Remembering Shibuya Halloween: My Night at Tokyo’s Wildest Street Party
In honor of Halloween, I wanted to look back on one of my favorite memories from my last trip to Japan — the night I found myself in the middle of the Shibuya Halloween party in Tokyo.
In honor of Halloween, I wanted to look back on one of my favorite memories from my last trip to Japan — the night I found myself in the middle of the Shibuya Halloween party in Tokyo.
Imagine a sea of costumed people flooding the streets around Shibuya Crossing, lights flashing, signs glowing, and an atmosphere filled with energy, laughter, and creativity. It was easily the biggest and most unforgettable Halloween party I’ve ever experienced- and probably, my favorite Tokyo experience overall, so far.
A Brief History of Shibuya Halloween
For those unfamiliar, Shibuya Halloween started in the early 2000s as a spontaneous street gathering. There wasn’t an official organizer — just young people showing up in costume around Shibuya Crossing, one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks.
As social media and tourism grew in the 2010s, so did the event. By the mid-decade, it had exploded into a massive phenomenon. Between 2016 and 2018, crowd estimates ranged from 60,000 to 70,000 people filling the streets of Shibuya.
But with that many people came challenges. In the late 2010s, city officials introduced a public drinking ban to help manage the chaos. This, likely in response to an incident where partygoers overturned a truck the year before. Then, after the tragic crowd crush in Seoul’s Itaewon district in 2022, authorities became even more cautious about large, unregulated gatherings.
Today, Shibuya Halloween is technically discouraged — the city enforces restrictions on public drinking and smoking, and on sale of alcohol during Halloween week, and police heavily patrol the area. I’ve even read that scooter and e-bike services will be suspended this year as well. That said, there is nothing really preventing people from going to the neighborhood, and so its no surprise that Instagram has plenty of images of people continuing to attend. However, the event (if you can still call it that) appears to have largely faded, leaving patrons to seek out smaller, organized events and club parties.
My Experience at Shibuya Halloween
I attended Shibuya Halloween in 2016, during the event’s peak years — though it honestly happened by accident. It was the last night of our Tokyo trip, and my friend and I were looking for something to do before our early flight the next morning. We decided to head to Shibuya, not realizing what night it was.
When we stepped off the train, we immediately knew something was happening. The station was pretty packed, and it got even more crowded once we were outside by the Hachiko statue. By the time we reached the famous scramble crossing, we were shoulder-to-shoulder with the people around us.
It was obvious that something was happening, just based on all the people who were crowding around the windows in Shibuya Station.
Despite the density, it was surprisingly orderly — no pushing or shoving, just everyone waiting patiently for the lights to change, while police corralled the crowds with light sticks and megaphones. The moment the signal turned, a wave of people surged across the intersection- the ambient sound slowly growing from a low rumble to loud chatter, laughter, and music.
Crossing into Shibuya at that moment felt electric, and any tension I may have felt quickly turned into pure joy. Everywhere you looked, people were smiling, taking photos, showing off costumes — everything from cheap store-bought outfits to elaborate cosplay-level creations. As someone who gets fired up about photography and exploration, it was a dream to attend.
A Photographer’s Perspective
My friend and I weren’t in costume, of course, but that didn’t matter. The fun was simply in being there — walking through the crowd, taking photos, and soaking in the energy.
What really stood out to me was how open and friendly everyone was about being photographed. I tend to be a bit hesitant about approaching people for a photo, but at Shibuya Halloween, that hesitation disappeared. I feel like most people understand that being seen and documented is part of the experience of being in costume, and so events like this make it easier for me to approach people and ask for a photo.
Honestly, the number of awesome costumes makes it hard for me not to ask. I’m a huge fan of pop culture, so naturally, cosplay is something that strikes a cord with me. Being able to capture an IRL character (especially when executed well) is worth the little bit of discomfort or social awkwardness that comes with the exchange.
There’s something incredibly fun about a bunch of Friezas and Pikachus hanging out together in Tokyo.
From a photography standpoint, it was incredible — a wealth of amazing subjects and lighting conditions that didn’t fight me. As far as subjects go, every corner offered a new scene: costumed characters posing under city lights, friends laughing in front of local businesses, spontaneous mashup circles forming in the middle of the crowd. I feel like I got something great no matter where I pointed my camera, and since there was a ton of light, I didn’t have to worry too much about settings- just point and shoot.
