Japan Parade Returns to Celebrate NYC’s Friendship with Japan
Join thousands on the Upper West Side for the 4th annual Japan Parade and Street Fair on Saturday, May 10! Celebrate Japanese culture with taiko drumming, traditional dance, cosplay, Hello Kitty, and an appearance by Grand Marshal Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto. With more than 110 groups marching and JAPAN Fes hosting a Japanese food and culture fair, this free event is one of NYC’s most vibrant celebrations of Japan.
Incarceration & Resettlement Told Through Tanka
Join Japan Society for a special book talk and signing of By the Shore of Lake Michigan, a newly translated tanka poetry collection by Japanese American WWII incarcerees Tomiko and Ryokuyō Matsumoto. Discover firsthand Issei perspectives on displacement, resilience, and postwar life. Free tickets with promo code TANKAFRIEND.
Film Set in Japan’s Countryside Part of Film at Lincoln Center Series
Film at Lincoln Center presents the North American premiere of The Height of Coconut Trees, the debut film of Chinese cinematographer-turned-director Du Jie that is set in the stunning Japanese countryside.
Celebrate Japanese Culture at Columbia
Experience a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture with delicious food, captivating performances, and engaging activities. Since 2006, Matsuri has brought the Columbia community and New Yorkers together for an unforgettable day of cultural exchange.
Tea Ceremony Celebrating Hina Matsuri
Join tea ceremony master Yoshitsugu Nagano for a Hina Matsuri Tea Gathering featuring a rare Kinin-date ceremony. This special tea gathering celebrates the seasonal beauty, grace, and Japanese tradition of Hina Matsuri, Japan’s Doll Festival.
Local Hero to Be Featured in NHK Documentary
Takeshi “Tak” Furumoto is the subject of the NHK documentary RAISED IN HIROSHIMA, FOUGHT IN VIETNAM
Live Martial Arts Demos at Japan Village
Experience the power, precision, and philosophy of Budo, the way of the warrior, through thrilling demonstrations of Aikido, Judo, Battodo, and Karate. Witness skilled martial artists from Kaizenkan Aikido Dojo, Japanese American Budokan, and Zentokan Dojo in action at Japan Village.
Award-winning Author Yoko Tawada to Appear at Two NYC Events
Acclaimed Berlin-based Japanese author Yoko Tawada will be in New York City for two special in-person events. Catch her on Tuesday, March 25 at Rizzoli Bookstore and/or on Thursday, March 27 at Columbia University School of the Arts. Both events are free!
Soh Daiko Performance at LPAC
The East Coast’s first taiko drumming group will perform at LPAC as part of Carnegie Hall Citywide. Photo from Soh Daiko’s website.
Celebrating the Music of James Nyoraku Schlefer
Kammerraku Encore: music for shakuhachi, koto, shamisen, and string quartet at Tenri Cultural Institute in NYC
Catch Totto-Chan at NYICFF!
Totto-Chan screens at NYICFF! Go to the festival website at https://nyicff.org/tickets/ and enter promo code JapanCultureNYC2025 to claim your 10% discount.
Monday Michiru Returns to Joe’s Pub
Japanese American songstress (and the daughter of legendary jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi) returns to Joe’s Pub this week for a performance. Photo by Takashi Matsuzaki
“Biri Gal” at Japan Society
Sayaka Kobayashi, the inspiration behind the Japanese film Flying Colors (Biri Gal / ビリギャル), will give an author talk and book signing at Japan Society on Thursday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Charlie Chaplin’s Confidante in spotlight off-broadway
Off-Broadway play about Toraichi Kono, Charlie Chaplin’s majordomo and confidante who was arrested for espionage during World War II
NYC-Based J-pop Cover Band to Perform
Akari Village, a J-pop cover band based in the East Village of New York City
Rakugo at Japan Village
Rakugo, a traditional Japanese storytelling art, comes to Japan Village
Get ready for an entertaining, all-ages Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Japan Village!