Presented by Asian CineVision (ACV), the 49th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) will take place Thursday, July 30 through Sunday, August 9 in New York and online. This year’s festival features a captivating array of films that delve into themes of love, relationships, grief, and complex emotions.

JapanCulture•NYC is supporting three Japanese films: AKASHI, Summer Project, and Mother’s Recipe. All three are coming-of-age dramas that are making their world premieres during AAIFF.

AKASHI

Saturday, August 1 at 11:00 a.m.

Asia Society – 725 Park Avenue at E. 70th Street

Admission: $19

Dir. Mayumi Yoshida | 100 minutes | Japanese with English subtitles | with Mayumi Yoshida, Hana Kino, Ryo Tajima, Chieko Matsubara, Kunio Murai | Content Warning: Strong language

World premiere

This film is part of an in-person shorts-feature combination screening and will be preceded by the short film One Last Walk. The screening will be followed by a Q&A.

When Kana, a Japanese artist living in Vancouver, returns to Tokyo for her grandmother’s funeral, she’s pulled between the life she chose and the one she left behind. As family expectations close in and an old love reappears, she uncovers a hidden romance from her grandfather’s past. Past and present begin to echo, and AKASHI becomes a quiet reflection on identity, memory, and the choices that shape who we become.

Born in Japan and raised on three continents, Mayumi Yoshida is a director, actor, and writer based in Vancouver, BC. Her background brings a unique “in-betweener” perspective to her storytelling. She is an alumna of WarnerMedia x Canadian Academy’s Writer/Director Program, TIFF Writer’s Studio, and Beyond Japan Filmmakers Program, where she was mentored by Hirokazu Koreeda. Her Juno-nominated music video, “Different Than Before,” won the Jury Award at SXSW.

Summer Project

Friday, August 7 at 8:30 p.m.

Village East Angelika – 181-189 2nd Avenue (between 11th and 12th Streets)

This film will be screened in-person only.

Admission: $19

Dir. Yuki Hara | 15 minutes | Japanese with English subtitles | with Iori Sugimoto, Mutsuo Yoshioka, Misa Wada | Content Warning: Animal Abuse, Blood/Gore, Death, Violence

World Premiere

Akira, a quiet third-grader, can’t fit in with the popular kids and always watches them from outside the circle. One day, he discovers an old suitcase by the river. Inside is a human head. Desperate for friends, he takes it home, names it “Mr. Nakagawa,” and makes it his summer research project. The grim secret finally brings him companions: His classmates, thrilled by the head, throw themselves into a quest to find the missing body. It feels like the best summer of Akira’s life. But the happiness doesn’t last. As decay sets in, the boys’ innocent game twists into an irreversible nightmare.

Yuki Hara is a Japanese director, screenwriter, and producer specializing in horror and thrillers. In 2019, he gained global recognition writing, directing, and producing the series Scam, distributed internationally as a Netflix Original. The founder of Ghost Gate Films and a key creative at Yami, a horror studio backed by a major Japanese TV network, Hara produced the Warner Bros. feature Re/Member, Japan’s No.1 horror box office hit, and wrote and produced its 2025 sequel.

Mother’s Recipe

Saturday, August 8 at 2:30 p.m.

Village East by Angelika – 181-189 2nd Avenue (between 11th and 12th Streets)

Admission: Pay What You Can (Suggested: $15)
Individual Online Ticket: $11 | Household Online Ticket (Intended for those who wish to watch an online screening together with other members of their household): $15

This film will be screened in-person and online. There will be a Q&A with director Izumo Kawabe and lead actor Hyuga Kawabe following the in-person screening.

Dir. Izumo Kawabe | 12 minutes | Chinese (Singaporean Mandarin) and Japanese with English subtitles | Estovan Reizo, Hyuga Kawabe, Kumi Morizaki, Jaslyn Koh

World premiere

When a young Japanese boy, Yuya, is uprooted from his life in Japan and relocated to Singapore by his mother, he learns that the move is not temporary. Determined to return home, he runs away and begins working at a local food court to save enough money to go back. Alone in a foreign country where he cannot speak the language, Yuya is forced to navigate an unfamiliar world and discover what “home” truly means.

Izumo Kawabe is a 20-year-old Japanese director who grew up in Singapore. He began making films at the age of nine. Mother’s Recipe won Best Short Film in the U25 category at the Academy-Qualifying Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, was selected for multiple festivals, and garnered more than 3.5 million total views from clips shared on social media platforms. He has worked with acclaimed Singaporean filmmaker Eric Khoo and is currently studying film production at NYU.

Mother’s Recipe is part of AAIFF’s Shorts:Ones to Watch: Filmmakers Under 21. Celebrate the future of AANHPI filmmaking with our youngest creatives as they take you on a journey through the modern conditions of youth and young adulthood. It's coming of age as they see it, through the lenses of period drama, documentary and more. The winner will receive a cash prize.

Tickets

In addition to a stellar lineup of films, the festival will feature Q&As, receptions, and VIP events, providing unique opportunities to connect with industry professionals and fellow film enthusiasts. Please visit AAIFF’s website for the full schedule of events and to purchase tickets. Ticket packages are available on Elevant for online and in-person screenings.

JapanCulture•NYC followers can use promo code AAIFF49_JCNYC to receive a discount!

About AAIFF

Established in 1978 by Asian CineVision, the Asian American International Film Festival is the nation’s first and longest running festival of its kind and the premier showcase for the best independent Asian, Asian diaspora, and Pacific Islander cinema. AAIFF is committed to film and media as a tool for social change and to supporting diversity and inclusion in the media arts.

About Asian CineVision

Founded in 1975 by grassroots media activists, Asian CineVision (ACV) has spent the past 50 years devoted to the development, exhibition, promotion, and preservation of Asian and Asian American experiences through film and media arts. ACV’s mission is to nurture and grow the community of makers and lovers of Asian and Asian American and diasporic independent Asian film, television, and digital. In addition to its flagship event, the Asian American International Film Festival, ACV runs the ACV Media Archives, a Fiscal Sponsorship program, the media publication Cinevue, the Asian American International Screenplay Competition and Reading, and the National Festival Tour.

Enjoying JapanCulture•NYC? This site is supported by our community, and a $5/month membership helps offset the costs of keeping it running so we can continue spotlighting the people and events that make our community shine. Please click here to join.

Susan McCormac 7/21/26 Susan McCormac 7/21/26

NY Mets to Host Dodgers on Japanese Heritage Night

Area Japanese and Japanese American organizations are once again teaming up with the New York Mets to host Japanese Heritage Night on July 24 vs the Los Angeles Dodgers

Japanese Heritage Night

Friday, July 24 at 5:45 p.m.

Citi Field – Flushing, Queens

Area Japanese and Japanese American organizations are once again teaming up with the New York Mets to host Japanese Heritage Night. Head to Citi Field this Friday, July 24 as The Amazin’s face two-time National League MVP Shohei Ohtani, World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki and the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Japanese American Association of New York (JAA), the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), The Nippon Club, Japan Society, the American Friends of the International House of Japan, the U.S.-Japan Council (USJC), Japan Society of Fairfield County, and the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) will host Japanese and Japanese American Community Night, celebrating the strong bond between the U.S. and Japan through our shared love of baseball.

To purchase tickets, please visit the Mets’ ticketing system. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated one of the participating organizations; you’ll be asked to indicate your choice at checkout.

Fans who purchase through the link will receive a limited-edition Japanese Mets jersey. Please note: All jerseys will be size XL. To redeem the Japanese Mets Jersey, fans must enter through the Right Field Gate (located on Seaver Way between the Bullpen Gate and the Hodges Gate) before the end of 5th inning and have their tickets scanned.