Reflections on the Event’s End
It’s strange to think that this same event is now essentially gone. Again, it appears people are still attending, but there’s no doubt that the local government is trying to kill it. It’s sad, because looking back, nothing about that night felt unsafe or unruly. The police presence kept things running smoothly, and the crowd — while massive — was positive and cooperative.
I completely understand the need for public safety and organization, but I can’t help but feel nostalgic for what Shibuya Halloween represented — a spontaneous, creative expression of Tokyo’s holiday culture. It was a little chaotic, yes, but in the best possible way.
Haunted Little Tokyo: A Local Alternative
These days, I’m at a different stage in life — family, responsibilities, and a little one at home mean late-night adventures like that are on hold for now. But I still find myself craving that same festive energy.
Here in Los Angeles, there’s an event called Haunted Little Tokyo, which I’ve always wanted to check out. It’s a much smaller Halloween celebration centered around LA’s Little Tokyo district, but from the photos I’ve seen, it gives off a similar vibe — costumes, street energy, and that mix of Japanese culture and community celebration. I won’t be able to check it out any time soon, and so I can’t say if it would scratch the same itch. But I at least did want to mention it as something local to consider if you’re interested.
Closing Thoughts
Looking back, that night in Shibuya remains one of my favorite travel memories — a time when Tokyo’s creativity and humanity were on full display. I hope that, one day, the event will return in its full glory — and that I’ll be fortunate enough to attend again.
Until then, I’ll keep revisiting my photos and remembering what it felt like to be part of that incredible night. Please take a look at the rest of the shots from that night below!
If you’ve experienced Shibuya Halloween yourself, drop a comment or share your photos — I’d love to see them. You can find me on Instagram and Threads.
Happy Halloween — and here’s to the nights that remind us how creative and connected we can be.
Dekocar at Nisei Week 2025
I finally made it back out to a Dekocar event at Nisei Week in Little Tokyo. It’s been quite a few years since I last attended—2019, if memory serves—so it felt good to return.
I finally made it back out to a Dekocar event at Nisei Week in Little Tokyo. It’s been quite a few years since I last attended—2019, if memory serves—so it felt good to return. These days it can be tough to carve out time to do anything consistently, but I’m glad I went. It was a chance to see how the scene has evolved, catch up with some familiar styles, and of course, take plenty of photos to share.
Like last time, the event took place at the Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in Little Tokyo. The venue is a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Japanese Village Plaza and Weller Court, but after the hard time I had finding parking for Nisei Week, I can appreciate the separation. The show felt a little smaller in terms of cars compared to 2019, but also bigger in other ways. Inside the temple’s auditorium, there was an artist alley, vendors, and even a small stage for performances, adding more variety to the experience.
Highlights from the Car Displays
Returning Motifs
One car that really caught my eye was a white Mitsubishi Evo with a Boosette-themed design. Back in 2019, I photographed a similar car, and I found myself wondering if this was the same one. As it turns out, it is! The styling has definitely changed—this version features new wrap designs and is heavily modified with a body kit, spoiler, and custom hood. The look is different enough that I didn’t even recognize it at the Taste of Japan Dekocar event in May. It's only here (where I first encountered it) that my memory was finally jogged. Regardless, it was cool to see an “old face” make a comeback. In a way, it made it feel like maybe I hadn’t been gone that long from the scene. (Owner @king_boo_rider on Instagram)
Other Standout Designs
Kuromi Mazda Miata
A clean black Miata featuring the Sanrio character Kuromi. The vehicle had a striking design and it definitely stood out. (Owner @MelaniMiata on Instagram).
Tifa Lockhart BRZ
A bold Final Fantasy–themed build. It’s always fun to see game culture blend into the itasha world. Personally, I’ve always been more of an Aerith guy, but Tifa seems to be the more popular of the two. (Owner @lex.lao on Instagram)
Dragon Ball Z x LA Dodgers 370Z
One of the most unexpected mashups I’ve seen. It feels so strange, but considering the two franchises here, there’re probably A LOT of people who would be into this. Either way, I love a good Z, and that Vegeta design on the side was sick so this was definitely a favorite of mine.
