The Joy of Sake Returns to NYC
Sample 492 different sake at The Joy of Sake in NYC on April 30!
The Joy of Sake
Thursday, April 30 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.
Metropolitan Pavilion – 125 W. 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
Admission: $140
The Joy of Sake, the world’s largest sake tasting outside Japan, returns to New York City on April 30 with 492 competition-level sakes available to taste alongside sake-inspired appetizers from top restaurants.
Celebrating the ancient art of sake-brewing, The Joy of Sake is a walkaround tasting where attendees are able to taste the full spectrum of sake styles in the premium daiginjo, ginjo, and junmai categories from every sake-brewing region in Japan, including 293 sakes that are not available in the U.S. Sakes are grouped by style so attendees can explore each in depth, including recipients of silver and gold awards from the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a rigorous blind tasting conducted by ten judges from the U.S. and Japan that takes place prior to the public event. This is an opportunity to sample bottles of the actual competition entries in excellent condition, both Japanese and U.S.-made sakes from local breweries such as Brooklyn Kura and Dassai Blue in Hudson Valley.
In the belief that sake tastes best in good company with great food, fourteen of New York’s top restaurants are preparing original sake appetizers for the event. Restaurants include BondST, Sakagura, Insa, Sake No Hana, Mishik, Towa, Yopparai, Sen Sakana, Rei, Juban, and Rule of Thirds among others serving dishes such as Deviled Egg with Toro Tartar, Broccoli with Tofu Cream & Caviar, Hamachi Temaki, King Salmon Crudo, Bluefin Tuna & Scallions, Kakuni Japanese braised pork belly, and sake-infused Matcha and Hojicha Tiramisu.
The ticket price includes food and unlimited sake tastings. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit The Joy of Sake’s website.
Photos by KK Chote for MST Creative PR and Michael Tulipan
Participating Restaurants
BondSt
Cha-An Teahouse
Insa
Juban
Mishik
Rei
Rule of Thirds
Sakagura
Sake no Hana
Sen Sag Harbor
Sen Sakana
SOZO Sip Bar + Omakase
Towa
Yopparai
About The Joy of Sake
The Joy of Sake launched in Honolulu in 2001 in conjunction with the U.S. National Sake Appraisal, a professional-level blind tasting and judging held under the auspices of Japan’s National Research Institute of Brewing. The 2024 Appraisal brought together seven expert sake judges from Japan and four from the U.S. in Honolulu for three days. The judges blind-tasted and rated each entry, with gold and silver awards going to those with the highest marks. The Joy of Sake is the public sampling and enjoyment of these sakes.
A non-profit organization dedicated to fostering appreciation for the ancient craft of sake making, its annual event is now the largest sake tasting outside Japan. More than half are ultra-premium daiginjo sakes, made from the innermost core of the rice grain. Every year, The Joy of Sake stages events in major cities, presenting hundreds of sakes, many not otherwise available outside Japan, along with sake-themed appetizers from top local restaurants in a lively festival setting.
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JAPAN Fes Begins 2026 Season This WEekend
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.
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.
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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Japan Society Celebrates Actress Meiko Kaji
Japan Society welcomes Japanese actress and singer Meiko Kaji for her first public New York appearance in more than 40 years.
Meiko Kaji: A Retrospective
Friday, March 27 through Saturday, April 4
Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
Japan Society welcomes Japanese actress and singer Meiko Kaji for her first public New York appearance in more than 40 years. Best known in the West as the mythic katana-wielding Lady Snowblood of the eponymous 1973 Toho picture—a violent cult work steeped in fountains of spurting blood—Meiko Kaji remains inseparable from the image of a rebellious outlaw heroine, a cataclysmic force of seventies Japanese cinema whose characteristic steely-eyed gaze cemented her as something akin to Clint Eastwood’s Man with No Name.
About Meiko Kaji
Meiko Kaji, who turned 79 on March 24, was born Masako Ōta in Tokyo. Recruited at the twilight of Japan’s studio era, Kaji emerged in 1965 as a contract player for Nikkatsu, Japan’s oldest film studio. Outspoken and tenacious, she resisted the prescribed mold of modest, reserved female roles, often to the frustration of executives who soon relegated her to supporting parts. Even as an eighteen-year-old newcomer, her unyielding nature revealed a resolute spirit well-suited for outsider roles, and Kaji soon embodied an anti-establishment image of outlaws, bikers and delinquents.
As the industry shifted into violent and sexually charged genre productions to counter waning attendance, Kaji avoided typecasting—even with the success of her vengeful angels—seeking instead to further her craft and artistry, opting for variety over stardom. Moving from ninkyo eiga (chivalry films) and pinky violence to yakuza pictures, arthouse productions, and television, Kaji—whose piercing gaze came to define an era of Japanese cinema—transcended the confines of genre cinema; her depth and versatility extend far beyond the cult mythos that surrounds her.
Japan Society’s Retrospective
Running from Friday, March 27 through Saturday, April 4, Meiko Kaji: A Retrospective features ten films that epitomize her bad-girl image. Three of the ten are already sold out: Lady Snowblood, Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41, and The Love Suicides at Sonezaki. So make sure you purchase tickets for the remaining films by visiting Japan Society’s website or calling the Box Office at 212-715-1258.
Full Lineup
Lady Snowblood ©1973 Toho Company, Ltd
Lady Snowblood
This screening is SOLD OUT
Friday, March 27 at 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $22 Nonmembers | $20 Seniors & Students | $18 Members
Dir. Toshiya Fujita | 1973 | 96 min.
Q&A with Meiko Kaji followed by Opening Night Reception
The representative work of Kaji’s career in action cinema, produced by Toho during a hiatus from Toei, Lady Snowblood adapts Kazuo Kamimura’s manga into a stylish, blood-soaked treatise on retribution.
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion ©1973 Toei Company, Ltd
Female Prisoner #701: Scorpion
Saturday, March 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Shunya Ito | 1972 | 87 min.
Confined within a women’s prison populated by sadistic, leering guards and volatile inmates, Kaji’s character Nami radiates a simmering, unspoken rage in what would become her defining role at Toei.
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41 ©1972 Toei Compay, Ltd
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Jailhouse 41
This screening is SOLD OUT
Saturday, March 28 at 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $18 Nonmembers | $16 Seniors & Students | $14 Members
Dir. Shunya Ito | 1972 |90 min.
Archival 35mm Presentation; Q&A with Meiko Kaji
After a year in solitary confinement in a vicious women’s prison, Nami has taken on a mythic stature as “Sasori” (Scorpion) in Shunya Ito’s feverish, avant-garde-tinged sequel. Banding together an uncouth group of inmates, Nami escapes with sadistic guards in hot pursuit.
Yakuza Graveyard ©1976 Toei Company, Ltd
Yakuza Graveyard
Saturday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $18 Nonmembers | $16 Seniors & Students | $14 Members
Dir. Kinji Fukasaku | 1976 | 92 min.
Introduction by Meiko Kaji
Kinji Fukasaku’s propulsive crime film paints postwar Japan as rotten to its core, with hardheaded detective Kuroiwa taking to Osaka’s streets as he forms an unlikely alliance with Kaji’s yakuza mistress—sparking a gang war as corruption bleeds all the way up the chain of command.
Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter ©1970 Nikkatsu
Stray Cat Rock: Sex Hunter
Sunday, March 29 at 4:00 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Yasuharu Hasebe | 1970 | 93 min.
35mm Presentation
Kaji’s breakthrough Stray Cat Rock series finds its darkest point in this third entry when Kaji’s delinquent gang faces off with her boyfriend Baron’s violent campaign against mixed-race locals near Yokosuka’s American military base.
The Love Suicides at Sonezaki ©Art Theatre Guild
The Love Suicides at Sonezaki
This screening is SOLD OUT
Sunday, March 29 at 6:30 p.m.
Admission: $18 Nonmembers | $16 Seniors & Students | $14 Members
Dir. Yasuzo Masumura | 1978 | 112 min.