Program

5:40 p.m. – Citi Field Gates Open
5:45 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. – Taiko drumming performance by Soh Daiko in Mets Plaza (between the 7 train subway station and outside the main gate)
6:30 p.m. until 6:40 p.n. – Taiko drumming performance by Soh Daiko at the Jackie Robinson Rotunda (inside the main gate)
6:40 p.m. until 6:55 p.m. – Honorary First Pitch by Hiroshi Kawano, Executive Chairman, MUFG Americas Holding Corporation, throwing to honorary catcher, Gary Moriwaki, Board Member, Japan Society New York followed by the Amazin' Awards
6:57 p.m. – National Anthem by Marina Kondo, actress and cast member of Ragtime on Broadway

All times subject to change by the New York Mets

Amazin' Awards

All eight organizations and their designated representatives will be introduced to the stadium in a ceremony at home plate.

The Japanese American Association of New York – Koji Sato, President

JCCI – Masaaki Maeda, Vice President & Assistant Secretary

The Nippon Club – Makoto Kageyama, Senior Manager, Head of Food Services

Japan Society – Joshua Walker, Outgoing President & CEO

Japanese American National Museum – Kathryn Bannai, Member of the Board of Trustees

U.S.-Japan Council – Darin Arita, New York Regional Co-Chair

International House of Japan – David Janes, President

Japan Society of Fairfield County – Jackie Alexander, President

In addition to Japanese Heritage Night and the remaining games of the Dodgers/Mets series this weekend, the Mets are offering tickets to premium select games at Citi Field the rest of the season. To purchase tickets, please visit the Mets’ ticketing system.

August 17-19 vs San Diego Padres
August 28-30 vs Houston Astros
September 4-6 vs San Francisco Giants

Susan McCormac 7/8/26 Susan McCormac 7/8/26

JAA & AAA to Celebrate Japanese Folklore Legend

10th Annual Tanabata Festival

Saturday, July 11 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Carl Schurz Park Esplanade – East River Promenade (enter at E. 86th Street and East End Avenue)

Admission: Free

The Japanese American Association of New York and the Amateur Astronomers Association of New York, together with support from the Consulate General of Japan in New York, will hold the tenth annual stargazing Tanabata Festival. AAA members with telescopes will show guests the night sky and tell the folk tale of Princess Orihime and Hikoboshi, who are represented by the stars Vega and Altair, which are prominent in the summer sky.

The Legend of Tanabata

Princess Orihime weaved night and day, so much so that her father, the Heavenly Emperor, arranged for his workaholic daughter to meet a handsome cowherd named Hikoboshi. It was love at first sight, and the couple married immediately. Busy being a devoted wife, Princess Orihime neglected her weaving, prompting the emperor to separate the young lovers and sending Hikoboshi to the other side of the Amanogawa, or the Milky Way.

Beside herself with loneliness, Princess Orihime cried and cried, beginning the rainy season with her tears. Her father couldn’t stand to see his daughter in this state, so he allowed her to visit her beloved one day a year, on the seventh day of the seventh month.

To honor the star-crossed lovers, the Japanese write their wishes on thin strips of paper called tanzaku and hang them from bamboo branches.

Write Your Wishes

Volunteers from the Origami Therapy Association will hand out tanzaku, upon which guests can write their wishes and tie them to bamboo branches. OTA will also teach participants how to fold different kinds of origami.

There will be live performances by The New York Mixed Chorus and Bon Dan-NYC as well as an amateur kabuki play about the legend of Tanabata. Food will be available for purchase from Musubin’. Enjoy a summer evening with JAA and the community.

This event is free and open to the public, so throw on your yukata and make a wish!

For more info, please visit the JAA’s Facebook Page.

Please note: The original post had the incorrect date. The date of the Tanabata Festival is Saturday, July 11, not July 9 as originally published. JapanCulture•NYC regrets the error.

Susan McCormac 6/12/26 Susan McCormac 6/12/26

Where to Watch Japan’s World Cup Matches

Here’s where to cheer on Samurai Blue in the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off on June 11, and even the most casual soccer fans are heading to their favorite sports bars to watch. If you love Samurai Blue here are a few places where you can enjoy Japan’s national team in action and hang out with members of the community.

Gosuke Restaurant

Lunch: 12:00 p.m. | Game Time: 4:00 p.m.

In the Henn na Hotel – 235 W. 35th Street

Soccer is better with sushi, beer, and great company!

Located inside the Henn na Hotel in Midtown, Gosuke Restaurant is hosting a special Game Watch Party. They promise great vibes as you cheer on Samurai Blue.

Can’t argue with their philosophy: “Kickoff, cold beer, and sushi—what else do you need?”

Soccer Sundays

New York Hall of Science – 47-01 111th Street, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

Enjoy “World Cup in the World’s Borough” as Queens Night Market partners with the borough of Queens to host free World Cup watch parties for the Queens community. Every Sunday during the World Cup, the matches will be broadcast on an outdoor 30-foot LED screen at the New York Hall of Science in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

There is plenty of room to picnic, and Queens Night Market is curating a selection of affordable food and beverages for purchase.

Schedule this Sunday, June 14

Germany vs Curaçao – 1:00 p.m.
Netherlands vs Japan – 4:00 p.m.
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ecuador – 7:00 p.m.

For more information, please visit Queens.NYC.

Kick off the 2026 World Cup at Japan Village

Japan Village Courtyard – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn

Sunday, June 14 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Japan Village in Brooklyn invites fans to cheer on Team Japan and enjoy all the fun.

Live game screening
Beer, sake, and food vendors outside
Team Japan merch
Free beer ticket with shirt purchase

To RSVP, please visit Japan Village’s website.

JCCI/NC/JAA Young Professionals Present: FIFA World Cup Watch Party

Sunday, June 14

Doors Open 3:00 p.m. | Game Time: 4:00 p.m.

Playwright Irish Pub – 27 W. 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 2nd floor event space

Admission: $20 (includes one free drink)

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), The Nippon Club, and the JAA Young Professionals present a FIFA World Cup watch party at Playwright Irish Pub in Midtown. Cheer on Samurai Blue’s first World Cup match of 2026 as they take on the Netherlands!

Network with members of the Japanese and Japanese American community in New York. Representatives from local soccer teams New York City FC and Red Bull New York will also be on hand. There will be raffle for $10 per ticket (cash only); prizes include NYCFC and Red Bull New York match tickets, merch, and more!

Registration is not required, but you may RSVP through this link. Watch Party organizers will collect payment at the door.

Live Streaming at Lucky Cat

Midtown East izakaya Lucky Cat is live streaming three of Japan’s matches in the first stage of the World Cup.

Schedule

Japan vs Netherlands – Sunday, June 14 at 4:00 p.m.
Japan vs Tunisia – Saturday, June 20 at Midnight
Japan vs. Sweden – Thursday, June 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Kirin Beer and Takara Shochu are sponsoring these events. Enjoy happy hour at Kirin Beer, where you can win souvenirs. Takara Shochu will offer a special shot called “The Blue Samurai” for all customers whenever Japan scores a goal.

Make a reservation in advance to ensure your spot and get the most out of this exciting event.

Susan McCormac 6/6/26 Susan McCormac 6/6/26

Cheer on Samurai Blue in NYC

FIFA World Cup Watch Party: Netherlands vs Japan

Sunday, June 14
Doors Open 3:00 p.m. | Game Time: 4:00 p.m.

Playwright Irish Pub – 27 W. 35th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 2nd floor event space

Admission: $20 (includes one free drink)

Registration is not required, but you may RSVP through this link. Watch Party organizers will collect payment at the door.

Susan McCormac 5/27/26 Susan McCormac 5/27/26

Slant Shares AAPI Histories Through Music at La Mama

Slant returns to The Club to dig deeper and wider into the liminal space between past and present with Lucky FM 2.

Lucky FM 2

Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT
Thursday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 29 at 7:30 p.m.*
Saturday, May 30 at 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 31 at 3:00 p.m.

The Club @ La Mama Experimental Theatre Club – 74A E. 4th Street (between 2nd Avenue and Bowery)

Admission: $30 Adults | $25 Students/Seniors | $10 La MaMa Members

Slant returns to The Club to dig deeper and wider into the liminal space between past and present with Lucky FM 2. Through the underground radio’s telethon portal, Slant journeys through AANHPI histories with bamboo flutes, drums, and guitars, telling stories of the Japanese American concentration camps, the International Hotel, Vincent Chin, and today. Performed viscerally through music, dance, and humor, Slant finds unity amidst chaos in a celebration of community.

All seating is general admission.

Tonight’s performance is sold out, but there are four more dates from which to choose! To purchase tickets, please visit La Mama’s website.

*Friday’s performance is also available online. Livestream tickets are $15-$45, and you can purchase them by clicking here.

About Slant

Slant is the trio ensemble of Rick Ebihara, Wayland Quintero, and Perry Yung. In 1995, Slant premiered Big Dicks, Asian Men to counter Hollywood stereotypes by deconstructing race-baiting toxic masculinity through music, humor, and dance. The production received rave critical reviews and led to touring across America and international appearances in the former Yugoslavia and Lijiang, China. This was followed by other works throughout the 2000s that featured farcical themes punctuated by outlandish and poignant moments that audiences flocked to see at La MaMa and across the U.S.

Susan McCormac 5/6/26 Susan McCormac 5/6/26

NYC’s Japan Parade to Celebrate 5th Year

The fifth annual Japan Parade & Street Fair will be held on Saturday, May 9, beginning at 1:00 p.m. New York City’s showcase of Japanese culture begins on Central Park West at W. 81st Street and travels south to W. 67th Street. This vibrant event celebrates the friendship between New York City and Japan with a heartfelt “thank you” from the Japanese community.

Japan Parade & Street Fair

Saturday, May 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

Parade Route: Central Park West from 81st to 67th Street

Street Fair: 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Admission: Free

Iconic manga artist and illustrator Acky Bright will be this year’s Grand Marshal.

About Acky Bright

Known for his intricate line work and “kawakakkoii” (cute and cool) aesthetic, Acky Bright is an internationally acclaimed Japanese manga artist whose work has appeared in collaborations with McDonald’s, Meta, Marvel, DC Comics, BMW, Lexus, and more. His solo exhibition Acky Bright: Studio Infinity, held at Japan Society in New York (2024–25), as well as his frequent guest appearances at Anime NYC and New York Comic Con, have helped him build a strong connection with fans in New York.

This year, Acky also designed Japan Parade’s first official mascot, inspired by the cultures of both New York and Japan. The design incorporates a variety of themes, including New York City's colors of orange and navy, the red and white of Japan, the iconic NYC apple, and the traditional Japanese happi coat. Following a public naming contest, the mascot was officially named “Happi.”

“New York City has become like a second hometown to me,” says Acky Bright. “I am truly honored to design the official mascot and serve as Grand Marshal.”

Happi, Japan Parade’s Official Mascot ⒸAcky Bright

Parade Particulars

This year’s Japan Parade & Street Fair is led by Ambassador Satoshi Katahira, Consul General of Japan in New York and the Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors, Japan Day Inc., and Satoshi Oishi, Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of Japan Day Inc. Kumiko Yoshii is the Executive Producer of the Japan Parade & Street Fair.

A highlight of the parade will be a live performance from Jujutsu Kaisen The Stage – Hidden Inventory/Premature Death, the wildly popular 2.5D stage play direct from Japan and based on Akutami Gege’s internationally bestselling manga series. The production recreates the manga’s intense battle scenes through dynamic performances by the cast.

Over the last four years, the parade has had many memorable participants and performances by Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon: The Super Live, Live Spectacle “NARUTO,” DEMON SLAYER - KIMETSU NO YAIBA - the stage, and ATTACK on TITAN: The Musical as special guests from Japan.

Former NY1 reporter Sandra Endo, who is a news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and a feature reporter for Good Day LA, will again serve as emcee of the parade, which she has done each year.

In total, there will be 105 groups and floats marching in the parade, with more than 2,800 individual participants.

Along the parade route, participating groups include the music and taiko groups New York Taiko Aikokai, Soh Daiko, COBU, and Taiko Masala Dojo; the choir group The Young People's Chorus of New York City; the traditional dance troupes Sachiyo Ito and Company and Awa Odori New York Ren; and martial arts groups Japan Karate Association of New York and NYC Area Judo Community.

Also marching in the parade are Japanese programs at the local universities and Japanese language schools and organizations. They include New York University, Hunter College, THE JAPANESE SCHOOL OF NEW YORK (The Greenwich Japanese School), Japanese Children’s Society, Inc., Keio Academy of New York, The New Jersey Japanese School, and Brooklyn Nihongo Gakuen.

Nagasaki Prefecture will have a float featuring traditional dancers and musicians as well as a tourism tent at the street fair, and Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) will also have a tourism tent. Both Nagasaki and Okinawa were included the "52 Places to Go" in 2026 by TheNew York Times.

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Scenes from the 4th annual Japan Parade on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in New York. (Calla Kessler/AP Content Services for Japan Day, Inc.)

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Scenes from the 4th annual Japan Parade on Saturday, May 10, 2025 in New York. (Calla Kessler/AP Content Services for Japan Day, Inc.)

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The Japan Street Fair

Concurrently with the Japan Parade, the Japan Street Fair will be held on W. 72nd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. with food and giveaway items available while supplies last.

The Japan Street Fair will feature tents offering exciting and educational cultural activities including calligraphy, yukata try-on, and traditional games from Japan. In collaboration with Festive Planet, one of the largest organizers of Asian food festivals in the U.S. and the producer of large-scale fair events at conventions such as Anime NYC, the Street Fair will also feature more than 30 tents serving authentic Japanese cuisine. The latest information on Japan’s many tourist destinations will be made available at several other tents, and as with last year, there will also be a tent where visitors may donate to a charitable cause. This year, charitable donations will benefit the World Monuments Fund Japan Flagship Project and City Harvest. The World Monuments Fund supports the preservation of Japanese cultural heritage, including artisan training and restoration efforts following major earthquakes. City Harvest rescues surplus food and distributes it free of charge to food pantries and soup kitchens across New York City.

The Japan Street Fair is your chance to experience a Japanese festival, or matsuri, unlike any other. At the Street Fair, there will be various giveaways, including free sample distributions, and official mascot merchandise will be on sale.

History of Japan Parade

The very first Japan Parade & Street Fair was held in 2022. Actor, author, civil-rights activist, and influencer George Takei was the Grand Marshal for the inaugural parade, while Olympic Gold medalist and author Kristi Yamaguchi was the Grand Marshal for the Japan Parade in 2023, and wheelchair tennis star and four-time Paralympic Gold medalist Shingo Kunieda was Grand Marshal in 2024. Last year Iron Chef, restauranteur and author Masaharu Morimoto served as the 2025 Grand Marshal.

Since its founding, the parade has also served as a platform for solidarity against anti-Asian hate and violence.

This Year’s Sponsors

Diamond

ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.)
Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc.
Daiwa Capital Markets America Inc.
Hisamitsu America, Inc.
ITOCHU International Inc.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

Platinum

KDDI America, Inc.
Marubeni America Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas)
Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc.
Nippon Life Insurance Company
Nomura America Foundation
Sojitz Corporation of America
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas

Gold

ITO EN (North America) INC.
J.C.C. Fund / Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of New York, Inc. / The Nippon Club, Inc.
"K" LINE LOGISTICS (U.S.A.) INC.
Mayer Brown LLP
MSIG USA
The Prince Kitano New York
Tokio Marine America

The Japan Parade & Street Fair is affiliated with Japan Day @ Central Park, an annual event that took place in Central Park from 2007 until 2019.