Umamusume Porsche Cayman
I favor JDM above all else, so its ironic that my personal favorite of the show was this Porsche. The base paint was a striking turquoise, with a partial wrap that left much of the original color shining through. The artwork featured Twin Turbo, with a sort of pop-graffiti design. I know nothing about Umamusume, but this beautifully designed piece makes me a little curious. Between this, and all the RWBs out there, I’m starting to look a little closer at German cars now… (Owner @minhp765 on Instagram)
Gundam 00 Subaru Impreza
Gundam designs are always a staple at these shows. While I’m more familiar with older entries like Gundam Wing or 08th MS Team, it was great to see the franchise represented. (Owner @00_subaru_ on Instagram).
Ninomae Lexus LS430
I feel like Luxury cars are rare in the itasha scene, so this one stood out. It kept much of its elegant feel while also sporting a clean, modern art style on the wrap. Dropped stance, tasteful execution—definitely a highlight. (Owner @zzwderick on Instagram)
Classic JDM Presence
Not every car at the event was an itasha. There were a number of clean, classic JDM cars, including an immaculate blue Civic Si with a restored engine and minimal cosmetic mods. It was a reminder that sometimes simplicity and preservation make just as big of an impression as flashy wraps.
There were also, what appeared to be a few older rotary engine cars on display (they look like Mazdas and Datsuns?). I’m not too sure on the models, since pre-90s vehicles are a bit outside my area of familiarity. That said, they were absolutely gorgeous, and I went down a rabbit hole in trying to learn more about them.
(There were many more cars, of course. The rest of the images I took are located at the end of this article.)
Beyond the Cars
To my surprise, the event wasn’t just about vehicles. Inside the hall, there was an artist alley with merch and prints, plus a live stage. One standout moment was a performance by Hamu Cotton, a dance performer known for her anime-inspired routines. She drew an enthusiastic crowd, with plenty of fans cheering and dancing along. This added a new energy to the show compared to last visit, making it feel more like a cultural gathering than just a car meet.
Final Thoughts
Attending Dekocar at Nisei Week reminded me why I love covering these events. Even after being away for so long, there was a sense of continuity—familiar motifs mixed with new creativity, plus more variety in things to see. Compared to other events like Taste of Japan, which hosted itasha indoors with tougher lighting, I appreciated that this one was outside, where the designs could really shine.
If you’re interested in following the itasha scene, check out Dekocar on Instagram (@dekocar). They regularly post cars from events around the world and are a great resource if you want to see more.
For me, this was a refreshing return to the culture, and I’m looking forward to the next chance to document it. Stay tuned for more photo stories and coverage—both from new outings and from my archives.
In the meantime, enjoy some more car photos from the event.
Tokyo’s D1 Grand Prix: The Auto Event that Ruined Auto Events for Me
In 2016, I stumbled upon the D1 Grand Prix in Tokyo. It was my introduction to Japanese automotive culture (you know, outside of games and anime), and I loved nearly everything about it.
A few years back, I wrote a semi-critical account of my visit to Nissfest, a Nissan enthusiast event in Irwindale. Normally, I try to keep things positive, but that day I couldn’t shake my disappointment. Don’t get me wrong- I did have some fun at this event. But at the same time, my enjoyment was dwarfed by constant little annoyances and disappointments. It was baffling, because I’ve always loved going to car shows, and I spent my fair share of time at street races in my youth. Yet, something was different now, and looking back, I think my expectations were unfairly colored by my first Japanese auto event: the 2016 D1 Grand Prix in Tokyo.
D1 was my introduction to Japanese automotive culture (you know, outside of games and anime), and I loved nearly everything about it. Naturally, I thought I’d feel the same way at Nissfest, as the two events share a lot in common. Unfortunately, my experiences couldn’t have been more different, and this mismatch is making me wonder if I’m no longer suited to American tuner culture at all.
What Is the D1 Grand Prix?
If you’re reading this because “D1 Grand Prix” caught your eye, you probably know more than I do. My limited knowledge comes straight from Wikipedia: “The D1 Grand Prix (D1グランプリ), abbreviated as D1GP and subtitled Professional Drift, is a production car drifting series from Japan.”
The rest of the wiki article is a bit lengthy, but in short, D1 is one of Japan’s most prestigious and popular drifting competitions, with events that have even expanded outside Japan.
But here’s the twist: I didn’t go to D1 because I was a fan of drifting. In fact, I had absolutely no business being there. I stumbled into it completely by accident.