35mm Import. Q&A with Meiko Kaji
Yasuzo Masumura’s devastating ATG adaptation of the Chikamatsu bunraku drama remains Kaji’s personal favorite of her works, a theatrical and unadorned tragedy steadily advancing to a violent, funereal act of passion.
Wandering Ginza Butterfly ©1972 Toei Company, Ltd
Wandering Ginza Butterfly
Friday, April 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Kazuhiko Yamaguchi | 1972 | 86 min.
World Premiere of 2K Restoration
Kaji’s first Toei appearance following her Nikkatsu exit, Wandering Ginza Butterfly substitutes a period setting for the neon-lit clubs of ’70s Ginza—a hybrid commercial outing: part ninkyo eiga (chivalry films), part The Hustler.
Blind Woman’s Curse ©1970 Nikkatsu Corporation
Blind Woman’s Curse
Friday, April 3 at 9:15 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Teruo Ishii |1970 | 84 min.
Teruo Ishii’s phantasmagoric work of erotic grotesque may be the best female swordplay-cum-ghost cat horror film Japan ever produced. The film is also noted for being Kaji’s first starring role under her stage name.
New Battles Without Honor and Humanity: The Boss’s Head ©1975 Toei Company, Ltd
New Battles Without Honor and Humanity: The Boss’s Head
Saturday, April 4 at 6:00 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Kinji Fukasaku | 1975 | 94 min.
The middle film of Fukasaku’s Battles Without Honor and Humanity follow-up series, The Boss’s Head costars Kaji as the wife of a heroin-addicted hitman who befriends, then betrays, series star Bunta Sugawara.
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable ©1973 Toei Company, Ltd
Female Prisoner Scorpion: Beast Stable
Saturday, April 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Admission: $16 Nonmembers | $14 Seniors & Students | $12 Members
Dir. Shunya Ito | 1973 | 87 min.
The third film in the Sasori series—and the last directed by Shunya Ito—is a horror-tinged entry, which finds Nami caught in the wrath of a vengeful yakuza gang, arguably the most violent offering of the series.
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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.
@columbiajsa on Instagram
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.
Behind the Scenes of Japanese Baseball
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 on Sunday, April 12.
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.
Photos courtesy of Robert K. Fitts
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.
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Japanese Artist KAZUMA at Arlene’s Grocery in LES
Japanese artist KAZUMA will present a free live concert, Invisible Full Moon, this Thursday, February 12 at the iconic New York venue Arlene’s Grocery.
KAZUMA New York Free Live Concert―Invisible Full Moon
Thursday, February 12, 2026 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. (Doors open 6:30 p.m.)
Arlene’s Grocery – 95 Stanton Street
Admission: Free
Japanese artist KAZUMA will present a free live concert, Invisible Full Moon, this Thursday, February 12 at the iconic New York venue Arlene’s Grocery. The event will feature collaborations with local artists and a special program centered on Japan–U.S. cultural exchange. KAZUMA is hosting this free concert as his way of giving back to the city for helping him after he suddenly developed a severe voice disorder that forced him to step away from the stage.
At his lowest point in New York, he encountered an artist community that encouraged him even on days when his voice was not in good condition. Thanks to their support, he was able to rediscover his passion for music.
KAZUMA
“When I lost my voice, I was overwhelmed with fear and lost sight of my future. At that time, New York reached out its hand to me. Even when my voice was not perfect, people valued my music itself. I want to give something back to this city that saved me. I hope this concert can become a trigger for someone else’s ‘rebirth.’”
Performers
Toshi Cappuccino (MC / Performer)
The concert is free, but RSVP is recommended. To reserve your spot, please visit KAZUMA’s Eventbrite page.
About KAZUMA
Raised by a musician father, KAZUMA began singing at an early age. At 18, he joined an artist development agency where he trained extensively in vocal performance and live shows. He launched his professional music career in his mid-20s, but he faced uncertainty due to his serious voice disorder. Through rehabilitation, training, and transformative experiences in New York, he overcame the condition and developed a deeper, more expressive vocal style.
Returning to the stage, he successfully performed a microphone-free concert in a chapel in 2021. Two years later, he appeared at a Japan–U.S. cultural exchange event at Carnegie Hall, followed by performances at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week, expanding his international presence.
In 2024, he released his debut album, KOKUU. Known for his clear high notes and delicate falsetto, KAZUMA’s music—centered on themes of rebirth and hope—has received acclaim both in Japan and abroad.
Watch the video for the title song on his YouTube channel.
Toward Becoming a New Cultural Bridge
KAZUMA has also begun cultural exchange activities connecting his hometown, Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture, with New York. He will continue to share messages of rebirth through music.
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Miniature Ramen Workshop at Japan Village! 🍜
Oishii Miniatures hosts this miniature food-making workshop, a hands-on event where participants will create a realistic miniature bowl of ramen.
Let’s Make a Bowl of Miniature Ramen!
Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.
Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd Floor)
Admission: $80
Join this miniature food-making workshop, a hands-on event where participants will create a realistic, miniature bowl of ramen. You’ll learn how to make everything from noodles to toppings and take home your adorable handmade clay creation.
It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone who loves crafting or Japanese food.
Hosted by Oishii Miniatures, the workshop will take place at The LOFT on the second floor of Japan Village in Brooklyn.
Tickets are required to participate. To reserve your spot, please click here.
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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.
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Setsubun Tradition at Wasan Brooklyn
Wasan Brooklyn’s Eho-Maki Week
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.
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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.
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Asia Society to Screen WWII Documentary
Join the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) for a screening of the PBS documentary Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from World War II. Following the film, ASPI will host a moderated conversation with the director, Beatrice Becette, and producers Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly. The conversation will be moderated by Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, and ASPI Managing Director Rorry Daniels will give opening remarks.
Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from World War II
Thursday, January 29, 2026 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:15 p.m.
Asia Society – 725 Park Avenue (between E. 70th and E. 71st Streets)
Admission: $15 | $8 Asia Society Members
Join the Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI) for a screening of the PBS documentary Atomic Echoes: Untold Stories from World War II. Following the film, ASPI will host a moderated conversation with the director, Beatrice Becette, and producers Karin Tanabe and Victoria Kelly. The conversation will be moderated by Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, and ASPI Managing Director Rorry Daniels will give opening remarks.
Schedule
5:30 p.m. Documentary Screening
6:30 p.m. Panel Discussion and Q&A
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Asia Society’s website. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be available to NYC college students with ID at the box office on the day of the screening.
Blue Chalk Media
About the Film
Two friends, connected by family histories on opposite sides of World War II, set out to explore the lasting trauma of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings. While Japanese hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors) endure lifelong health complications and psychological scars, American atomic veterans who witnessed the bombings’ aftermath also struggle with radiation-related illnesses and PTSD.
About Beatrice Becette – Director
Beatrice Becette is a New York City-based filmmaker who tells stories that spark connection and illuminate the threads that link us across time, place, and experience. She has worked across genres—from investigative and historical documentaries to lifestyle and educational series—and across sectors, partnering with respected news organizations and mission-driven brands.
Her portfolio includes collaborations with clients such as National Geographic, Disney+, Discovery, MAX, NBC, The Washington Post, Lowe’s, and Booz Allen Hamilton. Regardless of format or client, her work remains rooted in a deep belief in the power of storytelling to reveal the human stories behind complex systems and events.
Becette holds a degree in Film from American University with minors in Marketing and Creative Writing.
About Victoria Kelly – Producer
Victoria Kelly’s grandfather, a Navy medic, was one of the first American troops to enter Nagasaki after the dropping of the atomic bomb.
Kelly is the author of four books of fiction and poetry: Homefront, Mrs. Houdini, When the Men Go Off to War, and Prayers of an American Wife. She is also a consultant for corporate and nonprofit thought leadership.
She graduated from Harvard University and received her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. She lives in Virginia with her three daughters.
About Karin Tanabe – Producer
A Japanese American nisei, Karin Tanabe’s grandmother’s uncle, Tatsuo Morito, was Japan’s post-war Minister of Education. In 1950, Morito became the first president of Hiroshima University, helping build an institution dedicated to peace.
A novelist and journalist, Tanabe is the author of seven novels published by St. Martin’s Press and Simon & Schuster. A former Politico reporter, she remains a frequent contributor to The Washington Post. Several of her books have been optioned for film and television, most recently A Woman of Intelligence to NBC Universal.
She is a graduate of Vassar College and lives in Washington, D.C.
About Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki – Moderator
Rev. Dr. T. Kenjitsu Nakagaki, D. Min. is a Buddhist priest, ordained in the 750-year-old Jodoshinshu tradition of Japanese Buddhism in 1980. A President and Founder of the Heiwa Peace and Reconciliation Foundation of New York, he is a President Emeritus of the Buddhist Council of New York, a Hiroshima Peace Ambassador, a Nagasaki Peace Correspondent, an Honorary Board Member of the Interfaith Center of New York, an Honorary President of Sanghakaya Foundation (India), and New York City Police Department Clergy Liaison.
Since 1994, Rev. Nakagaki has organized an interfaith peace event to commemorate the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings. He organized the annual 9/11 WTC Memorial Floating Lanterns Ceremony from 2002 until 2011.
Rev. Nakagaki was ordained in 1980 at the Nishi Honganji Temple in Kyoto, Japan. In 1985, he was sent to the U.S. as an overseas minister, serving first with at the Seattle Buddhist Church, (1985-1989), the Parlier Buddhist Church (1989-1994), and the New York Buddhist Church (1994-2010).
He is an author of the book The Buddhist Swastika and Hitler’s Cross: Rescuing a Symbol of Peace from the Forces of Hate, and the Kindle version of No Worry, No Hurry, Eat Curry: Tracing the Path of the Buddha in India is available in English.
About Rorry Daniels – Opening Remarks
Rorry Daniels is the Managing Director of Asia Society Policy Institute (ASPI), where she leads and oversees strategy and operations for ASPI's projects on security, climate change, and trade throughout Asia. She is also a Senior Fellow with ASPI's Center for China Analysis. Previously she was with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy, where she managed the organization's Track II and research portfolio on Asia security issues, with a particular focus on cross-Taiwan Strait relations, U.S.-China relations, and the North Korean nuclear program. Her most recent research project audited the U.S.-China Strategic & Economic Dialogue to evaluate its process and outcomes.
Daniels regularly writes and provides analysis for major media outlets and newsletters on security issues in the U.S. and the Asia Pacific. She is a 2022 Mansfield-Luce scholar, a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations and the National Committee on North Korea, a Pacific Forum Young Leader, as well as a Korea Society Kim Koo Foundation Fellow (2015 cohort). She earned her M.S. in International Relations at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, where she focused her studies on East and South Asia. She is proficient in Mandarin and holds a B.A. in Media Studies from Emerson College.
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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.
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See Special Screening of KOKUHO in NYC
Limited tickets are still available for a special screening of KOKUHO this Wednesday, January 21.
Photo credit: ©Shuichi Yoshida / ASP ©2025 “KOKUHO” Film Partners
Special Preview of KOKUHO in NYC on January 21
Academy Award®–winning producer and distributor GKIDS announced its film Kokuho will have exclusive, special preview screenings at IMAX theaters on Wednesday, January 21. Limited tickets are still available for this one-night-only event.
Japan’s official submission for Best International Feature at the 98th Academy Awards and its highest grossing live-action film ever, Kokuho will be released in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto on February 6, with major North American expansion beginning February 20.
Where to Watch in NYC on January 21
AMC 34th Street 14 & IMAX
312 W. 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
6:00 p.m.
Click here to purchase ticketsAMC Lincoln Square 13 & IMAX
1998 Broadway, New York, NY 10023
6:00 p.m.
Click here to purchase tickets
©Shuichi Yoshida/ASP ©2025 “KOKUHO” Film Partners
Kokuho Synopsis
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.
Directed by Sang-il Lee, the film stars Ryo Yoshizawa, Ryusei Yokohama, and Academy Award® nominee Ken Watanabe.
Kokuho (meaning “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance.
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Dassai to Host Wagashi x Art Event
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery hosts a collaboration workshop that blends contemporary art with Japanese wagashi, the delicate tradition of handcrafted sweets.