About Japan Day

Japan Day Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is the primary organizer of the Japan Day @ Central Park festivals from 2007 to 2019, and of Japan Parade & Japan Street Fair since 2022. Japan Day Inc.’s activities are made possible by the support of local leading Japanese American companies that compose Japan Day Inc.’s Board of Directors; the Consulate General of Japan in New York; and all the individuals, organizations, and companies that sponsor, donate, or volunteer to be a part of this great celebration. For more information, please visit their website.

Susan McCormac 3/27/26 Susan McCormac 3/27/26

JAPAN Fes Begins 2026 Season This WEekend

JAPAN Fes

Saturday, March 28 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
East Village – Astor Place and Lafayette Street

Sunday, March 29 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Midtown West – Byrant Park (40th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Admission: Free

JAPAN Fes, considered the world's largest Japanese food festival, begins its 2026 street fair season this weekend with two events: this Saturday, March 28 in the East Village and Sunday, March 29 in Midtown West. This year the beloved street fair, which highlights yummy street treats from Japan and other parts of Asia, will celebrate its 10th anniversary in New York City.

There are more than 30 JAPAN Fes events are already scheduled across New York City this year (see full schedule below), and organizers anticipate more than one million visitors over the course of the season. In recent years, JAPAN Fes has expanded to Paris, Miami, and Austin, underscoring the popularity of Japanese food. Indulge in takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, onigiri, and all things matcha practically every weekend this spring, summer, and deep into the fall. Click here for Saturday’s vendor list.

Pro Tip: Every JAPAN Fes get super-crowded, so arrive early! Lines are longest for KARLSBALLS takoyaki and ramen, so plan accordingly.

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Stamp Card

It wouldn’t be a true Japanese festival without a stamp rally! Two seasons ago, JAPAN Fes introduced its digital stamp card for attendees. Every time you attend an event, stop by the pink reception tent surrounded by JAPAN Fes banner flags to earn a stamp.

How It Works

Download your digital stamp card by visiting this link: https://app.loopyloyalty.com/landing-page/6xOnZtAXWEsRmV7c1aaucu
Collect stamps at each event and visit the reception tent to redeem
Reach milestones at 5, 10, 20, and 30 stamps to unlock rewards

How to Get a Stamp

Buy any food from a vendor at JAPAN Fes
Take a photo holding your food in front of the JAPAN Fes banner
Show your photo at the reception tent, and the staff will give you a stamp
1 photo = 1 stamp | Maximum 3 stamps per event

How to earn up to 3 stamps per event

Buy from 1 vendor = 1 stamp
Buy from 3 different vendors = 2 stamps
Buy from 5 different vendors = 3 stamps
Please note: Purchases from the same vendor do not count toward additional stamps.

2026 JAPAN Fes Full Schedule

All Times 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

March

March 28: East Village – Astor Place and Lafayette Street
March 29: Midtown West – Byrant Park (40th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues)

April

April 4: Greenwich Village/NoHo – Broadway between 8th and 9th Streets
April 5: Upper West Side – Broadway between 103rd and 104th Streets
April 11: East Village – 2nd Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets
April 12: East Village – Astor Place and Lafayette Street
April 18: Morningside Heights – Broadway between 115th and 116th Streets
April 19: Chelsea – 6th Avenue between 23rd and 24th Streets
April 25: Chelsea – 8th Avenue between 16th and 17th Streets
April 26: Astoria – Steinway Street between Broadway and 34th Street

May

May 2: Upper East Side
May 3: Upper West Side
May 9: Chelsea
May 24: Greenwich Village
May 30: Upper East Side
May 31: East Village

June

June 6: East Village
June 7: Upper West Side
June 14: East Village
June 21: Brooklyn
June 27: Times Square
June 28: Astoria

July

July 11: Chelsea
July 19 in Times Square

August

August 2: Upper West Side

September

September 12: Chelsea
September 13: Chelsea
September 19: Upper East Side
September 26: Morningside Heights
September 27: Upper East Side

October

October 3: East Village
October 10: Astoria
October 24: East Village
October 25: Upper West Side

To learn more about JAPAN Fes, please visit their website.

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Susan McCormac 3/25/26 Susan McCormac 3/25/26

Matsuri 2026 at Columbia University

The Japanese Students Association of Columbia University (JSA) presents its Matsuri 2026 this Sunday, March 29.

Columbia Japanese Students Association Matsuri 2026

Sunday, March 29 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

Columbia University Low Plaza – W. 116th and Broadway

Admission: Free

The Japanese Students Association of Columbia University (JSA) presents its Matsuri 2026 this Sunday, March 29. JSA’s annual spring festival will be filled with delicious food, exciting performances, and an exciting cultural experience.

About Matsuri 2026

Matsuri, the Japanese word for “festival,” embodies the spirit of community celebration through food, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Since 2006, JSA’s Matsuri has evolved into one of Columbia University’s most anticipated cultural events, transforming the heart of campus into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture. Drawing nearly 1,000 attendees to the iconic Low Plaza each spring, Matsuri is more than just a festival; it’s a landmark event that brings together students, faculty, and New Yorkers.

There will be plenty of Japanese festival foods, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and onigiri. While enjoying the food, guests can watch Japanese-related performances. This event is enjoyable for both students and families alike, as there will be various activities booths and vendors selling traditional Japanese crafts.

Attendanceis free, and guests can register through Columbia JSA’s Google form. Attendees not affiliated with Columbia University and without a valid Columbia University ID MUST register by tomorrow,Thursday March 26.

Enjoy this gallery of photos from Matsuri 2025!

About Columbia JSA

The Japanese Students Association (JSA) is an undergraduate student organization at Columbia University, recognized by both the Activities Board of Columbia University and the Student Governing Association at Barnard College. Their mission is to bridge Japanese culture with the broader Columbia community, while also fostering an inclusive space for students of Japanese heritage and anyone interested in Japanese culture within the wider NYC community.

Led by a dedicated board of 12 student leaders, JSA organizes diverse cultural programming throughout the academic year, from intimate dinner socials to artistic showcases. To learn more, please visit their website.

Enjoy JapanCulture•NYC? This site is supported by our community, and a $5/month membership helps offset the costs of keeping it running—so we can continue spotlighting the people and events that make our community shine. Please click here to join.

Susan McCormac 3/25/26 Susan McCormac 3/25/26

Behind the Scenes of Japanese Baseball

Behind the Scenes of Japanese Baseball: Book Talk and Signing with Author Robert K. Fitts

Sunday, April 12 at 1 p.m.

The Japanese American Association of New York – 49 W. 45th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues), 5th Floor

Admission: Free

Award-winning author Robert K. Fitts will talk about baseball in Japan and his new book In the Japanese Ballpark: Behind the Scenes of Nippon Professional Baseball at The Japanese American Association of New York. After providing an overview designed to acquaint new fans with Japanese baseball, Fitts will give a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Japanese baseball unique—and so much fun. He will talk about the differences between American and Japanese baseball both on the diamond and in the stands. Learn about life as a player in Japan, cheering groups, fuzzy mascots, and beer girls.

Please RSVP for this free event by sending an email to JAA at info@jaany.org or by calling 212-840-6942.

About the Book

In the Japanese Ballpark: Behind the Scenes of Nippon Professional Baseball takes you deep inside the heart of Japan’s national pastime—far beyond the box scores and highlight reels. To discover what truly sets Japanese baseball apart, author Robert Fitts went straight to the source: the players, managers, umpires, team owners, mascots, beer girls, and lifelong fans who live and breathe the sport. Through their personal stories and behind-the-scenes insights, you’ll get an insider’s look at how the game works and what makes Japanese baseball unique—and so much fun.

Get a front-row seat to the traditions, strategies, and spirit that define baseball in Japan. From the passion of the fans to the precision of the game, every page offers eye-opening stories and insights you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just discovering the magic of the Japanese game, In the Japanese Ballpark can help you fully experience every pitch, hit, and cheer.

About the Author

A former archaeologist with a Ph.D. from Brown University, Robert K. Fitts left academics behind to follow his passion — Japanese baseball. An award-winning author and speaker, his articles have appeared numerous journals, magazines, and websites. He is also the author of ten books on Japanese baseball and Japanese baseball cards.

Fitts is the founder of SABR’s Asian Baseball Committee and a recipient of the society’s 2013 Seymour Medal for the Best Baseball Book of 2012 (Banzai Babe Ruth); the 2019 and 2023 McFarland-SABR Baseball Research Awards; the 2012 Doug Pappas Award for the best oral research presentation at the annual convention; and the 2006, 2021, 2023, and 2024 SABR Research Awards. He has twice been a finalist for the Casey Award and has received two silver medals at the Independent Publisher Book Awards.

While living in Tokyo in 1993-94, Fitts began collecting Japanese baseball cards and now runs Robs Japanese Cards LLC. To learn more, please visit Fitts’s website.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 1/28/26 Susan McCormac 1/28/26

Japan Village to Host Setsubun Party

Japan Village hosts event to celebrate Japanese tradition of welcoming good luck

Setsubun

Sunday, February 1 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn | 2nd Floor LOFT

Admission: Free

Head to Japan Village for an afternoon of cultural performances and hands-on traditions celebrating Setsubun, the Japanese tradition of celebrating the birth of spring. Guests can enjoy music, stories, and hands-on traditions.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Japanese folk story
Live shamisen performance
Eho-maki demo
Mamemaki bean-throwing to ward off evil Japanese oni (monsters)
Photo ops
Tasty treats

To reserve your spot for this family-friendly cultural event, please visit Japan Village’s Eventbrite page.

Susan McCormac 1/28/26 Susan McCormac 1/28/26

Setsubun Tradition at Wasan Brooklyn

Wasan Brooklyn’s Eho-Maki Week

Now through Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Wasan Brooklyn – 440 Bergen Street, Brooklyn

Cost: $18-$59

For one day each winter, silence at the dinner table is encouraged and while facing in a specific direction. Setsubun, a seasonal turning point observed on February 3, is closely tied to food rituals meant to invite good health and prosperity for the year ahead. In New York, those traditions now extend well beyond the home.

Wasan Brooklyn is celebrating this tradition by offering two kinds of eho-maki now through February 3, the day Setsubun is observed. The restaurant is located at 440 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217 and is open daily from 11:30 a.m. until 9:15 p.m.

Fortune Roll Eho-Maki with Seven Ingredients

Eel, shrimp, snow crab, egg omelet, kanpyo squash, cucumber, avocado
Regular size: $18
Double size: $34

Kaiun Eho-Maki (Premium) with Eleven Ingredients

Tuna, salmon, yellowtail, eel, shrimp, snow crab, egg omelet, kanpyo squash, tobiko, cucumber, avocado
Regular size: $31
Double size: $59

Rules for Eating Eho-Maki

Eho-maki literally means “lucky direction rolls,” and of course, there are rules to maximize the luck you’re sure to receive once you’ve consumed them.

Eat the entire roll without cutting it
Face the lucky direction of the year (south-southeast for 2026)
Eat in silence

For more information or to place an order, please visit Wasan Brooklyn’s website.

Susan McCormac 1/28/26 Susan McCormac 1/28/26

Celebrating Setsubun in NYC

Setsubun and where to find it in NYC

Winter may still have a firm grip on New York, but in Japan the calendar is already shifting. Setsubun marks the quiet threshold between seasons: a moment to reset, brush off lingering misfortune, and prepare for the year ahead. Observed on February 3, the tradition blends ritual, food, and community in ways that feel especially resonant during the coldest stretch of the year.

What is Setsubun?

Literally meaning “season division,” Setsubun falls on the day before spring, at least according to the Lunar calendar. The change is marked with rituals that drive out evil spirits, known as oni, by throwing roasted soybeans (fukumame) and yelling “Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi!” (“Demons out! Fortune in!”)

After dispersing the soybeans, it’s customary to count out the number of beans that corresponds to your age—called toshinokazu—and eat them for good luck and good health. Food plays an equally symbolic role in the celebration, particularly ehomaki, thick sushi rolls with fillings that represent good health, prosperity, and happiness.

In New York, these traditions now extend beyond the home, with restaurants and community spaces offering their own ways to observe Setsubun.

Now through Tuesday, February 3

Wasan Brooklyn
440 Bergen Street, Brooklyn
Japanese restaurant Wasan Brooklyn is observing Setsubun with two types of eho-maki. Place your order at the restaurant’s website or visit in person.

Sunday, February 1

Japan Village
934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn | 2nd Floor LOFT
1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Admission: Free
Head to Japan Village for an afternoon of cultural performances and hands-on traditions celebrating Setsubun. Guests can enjoy music, stories, and hands-on traditions. Learn more at Japan Village’s website.
You can also purchase eho-maki at Obentoyasan in the Japan Village food court on February 1 and February 3.

Tuesday, February 3

Izakaya Mew
53 W. 35th Street, Basement
Only on Setsubun, Izakaya Mew will offer their substantial eho-maki in person or delivery. Check out their Instagram post with the details.
Lunch: Noon until 2:15 p.m.
Dinner: 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Sunrise Mart
SoHo: 494 Broome Street | 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Midtown: 12 E. 41st Street | 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
The Manhattan locations of this popular Japanese grocery store will sell eho-maki on February 3 only.

In whatever way it’s observed, Setsubun is a reminder that the new season has already begun—even if winter hasn’t quite gotten the message yet.

Susan McCormac 1/26/26 Susan McCormac 1/26/26

Honoring the Life of Fred Korematsu in NJ

The Borough of Fort Lee and New Jersey community activist Tak Furumoto celebrate Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution with an event that honors the legacy of a U.S. civil rights hero who had the courage to stand up for what is right during World War II.

Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution

Friday, January 30, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Fort Lee Municipal Building – 309 Main Street, Fort Lee, NJ 07024

Admission: Free

The Borough of Fort Lee and area community activist Tak Furumoto celebrate Fred Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution with an event that honors the legacy of a U.S. civil rights hero who had the courage to stand up for what is right during World War II.

About Fred Korematsu

In 1942, 23-year-old California native Fred Korematsu refused to comply with the orders that led to the mass incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese Americans and Japanese nationals living on the West Coast during WWII, citing the orders as unconstitutional. After his arrest for defying the government orders, he took his case all the way to the Supreme Court – and lost. In 1944, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against Korematsu, based on the government’s claim that its conduct was justified by “military necessity.” However, nearly forty years later, researchers uncovered proof that the government lied to the Court. This discovery of government misconduct led to the reopening of Korematsu’s case. On November 10, 1983, a federal court in San Francisco overturned Korematsu’s conviction, marking a significant moment in the fight for civil rights.

Korematsu dedicated his life to activism, becoming a symbol of resilience and justice. In 1998, President Bill Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing his tireless efforts to defend the civil liberties of all Americans.

Establishing Fred T. Korematsu Day

In 2010, then California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the legislative bill recognizing January 30, Korematsu’s birthday, as the Fred T. Korematsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution, making it the first statewide day in U.S. history named after an Asian American. Following California’s lead, seven other states officially recognize the observance in perpetuity: Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia. Other states, including Georgia, Illinois, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Utah recognize Fred T. Korematsu Day by proclamation.

About Tak Furumoto

Born in 1944 at the Tule Lake War Relocation Center, one of the ten Japanese American incarceration camps, Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto was instrumental in New Jersey’s adoption of Fred T. Korematsu Day in 2023. Raised in his parents' native Hiroshima after the atomic bombing, Furumoto returned to the U.S. to attend college and eventually served our country in the Vietnam War. Furumoto and his wife, Carol, have run Furumoto Realty for more than 50 years and have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the Japanese American community in both New Jersey and New York. In 2025, Furumoto was the subject of the NHK documentary Raised in Hiroshima, Fought in Vietnam.

