Makoto Taiko at last year's Taiko Gathering. (J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo)
Makoto Taiko at last year’s Taiko Gathering. (J.K. YAMAMOTO/Rafu Shimpo)

As part of the second weekend of the Nisei Week Japanese Festival (Aug. 20-21), the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. in Little Tokyo, will present a series of events in the plaza. Free admission.

Food trucks will be available both days from 11 a.m. to 5 pm. The schedule of events is as follows:

Saturday, Aug. 20

? 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. —?Rubik’s Cube Contest

? 2-3:30 p.m. —?Day-Lee Foods Gyoza Contest

? 4:30-6:30 p.m. —?Music by Shin Kawasaki

Shin Kawasaki
Shin Kawasaki

Sunday, Aug. 21

? 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. —?The 23rdannual Taiko Gathering, featuring a dozen groups from throughout the L.A. area:

10:30-11 a.m. —?Hikari Taiko (Norwalk)

11-11:30 a.m. —?Yuujou Taiko (Cerritos)

11 a.m.-12 p.m. —?Kodama Taiko (Pasadena)

12-12:30 p.m. —?Makoto Taiko (Pasadena)

12:30-1 p.m. —?Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko (South Bay)

1-1:30 p.m. — Kishin Daiko (East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center)

1:30-2 p.m. —?Togen Daiko (Oxnard)

2-2:30 p.m. —?Crespi Taiko (Encino)

2:30-3 p.m. —?Asano Taiko U.S. (Torrance)

3-3:30 p.m. —?Kyodo Taiko (UCLA)

3:30-4 p.m. —?Yoki Daiko (Boyle Heights)

4-4:30 p.m. — Senryu Taiko (UC Riverside)

? 4:30-6:30 p.m. —?Music by Shin Kawasaki

Visual and Cultural Arts at JACCC (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Both Days)

? Bonsai: Nampu-Kai in George J. Doizaki Gallery

? Calligraphy: Beikoku Shodo Kenkyukai in Garden Room A

? Kimekomi Japanese dolls: Yukari-Kai in Garden Room B

? Samurai store: Tetsugendo in Garden Room B3

For more information, visit www.jaccc.org.