Wagashi Workshop and Modern Art Demonstration
Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery – 5 Saint Andrews Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
Admission: $90
Dassai Blue Sake Brewery hosts a collaboration workshop that blends contemporary art with Japanese wagashi, the delicate tradition of handcrafted sweets. Discover how artist Moyuru Shiroma’s signature designs come alive through wagashi expert Sara Suzuki’s Chokotto Wagashi.
Event Structure
Guided instruction from Sara Suzuki
All of the materials to make three wagashi
A glass of Dassai Blue Nigori or Nigori Sparkling
Suzuki will guide participants in creating three different designs of nerikiri wagashi inspired by Shiroma’s signature designs: flowers, butterflies, and fish. At the end of the event, each participant will receive a box designed by Shiroma, allowing participants to take home their favorite wagashi in this special keepsake. In addition, while Suzuki leads the class, Shiroma will create a live painting.
To purchase tickets, please visit Tock.
Sara Suzuki and Moyuru Shiroma
What is Wagashi?
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confection made from simple plant-based ingredients such as rice flour, sweet bean paste, and sugar. Their intricate designs reflect nature and seasonality, and they are typically paired with matcha at tea ceremonies.
Wagashi expert Sara Suzuki
About Sara Pekofsky Suzuki
While studying in Japan during college, Sara Pekofsky Suzuki discovered the quiet beauty and variety of wagashi. Inspired by those experiences, she continues to deepen her craft through ongoing courses and training. Through PEKOS CHOKOTTO WAGASHI, she creates seasonal, handcrafted sweets made entirely from scratch, using only all-natural ingredients and colors, celebrating care, tradition, and the fleeting nature of each moment. To learn more, follow Suzuki on Instagram.
Artist Moyuru Shiroma
About Moyuru Shiroma
Moyuru “Moy” Shiroma grew up on the small tropical island of Okinawa, Japan. This is where he developed his love of using bright colors to express mood. More recently, he has illustrated the duality of human emotions by combining the vivid colors of acrylic paints and sprays with the darker colors of stencil. He earned a bachelor's degree from Tohoku University of Art and Design, followed by attending college in Rockland County, New York. Both schools presented him with awards in the field of visual arts. He continues to hold exhibitions and collaborate with companies to share his vision. For more information, please visit Moy’s website.
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Valentine’s Day Sake Labels
Looking for a romantic, meaningful, and unforgettable Valentine’s gift? Join Japanese calligraphy artist Taisan Tanaka for his popular monthly workshop at Kato Sake Works in Brooklyn.
Create a Personalized Japanese Calligraphy Sake Label — Valentine’s Edition
Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Kato Sake Works – 379 Troutman Street, Brooklyn
Admission: $28.52
Looking for a romantic, meaningful, and unforgettable Valentine’s gift?
Join Japanese calligraphy artist Taisan Tanaka for his popular monthly workshop at Kato Sake Works in Brooklyn. Held on the second Wednesday of the month, the class teaches attendees how to create a sake label featuring your favorite word or a message in Japanese.
This month’s class is focused on creating Valentine’s Day-inspired calligraphy designs—perfect for gifting someone you love or for celebrating self-love with something special.
🎨 No Experience Needed
All attendees, regardless of level, will learn how to write meaningful Japanese characters such as names, wishes, or loving messages, and turn them into your very own custom sake label
💝 Why Join?
Because it’s a heartfelt, cultural, and beautifully personal gift, something handcrafted and full of meaning
🍶 Perks
Sake bottles are available for purchase on site
You can even enjoy sake while creating — a perfect pairing of art and romance!
Whether you’re celebrating with a partner, a friend, or yourself, this class offers a memorable and creative way to mark Valentine’s Day. To purchase tickets, please visit Taisan Tanaka’s Eventbrite page.
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DASSAI Moon Talk at Japan Society
Peek behind the curtain of the DASSAI MOON Project at this special Japan Society event. Photo ©DASSAI
Crafting DASSAI Sake on the Moon: Conversation & Sake Tasting
Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Japan Society – 333 E. 47th Street (between 1st and 2nd Avenues)
Admission: $45 | $35 Japan Society Members
Peek behind the curtain of the DASSAI MOON Project at this special Japan Society event.