Fred T. Korematsu Day in New York City

New York State, under the guidance of State Senator Shelley Mayer, passed a bill recognizing Fred T. Korematsu Day in 2024, but New York City first observed this day in 2018 after the City Council unanimously passed Resolution 792, proposed by then Councilmember Daniel Dromm, on December 19, 2017. The day serves not only to honor Korematsu’s brave act to fight injustice, but also to educate the public in the hopes that the injustices done to American citizens and resident aliens of Japanese ancestry during WWII will never be repeated.

The original posting of this article contained inaccuracies in the descriptions of Fred Korematsu’s U.S. Supreme Court and coram nobis cases. Kathryn Bannai, the lead counsel in the coram nobis case of Gordon Hirabayashi, another Japanese American whose civil disobedience during World War II led to his arrest, pointed out the inaccuracies and kindly offered revisions. JapanCulture•NYC regrets the errors and appreciates Ms. Bannai’s clarifications and insight.

Susan McCormac 1/9/26 Susan McCormac 1/9/26

Kakizome Contest at Japan Village

Japan Village is hosting a kakizome contest with Japanese calligraphy artist SEICHO at The LOFT.

Kakizome Japanese Calligraphy Contest

Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd floor "The LOFT")

Admission: Free

Start the New Year with traditional Japanese calligraphy! Kakizome is the writing of the first calligraphy of the New Year, using a brush and ink to express one’s aspirations or intentions for the New Year.

Japan Village is hosting a kakizome contest with Japanese calligraphy artist SEICHO at The LOFT. SEICHO will begin the afternoon with a live calligraphy performance, then the contest will begin, with everyone writing their first word or wish of 2026. The theme is year’s zodiac sign, the Horse (午), and contestants are encouraged to interpret it their own way. Write in English, Japanese, kanji, or simply draw.

Of the entries, five winners will be announced on Instagram on Wednesday, January 14. All works will be displayed on The LOFT’s New Year’s Calligraphy Wall throughout January.

Schedule

2:10 p.m. – Live performance
2:30 p.m. – Contest begins
7:00 p.m. – Contest ends

All ages are welcome. Join the contest, express your intentions for Year of the Horse through calligraphy, and win a prize!

To register, please visit Japan Village’s Eventbrite page.

Susan McCormac 12/30/25 Susan McCormac 12/30/25

Order Osechi from Wasan Brooklyn

As we welcome the New Year, Wasan Brooklyn is sharing two essential Japanese traditions that mark the end the year and the beginning of the new one: Toshikoshi Soba and Osechi.

Wasan Brooklyn Provides Two Essential Japanese New Year Foods: Osechi and Toshikoshi Soba

As we welcome the New Year, Wasan Brooklyn is sharing two essential Japanese traditions that mark the end the year and the beginning of the new one: Toshikoshi Soba and Osechi. Osechi is filled with symbolic dishes that are associated with health, longevity, prosperity, and fertility, while Toshikoshi Soba is the long-established meal consumed on New Year’s Eve.

🎍 2026 Osechi Box

For more than ten years, Wasan’s handcrafted, three-tier Osechi Box has been a New Year staple in New York. Prepared in-house with great care, Wasan’s Osechi focuses on traditional flavors, seasonal ingredients, and well-balanced dishes, meant to be enjoyed slowly with family and loved ones.

The cost is $295 plus tax.

Many of their returning customers often say, “It doesn’t feel like New Year without Wasan’s Osechi.”

The deadline to order is 5:00 p.m. today, Tuesday, December 30. For more information and to place your order, please visit Wasan’s website: https://www.wasan-ny.com/event.

Pickup and Delivery Options

Wasan Brooklyn – 440 Bergen Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
Tominaga Shoten for Long Island residents (advance purchase required) – 169 Main Street, Port Washington, NY 11050
Delivery available in Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn for a service fee of $30

🍜 Toshikoshi Soba

On December 31, Wasan will also prepare Toshikoshi Soba, a traditional soba noodle dish eaten on New Year’s Eve to symbolize letting go of the past year and wishing for longevity and good health.

Toshikoshi Soba will be available for takeout and delivery and can be enjoyed on its own or together with Osechi as the final meal of the year.

What are your favorite Japanese New Year foods?

Susan McCormac 12/1/25 Susan McCormac 12/1/25

2025 Holiday Gift Guide

Curated by JapanCulture•NYC’s Fashion Editor Jen Green

We are back with JapanCulture•NYC’s 2025 holiday gift guide. This year we take you back to storefronts throughout the area as we feature new establishments or Japanese-related businesses that may not be on your radar yet. We’ll cover everything from vintage Japanese clothing to housewares to the finest teas to coveted stationery. Please enjoy this curated list to help secure a special gift while supporting local businesses that carry Japanese product. Happy shopping!

Sōrate

New location: 30 E. 18th Street, New York, NY 10003
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.

103 Sullivan Street New York, NY 10012
Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

This Brooklyn-based Japanese tea company now has two Manhattan tea house locations that offer superior tea products from Ujitawara, the Uji region of Kyoto. Both locations host tea experiences from tastings to authentic tea ceremonies that would make an unforgettable gift. Reservations are required; please book online here.

Sōrate’s online shop has the finest teas, matcha, and accessories for the tea enthusiast in your life. Celebrate this holiday season with the return of Sōrate’s Matcha Panettone. It’s the perfect fusion of Sōrate’s owner Silvia Mella’s Italian heritage, infused with premium ceremonial grade matcha, creating the ultimate traditional holiday dessert. Enjoy at a holiday gathering or take as a hostess gift. Whether you want to gift an experience, a physical gift like a tea accessory, or even a gift card, please check out Sōrate for gifts for tea lovers.

Iki Kimono NYC

32 Bridge Street, Suite 103, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Saturday & Sunday 12:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Thursday & Friday 1:00p.m.-6:30 p.m., closed Monday-Wednesday

Located in the DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, Iki Kimono NYC is a woman-owned business that stemmed from owner Monica Minier’s culmination of a lifetime of collecting and selling antiques and vintage clothing. After she was gifted a kimono, her obsession began, and she now specializes in vintage kimono and accessories in this gorgeous space that feels like a vintage atelier.

Iki Kimono NYC partners with women in Osaka, Kyoto, and Thailand, carefully sourcing vintage kimono, haori and happi jackets, obijime belts, and maekake aprons, some that could date as far back as the 1920s. Iki Kimono has some listings online, but we recommend visiting the shop for the full experience. If you are looking to gift someone a kimono, Iki Kimono NYC offers private shopping by appointment. Imagine the experience one would have when choosing a beautiful vintage kimono as a gift from you.

New York Tile Factory

6 W. 38th Street, New York, NY 10018

Monday-Sunday 8:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.

Don’t let the name fool you, everything New York Tile Factory sells are ceramics crafted in Japan, from the mainland to Okinawa. There are Japanese housewares such as dishes, chopstick rests, and coasters to home décor such as oil diffusers and decorative tile candles in this charming store that opened in March 2025.

Their selection boasts many unique gifts from stocking stuffers to main gifts. If you need to shop for someone who strives for sustainability, New York Tile Factory has aroma stones that are made from leftover clay roof tiles. Aside from items with classic Japanese imagery and icons, they also sell many NYC-themed ceramics, still made in Japan. New York Tile Factory does not have a website or sell online, so please visit the store as you shop this holiday season.

Nepenthes

307 W. 38th Street, New York, NY 10018

Monday-Sunday 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.

