Venice Japanese Community Center hosts its annual Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) on June 27 and 28. Admission is free.

This two-day event is the center’s biggest public event as well as fundraiser each year. Funds raised subsidize a variety of cultural, service and sports activities offered to the community. It is also an opportunity to showcase Japanese/Japanese American culture, have a great time with family, and see old friends and new.

The festival will feature a variety of demonstrations such as judo, karate, kendo and taiko. There will also be ondo dancing each evening.

Exhibits include, bonsai, ikebana (flower arrangement), shodo (calligraphy), sumi-e (ink painting), and watercolor.

Food booths will also be prominent and include teriyaki chicken, sushi, udon, and beef short ribs, just to name a few. There will also be many game booths for the kids to enjoy.

Dates: Saturday, June 27, noon to 9 p.m.; Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Location: Venice Japanese Community Center, 12448 Braddock Dr., Los Angeles (one block west of Centinela Boulevard, half a mile north of the 90 Freeway)

Demonstration Schedule

Saturday, June 27

1:30 p.m.: Gakuen

2 p.m.: Aikido

2:30 p.m.: Judo

3 p.m.: Iaido

3:30 p.m.: Kendo

4 p.m.: Line dance

4:30 p.m.: Karate

5 p.m.: Introduction of Miss Western L.A. and Scholarship Awards

5:30 p.m.: Taiko

6 p.m.: Ondo

7 p.m.: Donut-Eating Contest

Sunday, June 28

1:30 p.m.: Hula

2 p.m.: Shodo

2:30 p.m.: Ikebana

3:30 p.m.: Odori

3:30 p.m.: Karate

4 p.m.: Judo

4:30 p.m.: Aikido

5 p.m.: Taiko

5:30 p.m.: Ondo

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