The fourth annual Japan parade bid New Yorkers Konnichiwa as it marched along the Upper West Side in celebration of Japanese culture.
The resounding thump of drumbeats echoed throughout Central Park West as a sea of floral kimonos, opaque Samue garments, and anime-inspired outfits marched down 81st Street to 67th Street in celebration of Japan’s friendship with New York City.
“This is a celebration of Japanese culture and heritage, a way to say thank you to New York, and also to spread our friendship and our beautiful history and culture with you all of the New Yorkers here today,” said Parade Emcee Sandra Endo, who serves as news correspondent on KTVV Los Angeles, