Chanpon

I just learned from Bobby Okinaka that Los Angeles has its own Mikoshi Team, the Rafu Mutsumi Kai. Founded in 1994 by a group of Japanese expats, the Rafu Mutsumi Kai "carries the mikoshi to symoblize cultural diversity, celebrate the friendship between the U.S. and Japan and support the spirit of the community." If you're in the LA area and interested in helping carry their 1,500 pound mikoshi (donated to the city of Long Beach by sister city Yokaichi), you can join the festivities at the Nisei Week Parade in LA's Little Tokyo on August 14. Click here to find out how to join the team.