How I Ended Up at the D1 Grand Prix
My friend and I were in the Odaiba’s DiverCity shopping mall to pick up Tokyo Disneyland tickets from the Disney Store. Upon leaving, we went over to see the massive life-size RX-78 Gundam statue (back then it wasn’t the Unicorn Gundam yet) located just outside the mall. While I was busy taking photos, I noticed a line of people forming nearby.
The line got really long, fairly quick…
Most people would’ve shrugged and moved on. But I was in an adventurous mood and dragged my friend over to see what it was all about. Looking back, I’m actually kind of surprised got in line. My friend and I didn’t speak Japanese (at least not fluently) and the entrance sign was a little ambiguous, so there was no way to know what was in store for us.
That random decision paid off, however, as it turned into one of my favorite memories of that Tokyo trip.
Experiencing D1 Firsthand
The D1 Grand Prix was unlike any car event I’d experienced before. From the moment I walked in, I was hooked. Drift demonstrations, vendor booths, and rows of incredible cars—it had everything. One display even featured the (then new) 2nd-Gen Honda NSX (a real treat, as a fan of the first gen model). Best of all, it didn’t feel too crowded (which is unusual for anything in Tokyo, but I didn’t question it).
The drift demos were a big highlight. Cars would drift side-by-side in a small area adjacent to the vendor booths and event stage. Not just that- fans could even sign up to ride in the cars during the demonstrations, though unfortunately I couldn’t join because the forms were all in Japanese. Still, I had a blast just spectating and taking photos. The viewing area sat right up against the action, which worked out perfectly since was limited by the three prime lenses I brought for this trip: a 14mm ultra-wide, a 50mm, and a 90mm macro. You can read more about my mistaken rationale regarding these lenses in an earlier post, but suffice to say, it made some scenarios a challenge to shoot. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with this event.
How D1 Differed From Events in the U.S.
What struck me most wasn’t the cars—it was the atmosphere. Compared to the tuner-ish events I’d attended here at home, D1 was so much more laid back. It was incredibly refreshing.
The crowd was also diverse: kids, teens, young adults, and even old guys. Everyone seemed equally excited to be there, and the vibe was energetic without being obnoxious. Unlike many of the car shows I’ve attended in the U.S., there were no burnouts, no shouting matches, no blaring sound systems competing for attention, and absolutely no “let’s see whose exhaust is loudest” contests. Just cameras snapping, music from booths, and plenty of chatter and laughter.
That absence of noise and chaos made the whole event a joy to experience. After attending D1, it’s no wonder that Nissfest left me feeling so sour.
The crowd at D1. Orderly lines and a calm atmosphere.
Meanwhile, here is a crowd shot at the last Nissfest I attended. I’m pretty sure this was an impromptu revving contest.
The Not-So-Perfect Side
Of course, not everything was flawless. The main “Grand Prix” racing portion required separate tickets, and thanks to the language barrier, I never figured out where to buy them. I also wished the event itself had been larger, since the booths and displays were so much fun to explore.
And then there were the camera guys. Yeah, I get that booth models are part of the auto scene, but some of these dudes straight up hound the ladies for photos. And its not just one or two guys. At one point there was a model showcase on the stage, and a sea of cameras arise whenever they posed for the crowd.
Them’s a looooot of cameras…
Truthfully though, I’m still undecided on how I feel about it. It’s why they’re there, after all (both the models and photographers), and the disrespectful photographers were more the exception than the norm. But it still felt off to me, and even a little cringe. Nonetheless, I’m an outsider to both D1, and the Japanese auto scene as a whole. So its possible that all this is completely normal and expected here.
This is a fairly calm-looking shot, but there was actually a random photographer to the right barking commands at them.
Final Thoughts: Why D1 Still Stands Out
D1 set a new bar for me. It had everything I enjoyed most from car events, but with almost none of what I dislike. And once you have an experience like that, its kind of hard to go back.
These days, I stick to itasha displays and classic car shows. These kinds of events have more of the kind of energy that I vibe with now. They tend to be calmer, slower-paced, and they have more opportunities to really take in what they have to offer- cars, art, and great community.
And too be fair, not all American tuner events are bad. The truth is that I’m probably just aging out of the scene. I’m not in my twenties anymore, and I have to accept the fact that my tolerance for loud noises, rubber smoke, and an overall lack of consideration has faded. But 20 years ago? I would have been all over an event like Nissfest and loving every bit of it.
