I could tell there was something very different going on.

who drew on her backgrounds in Nihon buyo and minyo dance in her performance.the second iteration of an event launched in 2023 to center and celebrate the Nikkei LGBTQ+ community.

and the small size of our planning committee makes things even harder.Having a truly safe and affirming space to dance together in community and tell our stories is simply indescribable.TaikoProject encapsulated these feelings well.

Gia Gunn (Photo by Willa Cutolo)[By] performing at this years Okaeri Matsuri we hope that you might feel nostalgic of Nikkei events you remember while growing up.despite obstacles and resistance.

a celebration like Okaeri Matsuri hasnt always been assured.

Dance was another medium where LGBTQ+ Nikkei acceptance was embodied.000 doors in the key swing state.

His call to action invigorated attendees.rallied alongside volunteers to galvanize support for Harris.

highlighting her humble beginnings and stressing the power of voting with these words: They dont hear your boos.This collective movement highlights the crucial role AAPI voters hold.