By Amanda Moses
The Second Annual Japan Day Parade returned to Central Park West much to the anticipation of hundreds of spectators eager to see the colorful floats, traditional dances and attire, and other cultural showcases on May 16th.
The parade began with an opening ceremony on 72nd Street and Central Park West where dignitaries, such as Chairman of the Board Daisuke Ugaeri and Ambassador Mikio Mori as well as elected officials Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Senator John Liu, Assembly member Ron Kim, Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and others provided proclamations lauding Japan Day Parade for its cultural significance and shining a light on the friendship between New York City and Japan. This year’s Grand Marshall was Olympic Gold Medalist, founder of Always Dream, and renown author Kristi Yamaguchi.
“I am truly honored to act as Grand Marshal for this year’s Japan Parade,” Yamaguchi said in a press release, “My Japanese heritage is something I’m proud of and I’m happy to celebrate the goodwill of our relationship with Japan and the engagement and solidarity with the Japanese American community.”
Starting on Central Park West at West 81st Street and traveling south to West 67th Street the parade showcased traditional Japanese dances, music, and martial arts routines. In addition, spectators were treated to a special live performance by the cast of the 2.5-Dimensional show from Japan, “Live Spectacle ‘Naruto’” (an internationally popular manga/anime series by writer and illustrator Masashi Kishimoto.
Anime aficionados, such as the Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Young Adult Program (YAP) members were especially excited since many of them are avid fans of Naruto and Japanese culture.
“The Japanese parade was the perfect introduction to Japanese culture,” Voshon Thomas, a member of YAP said, “My favorite moment was the Naruto Show!”
Revelers were able also enjoy authentic Japanese food staples and fun-filled educational cultural activities including calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami crafting and more during the Japan Street Festival on West 72nd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.
Photo by Amanda Moses