Thankfully, D1 showed me that there are still events out there for me- I just gotta go looking for them. By following my curiosity, I stumbled into one of my favorite Tokyo memories. Even now, years later, it remains a high point for me, and an experience that I hope to capture again some day.
Don’t Miss Little Tokyo’s Nisei Week Grand Parade
If you're a fan of Japanese culture or someone who loves documenting unique cultural experiences, then the Nisei Week Grand Parade is one of those events that should absolutely be on your radar.
If you're a fan of Japanese culture or someone who loves documenting unique cultural experiences, then the Nisei Week Grand Parade is one of those events that should absolutely be on your radar.
I’ve been attending Nisei Week for several years now. And while it’s changed quite a bit (like most things, if I’m being honest), it’s still one of my favorite events to cover. What keeps me coming back is the fact that there is no other way to experience such a wealth of Japanese culture, short of taking a trip to Japan. It’s colorful, it’s loud, it’s heartfelt—and it’s one of the best cultural celebrations you can attend on the West Coast. Best of all, it’s punctuated by a beautiful grand parade that encircles the Little Tokyo Japanese Village Plaza.
What is the Nisei Week Grand Parade?
The Nisei Week Grand Parade is the highlight of the multi-day Nisei Week festival, which celebrates Japanese American culture. The word Nisei refers to second-generation Japanese Americans, and the event originally began in the 1930s as a way to celebrate, preserve, and share Japanese heritage.
The parade itself is a unique blend of tradition and popular subculture—you’ll see taiko drummers and Bon Odori dancers one minute, then anime cosplayers, martial artists, and car clubs the next. The energy, performances, and visuals make this a must-see for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture or cultural events.
When, Where, and How to Catch It
The Grand Parade usually takes place on a Sunday afternoon (it’s on August 10th this year), typically starting around 4:00 PM. The route usually begins near 2nd Street and Central Ave, winds through the heart of Little Tokyo.
Tips for First-Time Visitors:
Arrive early to scout your spot— You’ll want to grab a spot in the shade, since the later afternoon sun can be intense. Also, some areas are a little more aesthetic than others. My favorites are the corner of 1st St & San Pedro St and the area across from the Little Tokyo Fire Tower (but only if you don’t mind the sun).
Parking can be tricky. There are parking garages and lots all over Little Tokyo, but unless you plan on being there the whole day, I would park away from Japanese Village Plaza. First off, they’re going to fill up quickly, but second, it becomes impossible to leave them once the parade starts (not that you’d want to, but you never know). Public transit is also an option, and there is a Metro station conveniently located on 1st St and Central Ave.
Bring water and sunscreen. Like I said, the sun can be brutal at this time. Also, a light bag is probably a good idea so you can keep stuff with you. You won’t want to leave your spot once everything starts.
If you’re shooting, go light on gear. One camera body and a zoom lens is ideal. A 24–70mm is a good all-arounder, but if you have something with more reach, that will help too. Photo Tip: Golden hour starts to hit just as the parade kicks off. Keep the sun in front of you and look for areas with lots of light and shadow. You can get some beautiful images at this hour.
More Than a Parade: What to Do Before and After
Little Tokyo is already one of the best places in LA for Japanese food, art, and culture— and Nisei Week adds even more to experience.
Here are a few things to check out before or after the parade:
Other Nisei Week Activities: The Grand Parade isn’t the only thing happening during Nisei Week. There is a variety of performances, exhibits, and attractions happening throughout Little Tokyo. Take some time to check a few of these out before setting up for the parade.
Japanese American National Museum: Located right across from the Metro station, this museum is a must-see for historical context and fascinating exhibits.
Street Food & Snacks: If you want the Japanese festival experience, there’s plenty to try. My personal favorite are the Imagawayaki cakes from Mitsuru Cafe. But you can also grab Takoyaki from Tanota, fresh mochi from Fugetsu-Do, and onigiri rice balls from Marukai Market.
Shopping: Kinokuniya, Japangeles, Popkiller, Anime Jungle— there’s no shortage of places to load up on Japanese books, fashion, stationery and gifts.
Street Photography (of course): Little Tokyo has always been one of my favorite places to take photos. From the crowds, to the decor, and colorful character that is LA, there’s just so much to capture and appreciate. This is definitely a place to have fun with a camera.
