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.
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Night Market at Japan Village Brooklyn
The Japan Village Night Market in Brooklyn is taking place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Japan Village Courtyard in Industry City.
Night Market
Friday, May 29, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Japan Village Courtyard – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn
Admission: Free
The Japan Village Night Market in Brooklyn is taking place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Japan Village Courtyard in Industry City. The event features live music, local art vendors, games, and a curated selection of Japanese food and drinks.
Live Entertainment
Dancer Ayaka Asada will perform, and there will also be a live set by DJ Skymall Future.
For more information, please visit Japan Village’s social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook.
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SAKECON to Host Intimate Sake Weekend at Sake no Hana
Step into an intimate weekend where ancient craftsmanship meets modern flavor and indulge in a curated tasting of premium Japanese sake.
SAKECON Spring 2026
Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Sake no Hana – 145 Bowery (between Grand and Broome Streets)
Admission: $85 - $185
30+ Breweries. 50+ Sake. One Extraordinary Weekend in NYC.
Step into an intimate weekend where ancient craftsmanship meets modern flavor and indulge in a curated tasting of premium Japanese sake.
This isn’t just a sake event — it’s a cultural voyage through the spirit of Japan. From delicate aromas to bold umami notes, let your taste buds travel across centuries of tradition and innovation.
What Tickets Include
Sake and sake cocktail tastings of your choice
Parings with small bite
Original sake glass
Entry to all entertainment, food vendors, and artisan marketplace
Event Highlights
The Collection — More than breweries from Japan and the United States, each hand-selected for craft, character, and story
Super Premium Tasting — Rare labels almost never poured by the glass (Available to VIP and VVIP guests only)
The Pairings — Chef-curated sushi, seasonal bites, A5 Kagoshima wagyu, Kochi Crown Melon samplings, and more
Master Tasting Class — An intimate guided session with Timothy Sullivan, Sake Samurai and America's foremost sake educator (Available to VVIP guests only)
Master Calligraphy — Have renowned artist Seicho inscribe your complimentary sake glass (Add-on service available)
Wagashi Workshop — Hands-on Japanese confectionery making (Complimentary for VIP guests; first come, first served)
Live TAO DJ Set and Signature Sake Cocktails — One weekend only, where Japanese brewing tradition meets New York's most iconic nightlife
Japanese Marketplace — Curated artisan vendors
Must be 21+ to attend. Tickets range from General Admission to VVIP. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Upstairs NYC’s website.
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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
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.
Iconic manga artist and illustrator Acky Bright will be this year’s Grand Marshal.
Grand Marshal_Acky Bright
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.
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.
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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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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.
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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.
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.
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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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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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?
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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.
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!
2025 Holiday Gift Guide
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.
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!
Photo from https://sorate.co/
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.
Photo from https://ikikimono.com/
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. Photos by Cynthia Lam and Susan Miyagi McCormac
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.
Photos from https://nepenthesny.com/
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.
Photo from https://tokio7ny.com/
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.
Photos from https://tokio7ny.com/
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.
Photos from https://yosekastationery.com/
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.
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New Ramen Website to Host First Meetup
Best Ramen NYC to host its first meetup at Marufuku Ramen
Best Ramen NYC Meetup – Marufuku Ramen
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Marufuku Ramen NYC – 92 2nd Avenue (between 5th and 6th Streets)
Admission: Free
Best Ramen NYC is hosting its first meetup at Marufuku! Marufuku serves authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen: rich pork broth, ultra-thin noodles, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu.
The small group will meet to share bowls, swap recommendations, and connect with fellow ramen lovers in New York. Admission is free, with guests covering their own food and drinks.
This event the first meetup in Best Ramen NYC’s monthly ramen series, where they’ll spotlight different ramen shops across the city. To RSVP, please visit Best Ramen NYC’s website.
Marufuki Ramen from Best Ramen NYC
About Best Ramen NYC
Best 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.
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!