Japanese brand Nepenthes has a storefront location in the heart of New York’s Garment District. Founded by Keizo Shimizu in 1988 in Tokyo and later joined by designer Daiki Suzuki of Engineered Garments fame, the two brought this international brand to Manhattan. Nepenthes offers both men’s and women’s clothing, accessories, and footwear from various in-house brands such as CFDA 2008 Best New Menswear Designer winner Engineered Garments to the worldly Needles brand, as well as Hokkaido-based South2 West8, a brand known for merging function and fashion.

These Nepenthes brands sit alongside curated items from other known brands and stocks footwear from the likes of Vans, Reebok, and Clarks Originals, as well as many others. For high quality fashion that combines both workwear craftmanship and durability with streetwear looks, head to Nepenthes for an amazing independent boutique shopping outing.

Tokio7

83 E. 7th Street, New York, NY 10003

Monday-Sunday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.

Established by Makoto Watanabe in 1996, this high-end East Village consignment shop is a regular stop for vintage designer collectors. Taking pride in his Japanese heritage, Tokio7 carries Japanese designer brands such as Yohji Yamamoto, Comme Des Garcons, and Issey Miyake. Alongside the Japanese brands you’ll find other luxury brands such as Rick Owens, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and the like. All handbags are authenticated using a software system that weeds out fake products to ensure the staff is always sourcing the very best items. Tokio7 is a great place to shop for a fabulous gift for the fashionable person in your life, all while being sustainable by purchasing second hand and giving these incredible designer pieces a new life.

Namamica

123 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012

Monday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.

Nanamica New York is the second location of the brand store to open, and to this day it remains the only location outside of Japan. With the motto ONE OCEAN, ALL LANDS, the brand embodies the key words of “utility” and “sports” by mixing fashion and functionality in creating high quality clothing.

Often collaborating with authentic sports brands, they do limited edition drops with brands such as Japanese shoe brand REGAL Shoe & Co. and Japanese sandals brand SUICOKE. From outerwear to casual styles and sportswear, Nanamica stocks many options of versatile, high-performance clothing for all aspects of life.

Yoseka Stationery

63 West Street, Brooklyn, NY 11222

Wednesday- Sunday 1:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., closed Monday & Tuesday

Founded in Taiwan in 1981, Yoseka is now in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, thanks to husband-and-wife duo Daisy and Neil Ni. Neil grew up in Taiwan with the original Yoseka, his parents’ shop, as his playground. Yoseka was introduced to the NYC area via pop-ups in 2017 and its first storefront in Queens in 2018. In 2020, the store relocated to Brooklyn and has been stocking various brands of Japanese stationery, along with other Asian brands, since.

Carrying quality items such as notebooks, pens, inks, stickers, stamps and washi tape, Yoseka offers many gift ideas on their online gift guide located here. 2026 planners and calendars from various Japanese brands such as Midori, Travelers Company, Hobonichi and many others are now available—order before they sell out! Smaller items like this Mt. Fuji eraser or Mt. Fuji pencil sharpener make the perfect stocking stuffers for the creatives on your shopping list. Yoseka sells gifts in all prices ranges, ensuring that you’ll be able to get gifts for a few people at this quaint shop with an extensive Japanese stationery collection.

Susan McCormac 11/3/25 Susan McCormac 11/3/25

Japan’s 47 Prefectures: Wakayama

Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International takes us on a tour of Wakayama Prefecture’s zone at the Kansai Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

As followers of JapanCulture•NYC know, JCNYC Business Editor at Large Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International spent several months in Osaka, visiting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan almost 40 different times. She shared her Expo experiences through blog posts on her website and during six Expo Talks she and I hosted on Zoom and LinkedIn Live.

She was fortunate to have access to the Wakayama Prefecture Zone of the Kansai Pavilion. Below please see her complete post about that visit, which is the perfect way to kick off JapanCulture•NYC’s long-time goal of introducing all 47 prefectures of Japan. Since Expo took place in Japan’s Kansai region, it’s fitting to start there.

Please enjoy this in-depth look at some of the things Wakayama has to offer through Yvonne’s experiences at Expo:

Incredible craftsmanship
The spiritual heartland of Japan
Culinary products, including umeshu, the traditional Japanese liqueur

The 47 Prefectures series will be an exploration of Japan’s richness and diversity, highlighting areas that tourists might overlook. Let’s dive into places not named Tokyo and Kyoto to discover more of the essence of Japan. Keep reading JapanCulture•NYC to learn more about each prefecture and start planning your trip to Japan. After reading about Yvonne’s experiences, you might want to start with Wakayama!

Osaka Expo Visits 36 & 37: October 10 & 11, 2025 - Wakayama Prefecture @ KANSAI PAVILION

— By Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International

The Kansai Pavilion at Expo showcased the diverse richness of the Kansai region — the prefectures of Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui, and Mie — each presenting its unique blend of history, culture, creativity, charm, and attractions.

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 1

Among them, the Wakayama zone was a deeply moving highlight. I was privileged to experience it firsthand, guided by the warm and generous spirit of Wakayama's representatives. Every element of the zone was thoughtfully curated to convey the finest essence of Wakayama — Japan’s spiritual heartland, where faith, nature, and craftsmanship have harmoniously intertwined for centuries.

I was fortunate to visit twice in two days. On my first visit, I took in the stunning visual exhibit and experienced a sumptuous bespoke confectionery tasting that was truly next level!

The first encounter in the zone began with a mural depicting ancient folklore and led to the focal point of the zone: the 5 “totems” video installation that stood tall and proud.

Each towering totem displayed a dazzling array of scenes of Wakayama culture, arts, nature, and industry from the past, present, and future. Across the elongated digital panels, the story of the prefecture is told on screens embedded in pillars symbolic of ancient Kii trees, encased in the renowned regional Kishu lacquerware.

Centuries-old craftsmanship embracing modern technology, merging nature, artistry, and industry into this unique expression of the Wakayama spirit — timeless yet ever evolving.

The zone itself was designed by a wonderful curator whom I had the pleasure of meeting. Her passion and appreciation of Wakayama were present in every detail. The creative use of the prefecture’s materials and products, both functionally and artistically, produced an integrated space that was beautiful, bathed in serenity, and with an almost reverent quality in the air.

Tasting the Best of Wakayama

At the elegant counter (made from Kishu wood) toward the back of the zone, visitors could experience a refined tasting experience — a blend of sweet and savory delicacies, each using Wakayama's signature ingredients and served in an elegant Kishu wood “chest,” with compartments containing sumptuous and artful treasures.

More than flavors, it offered a taste of Wakayama’s aesthetic, spirit, and grace.

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 2

My second visit was an invitation to experience a collaboration between the monks of Mount Koya (Koyasan) and the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

A procession of seven Koyasan monks performed Shomyo—sacred Buddhist chanting—that enveloped the audience in reverent tones that were calming and restorative.

The sacred aura of these two World Heritage sites radiated an almost otherworldly grace, yet within that divinity was a warm, earthly welcome to everyone from across Japan and beyond. It was more than a tribute to Buddhist faith; it was a celebration of compassion, connection, and our shared humanity.

After the ceremony, I had the privilege of speaking with the monks — a moment that revealed their lightness and humor. They spoke with genuine delight about welcoming visitors to Koyasan, sharing their faith, and enjoying aspects of other faiths, and traditions, such as their annual Christmas parties.

I felt their harmony between devotion and delight, reverence and play. One monk, who had once studied in New York City, embodied this spirit perfectly — a bridge between worlds, his story a testament to deep faith and a commitment to connecting beyond borders.

A couple of days later, on the final day of Expo, I encountered two of these same monks wandering the grounds — wide-eyed and smiling as they explored pavilions and exchanged greetings across languages and cultures. It was a wonderful reminder that the sacred and the contemporary can not only coexist, but enrich one another — proof that faith, when open to the world, becomes a bridge, not a boundary.

My second visit to the Wakayama Zone concluded with what else . . . a tasting of Wakayama's famous umeshu (Japanese traditional liqueur). The flight I selected (set C) revealed umeshu’s versatility—from gentle and fruity to rich and robust, from a pale green plum color to deep amber. I sipped and savored every drop!