Final Thoughts: A Living Celebration Worth Capturing
Nisei Week isn’t just a festival— it’s a vibrant celebration of cultural, expression, and community. Whether you’re there to connect with Japanese heritage or capture it through your lens, the Grand Parade is an unforgettable experience.
If this post inspired you to visit—or if you’ve attended in the past—I’d love to see your photos. Tag me on Instagram or drop a link in the comments.
In the meantime, check out some of the images I’ve captured from previous Nisei Week Parades. It’ll give you a good idea of what’s in store.
Dekocar at Taste of Japan 2025
Itasha have become one of my favorite things to photograph in recent years. So when I saw that Dekocar was doing another display at the Taste of Japan festival in Anaheim this summer, I knew I had to check it out.
Itasha have become one of my favorite things to photograph in recent years. While my interest in the art dates back to 2014—during my first trip to Tokyo—it wasn’t until 2019 that I really began photographing them, thanks to the Dekocar showcase at Nisei Week. That event flipped a switch in me, and I’ve been on the lookout for Itasha events ever since.
So when I saw that Dekocar was doing another display at the Taste of Japan festival in Anaheim this summer, I knew I had to check it out.
Now, I’ve been to a Taste of Japan event before, and to be honest, it’s not the most dynamic festival. It’s fairly typical of a lot of free summer events we get in SoCal—mostly vendor booths and a single main stage, light on immersive experiences. Though to be fair, Nisei Week is also free, yet is a much richer cultural experience overall. So, "free" doesn't always mean lackluster—but in this case, I wasn’t expecting anything groundbreaking either.
This is a fairly typical scene at the event, though it gets much more crowded the further in you go.
When I arrived, though, I was surprised—it was packed. The event took place at the STC Anaheim Gardenwalk, a kind of multi-level outdoor mall, and this year’s crowd definitely filled the space. After wandering around a bit, I made my way down to the parking garage where the Dekocar display was being held. It turned out to be a blessing: not only was it cooler (mid-June heat is no joke), but it also gave the display a kind of underground, exclusive feel that worked surprisingly well.
One thing that really caught me off guard was how much branding Dekocar had this year. Columns were wrapped with Dekocar graphics, there were banners, LED signage—it felt like the brand had leveled up since I last saw them at Anime Impulse in 2020. Their digital footprint might still be niche, but in person, they’ve built a strong identity.
There was a DJ, a few vendor booths, and even a surprise appearance from Pocari Sweat, who apparently now have a U.S. presence and are distributing through Costco (now I need to get a membership again). They were handing out free bottles, which was a huge win considering how hot it was. Naturally, I grabbed a couple.
If I had to call out one issue with the setup, though, it’d be the lighting. The garage was pretty dim—fine for escaping the heat, but not ideal for showcasing the vibrant and intricate art of the Itasha wraps. These striking designs are meant to be seen, and poor lighting completely robs them of their impact. On the upside, the dim environment did make the LED underglow and other lighting effects really pop. A bit of a silver lining, I suppose.
Lighting is all over the place down here.
Photographically speaking, it wasn’t a disaster, even with the lighting. I shot both photo and video and didn’t run into many issues, thanks to the fact that the cars were stationary. The only time I struggled was when I tried to grab a portrait of the Pocari Sweat crew under their dark canopy (see the crew portrait above to see what I mean- my Nikon Z5’s autofocus had a tough time locking in under those conditions).
That said, creating solid images from these would take a lot of work, given the uneven lighting, harsh reflections, and dark shadows. Maybe I’ll try something with them in the future, but for now, here’s a complete set of images with basic edits:
All in all, the event was solid. The display wasn’t as big as the one I saw back at Nisei Week 2019, but it was definitely larger and more refined than the last Taste of Japan showing. Even better, I found out that Dekocar will be back at Nisei Week again this year on August 16—which I’m seriously hyped for. That event is one of my favorite memories of photographing Itasha. I’ll definitely be there, and if you’re into car culture, anime, or just want something unique to photograph, you should go too.
Just note that this is not the same weekend as the Nisei Week Grand Parade, which happens one week earlier on the 10th. If you only have one day to spend in Little Tokyo, the parade weekend offers a deeper cultural experience (plus there are usually a few Itasha in that parade anyway). But if the cars are your main draw, the Dekocar weekend is where it’s at.
If you’ve ever had a memorable encounter with Itasha—or if you know of a cool upcoming event I should check out—drop it in the comments or send me a message. I would love to check it out!