Stephanie Adachi keeps time for dancers during the Valley Japanese Community Centers 2024 Obon Festival in Sun Valley on Sunday.

Her year was notable because she got to meet the Emperor of Japan in June 1997 and among the community leaders she recalled from her time on the court were people such as Alan Miyatake.Its Shin Cordeiros turn to guide and lead the festival.

to inspire these leaders to do the same —its a collective effort.A large reason I can is because of this continued investment by people in the community.The first festival was held 90 years ago in 1934 and this is the 140th anniversary of Little Tokyo.

To invest in the next generation of leaders.Putting this festival together takes a tremendous effort … board.

Her first memories of Little Tokyo are going to St.

This years theme Connections highlights the way Nisei Week connects the community through the generations.Her other recent credits include the movies Crazy Rich Asians.

she recently became the first Asian to win the Academy Award for best actress.Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

and the first special presidential envoy for climate.Medgar Wiley Evers (posthumous).