Japan Society looks to the future with sake brewery DASSAI for a conversation on the DASSAI MOON Project, an initiative aimed at constructing the first-ever sake brewery on the moon. The project’s focus is to produce sake on the moon by 2050, and to achieve the historic feat, DASSAI recently carried out the world’s first sake fermentation in orbit inside the Japanese Experiment Module “Kibou” (Hope) aboard the International Space Station. This experiment was conducted in simulated lunar gravity (1/6 Earth’s gravity) using an artificial gravity generator installed in Kibou. The experiment investigated how fermentation behaves in lunar gravity and laid the foundation for brewing sake beyond Earth, bringing traditional Japanese craftsmanship into the era of space exploration. The moromi (fermentation mash) produced inside Kibou will be brought back to Earth and pressed to make sake bottled under the name DASSAI MOON, and DASSAI will donate all proceeds from its sale to the future development of Japanese space exploration. This project is a first test in anticipation of human lunar settlement and the dream of making sake in lunar colonies!
DASSAI Chairman Hiroshi Sakurai and DASSAI MOON Project Manager Soya Uetsuki will be in conversation about their collaboration with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to conduct brewing experiments in orbit. They will discuss the technology behind the project and how DASSAI transformed this idea into reality to achieve a historic milestone for humanity. This talk will be followed by a reception and sake tasting.
To purchase tickets, please visit Japan Society’s website.
©DASSAI
About the Reception
Attendees are invited to join in a sake tasting featuring sake from DASSAI BLUE. All are freshly brewed in Hyde Park, New York, with Yamada Nishiki rice from Japan and Arkansas and water from New York’s Hudson Valley.
Dassai Blue Type 23 – Tasting Notes: Complex aromatics of anise, pear and marshmallow develop into bright lemon chiffon, honeysuckle and stone fruit with a touch of minerality.
Dassai Blue Type 35 – Tasting Notes: White peaches and ripe papayas with a soft, sweet fragrance. The taste is characterized by a subtle sweetness and refreshing acidity.
Dassai Blue Type 50 – Tasting Notes: Licorice and cantaloupe give way to pineapple candy, lemon curd and vanilla with a hint of brine on the finish.
Dassai Blue Nigori Sparkling 50 – Tasting Notes: A fruity aroma reminiscent of green apples and Japanese wagashi treats. Some sweetness, moderate fizziness and a refreshing crisp finish.
All attendees must be 21 or older.
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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.
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Samurai Sword Soul’s 20th Anniversary
New York–based samurai theater company Samurai Sword Soul is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a theater play, Don't Cry, My Friend.
Don't Cry, My Friend – Samurai Sword Soul 20th Anniversary Theater Play
Wednesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 7
Gibney 280 Broadway – 53A Chambers Street
Admission: $106.07 VIP Tickets | $43.04 General Tickets
New York–based samurai theater company Samurai Sword Soul is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a theater play, Don't Cry, My Friend. Founded in 2003 by FX SHOGUN actor Yoshi Amao, Samurai Sword Soul has been entertaining audiences in New York and beyond with an engaging mix of comedy routines, humanistic-theme drama, and thrilling sword fights.
About Don't Cry, My Friend
The show is an original story inspired by two beloved Japanese folktales: “Urashima Taro” and “The Red Oni Who Cried” (“Naita Aka Oni”). This samurai fantasy is brought to life with exhilarating sword fights, laugh-out-loud comedy, and moving drama. At its heart, the play explores timeless questions: What is justice and evil? What does true friendship mean? And how do we find our own path in life? Blending the beauty of samurai tradition with a fresh theatrical edge, this unforgettable journey celebrates courage, compassion, and the human spirit.
It’s a must-see show for everyone! Families and children ages 4 and up are welcome. To purchase tickets, please visit ticketstripe.com.