Wakayama’s blend of faith, tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity weaves a universe of timeless beauty — where spirituality and artistry coexist, inviting all who visit Wakayama to feel both wonder and connection.

Wakayama and the other prefectures of the Kansai region have so much to offer visitors. The Kansai pavilion was a wonderful showcase of the richness and diversity of each prefecture. Showing us that what is most local can also be universal — and that connection, in all its forms, is what the Kansai spirit is all about.

NOTE: I am writing and giving online talks about my Expo visits to share the wonders, innovations, inspiration, and cultural richness of EXPO Osaka 2025 with those who are interested but unable to attend.

All pictures and videos by Yvonne Burton

A big thank you to Yvonne for allowing JapanCulture•NYC to repost her entire article so that we can get a glimpse of Wakayama Prefecture. Are you craving umeshu? Or do you think a peaceful visit to Koyasan is just what we all need right now?

Please visit Yvonne’s website to read all of her blog posts about Expo.

Susan McCormac 10/21/25 Susan McCormac 10/21/25

AkumuFest Hits Japan Village Brooklyn

Kaede Kimonos and JapanCultureNYC are collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! This Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.

AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience

AkumuFest merges Japanese horror aesthetics with modern fandom through immersive storytelling, folklore-inspired fashion, and interactive experiences. Attendees are invited to dress in Japanese horror cosplay, kimono, or original yokai-themed attire.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025

🕘 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 pm
🌑 AkumuFest After Dark: 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

📍 Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

🎟️ Admission: Free

Presented By

👘 Kaede Kimonos & JapanCultureNYC
🎌 Under the patronage of Japan Village

Main Highlights

📖 Japanese Storytelling

👹 Cosplay Contest

🏮 30 Unique Vendors

BaobDraws
Sushito Clothing
Radlab Art Studio
XIseeno
Vandel M Studios
Summeresque Crochet
Partulla
CupNewdles
CleanPlum
Unlicensedkarebear
The Dark Fae Collaborative
P-GLiTCHii Studio
tiny little guys
Oishiri Sauce
Cute Tangerinie
glitched_rena
SteamCatKimono
Anubis House Productions
Kazaria3
Pucci Ropa Jewelry /Hanatural.
Crafts by Wing
Little Song’s Workshop
Natalie Anna Jacobsen – Author of Ghost Train
PlusHii Kawaii
GRINNIES /Fragrant Olive
Clucludie
JOGI NO YUME
JapanCultureNYC
Ravishing Admire
KikiPenguins

🥐 Akumu Café – Located in the courtyard in front of Panya!

🎤 Live Performers

Liana Kurogi
OMNY Taiko
Rino Day performance (Solo/Duo)
Rino Band
Let Hair Down
Edamovement Lab
Akari Village
Quantum

🏯 Brooklyn’s First Night Parade of 100 Yokai

After Dark

✨ Stay with us for AKUMUFEST AFTER DARK ✨

🎶 Live Performances • 🎭 Comedians • 🎤 Special Guests

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Get ready to scream, because the Chainsaw Man Movie Trailer will be shown at AkumuFest! swing by the Chainsaw Man booth for bloody-good giveaways (while supplies last)!

Are you brave enough to step into the chaos?

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

VIP Pass

Step into the shadows with our exclusive VIP Pass, designed to give you the ultimate AkumuFest journey.

As a VIP, you’ll receive:

🍱 One Deluxe Bento Box – Choose from a curated selection of Japanese bento, each served with 2 classic side dishes.
🍬 Authentic Japanese Snack bag – Handpicked festival treats to enjoy throughout the day.
🥤 One Refreshing Drink – Choose from tea, soda, specialty drink or bottled water.
🎴 Up to Two Interactive Experiences – FREE – Whether you dare to take on the Cursed Experience Challenge or join the Yokai Hunt Tour, you can unlock up to two of these immersive adventures at no extra cost.

Your VIP pass doesn’t just give you food and perks—it grants you deeper access to the eerie, immersive world of AkumuFest. Enter, if you dare, by clicking here.

Susan McCormac 10/11/25 Susan McCormac 10/11/25

Course on Artists of Japanese Ancestry

Joseph Tokumasu Field, an art historian and educator, has developed CrossCurrents, an exciting new course that is centered around twentieth-century artists of Japanese ancestry.

CrossCurrents

Mondays from October 13, 2025 through November 3, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. EDT

Virtually on Zoom

Admission: $80

Joseph Tokumasu Field, an art historian and educator, has developed CrossCurrents, an exciting new course that is centered around twentieth-century artists of Japanese ancestry.

Meeting on four consecutive Monday evenings beginning October 13 through November 3, Field and attendees will deep dive into the inspiring lives and work of the selected artists: Toshiko Takaezu, Atsuko Tanaka, Miné Okubo, and Henry Sugimoto. Using the newest scholarship, this course celebrates the important contributions to visual art, design, education, and political activism of these Japanese and Japanese American luminaries.

With an emphasis on lively discussions and shared discovery, the class will occur online through Zoom and will be recorded for participants to view/review in their own time. The cost is $80, which includes the four classes along with a further reading list, class schedule, weblinks, and other provided materials. Registrants who mention JapanCulture•NYC will receive a 25% discount, bringing the total to $60! Scholarships and other accommodations are available upon request.

To register and for more information, please contact Field at joetokumasufield@gmail.com.

Course Schedule

Week 01 – Monday, October 13 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Toshiko Takaezu

American artist Toshiko Takaezu (1922–2011) was born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, to Japanese immigrant parents Shinsa and Kama Takaezu. One of eleven children, she was raised in a traditional Japanese household whose values, as well as the surrounding Hawaiian landscape, strongly underscore her artistic practice. During her five-decade-long career, the artist worked in many media including painting, fiber, and bronze. However, her primary medium, and that for which she is best recognized, was ceramics. Takaezu was instrumental in the post-war reconceptualization of ceramics from the functional craft tradition to the realm of fine art. Her signature “closed form” merged the base form with glazed surface painting to create a unified work. From the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation

Week 02 – Monday, October 20 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Atsuko Tanaka

Born in Osaka, Japan, Atsuko Tanaka (1932-2005) was an innovative artist whose work gained prominence among the flourishing postwar Japanese avant-garde. Interested in understanding the relationship between the body, space, and time, her works challenged traditional notions of art and performance. While a member of the groundbreaking Gutai group, Tanaka created Electric Dress (1956), a garment made from 200 colorful blinking light bulbs which the artist wore in performance. From the 1960s onward, Tanaka produced mainly abstract paintings with colorful compositions at once organic and ordered. From Glenstone

Week 03 – Monday, October 27 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Miné Okubo

Miné Okubo (1912-2001) remains best known as a narrator and artist of the Japanese American camp experience, most famously in her 1946 book, Citizen 13660, a graphic memoir of her confinement at Tanforan and Topaz. However, Okubo considered herself first and foremost a painter, and she devoted seven decades to perfecting her art. Her work is currently on view at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in the exhibition Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo through January 4, 2026. From Densho

Week 04 – Monday, November 3 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Henry Sugimoto

Henry Sugimoto (1900–1990), a Japanese-born artist who studied in Los Angeles and France, achieved largely posthumous fame for his paintings documenting the official wartime confinement of Japanese Americans by the U.S. government. Sugimoto lived and worked in New York City, and his works are held in many major institutions/collections. From Densho

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Fortune Roll Eho-Maki with Seven Ingredients

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Osaka Expo Visits 36 & 37: October 10 & 11, 2025 - Wakayama Prefecture @ KANSAI PAVILION

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 1

Tasting the Best of Wakayama

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 2

AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience

Event Details

Presented By

Main Highlights

After Dark

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

VIP Pass

CrossCurrents

Course Schedule

LEARN MORE