By Amanda Moses
The 2nd Annual Japan Parade will take place on May 13th on 81st Street and Central Park West, and will include a host of renowned guests, musical performances, and more.
Last year’s inaugural Japan parade sparked enthusiasm and joy as well as an appreciation for the Japanese community. In addition to showcasing the bridge between NYC and Japanese culture, the event highlights notable figures like the Parade’s Grand Marshal Olympic Gold Medalist, Founder of Always Dream, and Author, Kristi Yamaguchi. There will also be a live performance from the cast of Japan’s show “Live Spectacle ‘NARUTO’ (a popular anime/manga series illustrated by creator Masashi Kishimoto.) Returning back as Emcee will be Sandra Endo, news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News, and Feature Reporter for Good Day LA.
“I am truly honored to act as Grand Marshal for this year’s Japan Parade,” said Kristi Yamaguchi. “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.”
As the parade makes its way along Central Park West, there will also be a Japan Street Fair on West 72nd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. This will include various tenants serving delicious authentic Japanese street food as well as fun educational activities like calligraphy lessons, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami crafting, and wide array of photo opportunities.
This year the Starrett Judo Club will once again march in the parade along with other groups: Anime NYC (Anime Convention), COBU (Drum), Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan, The Japanese Folk Dance of NY, Katsura Sunshine (Rakugo Comedian), Midori & Friends (Music Education Group), Soh Daiko (Drum), TATE Hatoryu NY (Sword Fighting),Yosakoi Dance Project 10tecomai, Young People’s Chorus of NYC, and many more.
“The Japan Parade is a huge ‘Arigato!’ from the Japanese community to New York City,” said Honorary Chairman, Ambassador Mikio Mori, the Consul General of Japan in New York. “It will be the second annual celebration of Japanese culture and the many vibrant connections between Japan and this great city. We plan to outdo the inaugural parade in terms of marchers, contents, and food tents all highlighting the uniqueness of Japan, while also solidifying with Asian communities during AAPI Heritage Month. We hope that these festivities bring the Japanese and all of New York City even closer together, adding to our friendship for generations to come.”
Photos by Amanda Moses
