Discover the Highlights of the 2024 Nisei Week Coronation

Morgan Mayuko Gee was crowned Nisei Week Queen during the 82nd annual Nisei Week Coronation on Saturday. The evening’s program also honored the 140th anniversary of Little Tokyo. Gee, 26, is a graduate from California Polytechnic State University, and represents the Venice Japanese Community Center & Venice-West Los Angeles JACL. Her father, Ron Gee, expressed great pride for his daughter’s accomplishments. “I’m very proud of what she’s accomplished throughout this whole process. I know she and the entire court worked very hard and it’s great to see that all of her hard work paid off.”

Gee has a bachelor’s degree of Science, Recreations, Parks & Tourism Administration with a dual concentration in Events and Tourism & Hospitality Management. She expressed excitement over being able to incorporate her love for travel into her career. Morgan Mayuko Gee reacts to being named as the 2024 Nisei Week Queen, during the coronation event Saturday in Little Tokyo. Celebrating with her are, from left, and Amy Ryoko Kubo, who was named Miss Tomodachi. Gee’s mother, Iris, discussed in an interview with the Rafu Shimpo that the Nisei Week Coronation had always been something Gee had looked forward to. “[She] wanted to do this ever since I can remember. She always talked about it.”

“Every queen leaves her mark on the community and I’m so excited to be part of that and leave a legacy as well and continue that on for myself and then for the future generations to come,” Gee said.

The 2024 Nisei Week Court

The 2024 Nisei Week Court consists of six accomplished young women who represent various Japanese American community organizations. The court members are:

– *Seia Loraine Watanabe, who was named as 1st Princess, represents the Japanese Restaurant Association of America.
– Amy Ryoko Kubo, who represents East San Gabriel Valley Japanese Community Center, was named Miss Tomodachi.
– Anita Sumi Yayi Komatsu from the Gardena Evening Optimist.
– Carina Aiko Sakimura from the Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.
– Caitlyn Tera Sasaki* from the Orange County Nikkei Coordinating Council.

The Nisei Week Queen and Court are selected at the Coronation, one of Nisei Week’s marquee events. The queen and court program offers young Japanese American women an opportunity to learn about their Japanese heritage, develop their personal and professional skills, and engage with the community. Community organizations sponsor candidates to participate in this multi-faceted program. Candidates work closely with the Queen Committee and mentors in the community.

The Coronation Event

The coronation event took place at the Aratani (Japan America) Theatre in Little Tokyo. General admission tickets were priced at $95 per person. The 2024 queen and court will represent the Nisei Week Foundation at this year’s 80th Nisei Week Japanese Festival and other community events locally and nationally throughout the year.

The Nisei Week Japanese Festival is a nine-day event first held in 1934 and is recognized today as one of the nation’s longest-running cultural festivals. This event will take place in Little Tokyo from Aug. 10 to 18. For the festival schedule, visit NiseiWeek.org, call the Nisei Week Foundation office at (213) 687-7193 or email [email protected].

Our Advice on the City

For those visiting Los Angeles, particularly Little Tokyo, during the Nisei Week Festival, it is an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese American culture. We recommend starting your visit at the Japanese American National Museum, which offers a deep dive into the history and contributions of Japanese Americans.

For expert travelers, consider timing your visit to coincide with the Nisei Week Coronation. This event not only showcases the talents and dedication of the candidates but also offers a unique cultural experience that is both enriching and entertaining.

In conclusion, the Nisei Week Festival and its coronation event are more than just celebrations; they are a testament to the enduring legacy and vibrant culture of the Japanese American community in Los Angeles. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new to discover and appreciate in this historic neighborhood.