor James Hong (“Kung Fu Panda,” “Big Trouble in Little China”) poses for the cameras on the red carpet prior to the start of the parade.
The parade and on-stage performances will be broadcast multiple times on the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Channel starting Saturday, Dec. 19.
Photos by MARIO G. REYES/Rafu Shimpo