Annual Japan Parade Marks Second Successful Return to Upper West Side, New York
The bustling streets of Central Park West in New York City transformed into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as the 2nd Annual Japan Parade took place. The event, which ran from morning until 3:30 pm, was filled with revelers waving the Japanese flag and attendees dressed in kimonos or cosplaying as anime characters.
The parade route, spanning from 81st Street to 67th Street, showcased a variety of cultural expressions from Japan, including music and dance that captivated parade-goers and encouraged a sense of connection and appreciation for Japanese traditions. The spectacle included traditional Japanese drumming, dancing, and singing, with performances from COBU (Drum), Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, The Japanese Folk Dance of NY, and martial arts demonstrations by the International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan, TATE Hatoryu NY, and more.
The Japan Street fair, which took place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, added to the festivities. Family-fun activities such as origami crafting were offered, and traditional Japanese food was available for spectators to enjoy. The event also included learning about the art of calligraphy, further immersing attendees in Japanese culture.
The Japan Parade and Street fair aimed to celebrate Japanese culture and heritage in America, while underscoring the friendship between Japan and New York City. The event served as a significant cultural exchange, fostering understanding and friendship between Japan and the United States, and brought awareness to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.
The opening ceremony was marked by Soh Daiko's pounding drums, followed by a ceremonial blessing and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by Mayor Eric Adams, Kristi Yamaguchi, and other officials. Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi expressed her excitement about being the Grand Marshall and her pride in celebrating Japanese culture in New York City.
The Japan Parade is part of a broader series of cultural events and parades in Manhattan, contributing to the city's diverse cultural festival landscape. The Japanese Consulate General in New York actively supports and promotes the Japan Parade, recognising its importance as a significant cultural exchange event.
Sandra Endo, a Fox 11 Good Day LA anchor, returned as Emcee for the Japan Parade festivities. The event was hosted by dignitaries and elected officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, Assembly member Ron Kim, Senator John Liu, and others.
Grand Marshal Chef Morimoto appeared on CBS News New York with Ambassador Mori to promote the event, including a cooking demonstration, highlighting Japan's culinary arts as part of the parade festivities. The 2nd Annual Japan Parade was an unforgettable celebration of Japanese culture in New York City, deeply embracing the city's cultural diversity.
Amidst the numerous attractions, attendees could immerse themselves in a fusion of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, and food-and-drink at the Japan Street fair, where traditional Japanese clothing was on display, and authentic Japanese cuisine was served. As the day unfolded, home-and-garden enthusiasts could participate in origami crafting, while travelers found this event an enriching addition to their cultural itinerary, appreciating the intimate connection between Japanese and American traditions.