Kanpai in NYC: 6 Ways to Toast World Sake Day
Celebrate World Sake Day at six different events in NYC
From Pairings to Parties, Here’s Where to Sip Sake This October
October marks the beginning of the sake brewing season in Japan, arriving just after the September rice harvest and leading into winter, the ideal time for fermentation. In 1978, the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association officially designated October first as Nihonshu no Hi, or World Sake Day.
Here are six fantastic events in New York where sake lovers can raise a glass and say “Kanpai!” to the rich traditions of Japanese sake.
How will you celebrate World Sake Day?
SAKE DAY 2025 at Bin Bin Sake
29 Norman Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Admission: $10 - $15
Greenpoint-based Bin Bin Sake, a liquor store specializing in sake and natural wine, will host its second World Sake Day celebration.
Highlights
Tickets include admission, unlimited tastes of sake, a small ochoko (ceramic sake tasting cup), and a special discount at the bin bin shop for take-home bottles
Each sake being poured has been selected by the Bin Bin team in collaboration with its distributors, showcasing the team’s favorite products
Vendor market featuring incredible local art and Japanese crafts, as well as a food vendor and DJ
Go to Bin Bin’s Eventbrite page to purchase tickets.
Sake Revolution Podcast
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.-ish
6:00 p.m. – Taproom Opens
7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. – LIVE Sake Revolution recording
9:00 p.m.-ish – Taproom closes
Brooklyn Kura – 34 34th Street, Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Admission: $15
Be part of a LIVE studio audience recording of America's first sake podcast, Sake Revolution! Hosts John Puma and Timothy Sullivan will be live and in person at the Brooklyn Kura taproom and invite you to join in the studio audience.
Highlights
Interview and sake tasting with Byron Stithem, owner and master brewer of Proper Sake in Nashville, Tennessee. Guests will taste two kinds of Stithem's sake and explore his philosophy and point of view on the making of his unique and delicious brand.
Audience members will be able to submit questions to be answered live during the broadcast
Purchase tickets at Brooklyn Kura’s website. Admission includes admission for one, plus two tasting pours of sake. Snacks and additional sake will be available for purchase.
World Sake Day NYC
Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
The W Loft Rooftop – 240 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Admission: $65
The mission of World Sake Day NYC is to elevate awareness and appreciation of the rich history, dedicated people, and vibrant culture behind Japanese craft sake. This annual event brings guests face-to-face with the artisans and experts of the sake world, offering a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and connect directly with the makers of this traditional beverage.
Highlights
Premium sakes from more than 30 Japan and US breweries
Admission includes 15 tasting tickets, souvenir sake glass, and tote bag
Complimentary Bluefin Sampling Curated Japanese food vendors ($10–$20 per dish)
Meet Michelin Starred Sommelier Steve Kim of Restaurant l'abeille
Original cocktail designed by award-winning bartender Takuma Watanabe of Martiny's
Exclusive catering of Japanese appetizers and snacks by Tabetomo
Installation art by Ikuma design
Portraits pop-up by Japanese artists Hiroshi Masuda and Remi Yamamoto
Asian artisanal vendor market with crafts, ceramics, candles and more
To see the complete list of participating brewers and to purchase tickets, please visit World Sake Day NYC’s website.
Kato Sake Works Sake Day Party
Saturday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.
Kato Sake Works – 379 Troutman Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn
Admission: Free (sake for sale)
Kato Sake Works, a small but mighty craft sake brewery in Bushwick, will celebrate World Sake Day with music, food, art, and a brand new sake. The event will serve as KSW’s official launch NY Jizake (NY Local Sake), a Junmai sake made with Akitakomachi rice grown by Great Joy Family Farm in Pine Bush, New York.
For more information, please visit @katosakeworks on Instagram or their website.
Sake Day Brooklyn 2025
Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Kura – 34 34th Street, Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Admission: $50
Since one Sake Day celebration isn’t enough, Brooklyn Kura is hosting a Community Sake Day at their taproom in Industry City.