An open bar is included with your ticket
Show sponsors include
Izakaya Juraku
Sato Shiki (Whisky)
Dassai (Sake)
Kenbishi (Sake)
Sapporo (Beer)
Snacks and soft drinks are also available.
VIP Tickets
The best seats are reserved for those who purchase VIP tickets, while general seating is on a first come, first served basis. A VIP ticket includes a program signed by the entire cast, along with a complimentary gift from Samurai Sword Soul.
Remaining Performances
Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, December 5 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 6 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Run time: Approximately 70 minutes
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Ramen NYC’s Holiday Ramen Social
Celebrate the holiday season with Ramen NYC at Jin Ramen Hamilton Heights!
Ramen NYC Holiday Ramen Social at Jin Ramen
Sunday, December 7 from 2:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Jin Ramen Hamilton Heights – 3599 Broadway (at 148th Street)
Admission: $57.33 (includes fees)
Celebrate the holiday season with Ramen NYC at Jin Ramen Hamilton Heights!
Join the group of ramen fans for a cozy afternoon filled with great ramen, good company, and festive vibes as they enjoy a special tasting-style prix-fixe created just for this group.
Space is limited, so grab your tickets now! RSVP at Ramen NYC’s Eventbrite page.
🍜 What Your Ticket Includes
A curated tasting menu designed to let you experience two different ramen styles in one sitting:
One appetizer
One Classic Ramen
One New York–Style Ramen
One drink (soft drink included; alcohol upgrade available at the restaurant)
One complimentary gift from the Jin Ramen shop owners
Each ramen is served in a tasting-friendly portion, so you can comfortably enjoy both the traditional and innovative flavors Jin Ramen is known for.
✨ Why This Event Is Special
A festive, intimate ramen gathering
Unique two-ramen tasting experience
Limited spots so everyone can relax, hang out, and meet new friends
Perfect for ramen fans who want to explore both classic and modern styles
About Ramen NYC
Ramen NYC is a new website dedicated to sharing knowledge about, well, the best ramen in NYC! Explore featured restaurants, editor’s picks, and various ramen categories from vegetarian options to late-night spots to wallet-friendly offerings. Learn more at ramen-nyc.com.
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RAM & Tokyo to New York at Martha Graham Studio
Random Access Music and Tokyo to New York bring movement and sound together in a two-night event at the Martha Graham Studio Theater.
RAM & Tokyo to New York: Music & Dance
Friday, November 14, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 8:00 p.m.
Martha Graham Studio Theater – 55 Bethune Street
Tickets: $25 Adults | $10 Students
Random Access Music and Tokyo to New York bring movement and sound together in a two-night event at the Martha Graham Studio Theater.
This program celebrates the exchange between music and dance, featuring acclaimed dancer and choreographer Henning Rübsam in dynamic new collaborations with the composers and performers of RAM. The concert presents three world premieres commissioned by Random Access Music and Thomas Piercy—new works by Beata Moon, Frances White, and Andrea Casarrubios—together with recent compositions by Masatora Goya and Roger Stubblefield.
To purchase tickets, please visit simpletix.com. Cash and credit cards will be accepted at the door.
Featuring
Henning Rübsam – Dancer/choreographer
Hélène Taddei Lawson – Dancer/choreographer
Violetta Klimczewska – Dancer
Musicians
Lish Lindsey – Flutes
Thomas Piercy – Clarinet / hichiriki
Sabina Torosjan – Violin
Molly Aronson – Cello
Marina Iwao – Piano
Music by RAM Composers
Beata Moon
Masatora Goya
Allen Schulz
Frances White
Guest Composers
Andrea Casarrubios
Roger Stubblefield
"Fifteen Minutes of Fame" Composers
As part of the “Fifteen Minutes of Fame” project, audiences will also hear the premieres of 15 one-minute duos for hichiriki and low flutes.
Nantenaina Andriamorasata
Vahan Luder Artinian
David Bohn
Ross James Carey
Monica Chew
Philip Czapłowski
Douglas DaSilva
Paolo Geminiani
Simon Hutchinson
Sakiko Kosaka
Matt A. Mason
Gene Pritsker
Allen Schulz
Jane Wang
Dalen Wuest
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