Japanese Professionals in California

Join a high-traffic summer night market with curated vendors, live entertainment, and strong community engagement. 🌸 OCLA Night Market @ STC Rowland Legacy – Natsu Festival 夏祭 A Summer Night Market Experience OCLA Night Market – Natsu Festival is a vibrant outdoor night market inspired by the festive atmosphere of traditional Japanese summer festivals, combined with the energy of modern night markets and global street food culture. This three-day event transforms STC Rowland Legacy into a lively destination filled with food, performances, and immersive experiences. Whether you’re coming for the atmosphere, the food, or the entertainment, this is a summer event designed for everyone. 🌙 What to Expect Explore a curated selection of food, retail, and interactive experiences throughout the event: Japanese-inspired street food such as takoyaki, yakitori, ramen, wagyu, and matcha desserts International and Asian night market favorites including BBQ, fried chicken, street snacks, boba drinks, and more Live performances, DJs, and stage programming Anime & cosplay contests Kimono showcases and themed cultural experiences Traditional games and interactive activities Indoor and outdoor dancing experiences, including “Dancing Under the Stars” The event is designed to be immersive, high-energy, and family-friendly, bringing together food, entertainment, and community in one space. 📍 Event Details Location: STC Rowland Legacy, Rowland Heights, CA Dates & Hours: Friday – May 22, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM Saturday – May 23, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday – May 24, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM 🛍 Vendor Participation We are currently curating a diverse lineup of food vendors, artisans, and retail brands to be part of this festival. We welcome a wide range of cuisines and creative concepts, including Chinese, Southeast Asian, Mexican, and other international offerings, in addition to Japanese-inspired selections. If you are interested in participating as a vendor, please submit your application. All vendors are subject to review and approval to ensure a balanced and high-quality experience.

Under the leadership and foresight of Tom Imai and other Nisei, the San Fernando Valley Japanese American Citizens League was established in 1942 and "reactivated" after World War II. During the 1960s, our chapter, under Robert Moriguchi, worked with other civil rights organizations in the Valley on issues of fair housing and human relations. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, San Fernando Valley JACL Board Members such as Nancy Gohata, Tak Yamamoto, Phil Shigekuni and Paul Tsuneishi actively worked on organizing the first Manzanar Pilgrimages and advocated tirelessly for Redress and Reparations. Since the 1990s, the Board offered programming dedicated to the changing demographics of the Japanese American community as well as LGBT rights in Asian American communities and beyond. Today, the Valley chapter and its board members continue to educate the public about the Japanese American experience and fight for social justice issues including, but not limited to, immigration reform, marriage equality, the protection of civil liberties, challenging hate speech, and youth empowerment. The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose ongoing mission is to secure and maintain the civil rights of Japanese Americans and all others who are victimized by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote cultural, educational and social values and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American community.

USC Nikkei Student Union represents the commitment of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, CA to building inclusive, culturally aware communities on campus. As a student-led organization, the union brings together individuals who share interests in cultural connection, community building, and student engagement within the USC ecosystem. The organization operates through EngageSC, a comprehensive campus engagement platform designed to help students navigate involvement opportunities and connect with like-minded peers throughout their time at USC. Based in Los Angeles, the Nikkei Student Union embodies the university's values of diversity and inclusion while providing a dedicated space where students can find belonging and purpose. The organization's mission centers on creating meaningful connections among students while fostering an environment where cultural identity and community involvement are celebrated and encouraged. By serving the USC community in Los Angeles, the Nikkei Student Union plays a vital role in enhancing student life and promoting a sense of belonging across the university. Members of this student organization discover not just events and activities, but genuine connections with peers who share their values and interests. The union's presence within USC's student life infrastructure ensures that students have access to a supportive community and the tools they need to engage meaningfully with campus life throughout their academic journey.