Highlights
Premium Sake Tasting all night
Interactive Brewery Tour
Shizuku Drip: Taste freshly dripped sake
DJ playing all night
Raffles and giveaways for sake classes and swag
Food pop ups in the courtyard
There will be two rounds of tastings, each featuring dozens of brands. Sake distributors will also be on hand to pour sake from all over Japan.
Premium Sake Tasting Round 1 – 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Dassai
Heavensake
Kato Sake Works
Komé Collective
Mutual Trading
Proper Sake
Sake Discoveries
Skurnik Wines & Spirits
World Sake Imports
Premium Sake Tasting Round 2 – 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Brooklyn Kura
Hakkaisan
Joto Sake
Kikusui
Niigata Sake Selections
Origami Sake
Wismettac
To purchase tickets, please visit Brooklyn Kura’s website.
SAKECON
Friday, October 10, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
The Mezzanine – 55 Broadway, New York
Admission: $85-$120
Round out the Sake Day (week+) at SAKECON, presented by Upstairs NYC, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting friendly relations between New York and other countries through cultural exchanges.
Highlights
Theme: All White – Dress in white (not required) as a nod to “shinpaku,” the snow-white center of sake rice
Ultimate Premium Sake Selections: More than 40 breweries and 65 sake
Free sample of Dassai Blue Sake Mille Crêpes by Lady M (while supplies last)
Mouthwatering Japanese food and special cocktails by NR (Food is available for purchase)
Japanese marketplace
Original sake glass that is yours to keep
Giveaway: Original Izak Zenou tote bag
Live Entertainment: DJ and LED Electric Violin performance by global artist Sarina The Violin Diva
Part of the proceeds will be donated to sake breweries in Ishikawa Prefecture, impacted by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Upstairs NYC’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!
Outdoor Concert & market in the Catskills
Momoglobalflowers, a biodynamic farm in the Catskills, is hosting its fifth annual Shinrinyoku (forest bathing) outdoor concert and market. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and local artisans surrounded by the beauty and nature of the farm.
Momoglobal Flowers 5th Annual Shinrinyoku Outdoor Concert and Market
Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. (Rain Date: Sunday, September 7)
Momoglobalflowers Farm – 414 Swiss Hill Road, Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Admission: $30 | Free for children under 15 | Dogs are welcome
Momoglobalflowers, a biodynamic farm in the Catskills, is hosting its fifth annual Shinrinyoku (forest bathing) outdoor concert and market. Enjoy an evening of music, food, and local artisans surrounded by the beauty and nature of the farm.
The ticket includes a free tasting of Dassai Sake, an Uji Kyoto ice shake matcha with oat milk and koji by Damdam Tokyo, and a free tasting by Aaron Burr Cidery. To purchase tickets, please visit Momoglobal’s Eventbrite page or pay cash at the door.
Schedule and Activities
The Market opens at 3:00 p.m. for free workshops and shopping.
Mini-Ikebana workshop by Kaya Abe
Japanese calligraphy by Yuka Sudo
Origami by Izzy Yang
Keiko Pottery
Te Plus Te Hinoki body care
Peaboy and Mitsu tie dye
Herbal soap by Manami collaboration.
Guided meditation by Miriam Hernandez at 4:00 p.m. before the concert begins
Suikawari (watermelon splitting) at 9:00 p.m.
Musical Artists
Singer/songwriter Monday Michiru
Jazz pianist Misha Tsiganov with his trio
Andrew Pertulis playing handpan
Electronic musician Rikitaro Suzuki
Rap artist The Mighty Cobra
Food and Beverage Vendors
Ice shake with matcha from Uij, Kyoto, by Damdam
Japanese handmade sweets by Diane
Japanese dried plums and treats by Mimaki Umeboshi Miwa
Filipino food by Nais Cassy Shu
Bibimbus Kai a Korean food truck
Ohmammy Mami Japanese curry
Desserts by Vesurce
Please bring your own chair or blanket to sit on and a bag to carry out your trash. For more information, please follow @momoglobalflowers on Instagram.
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!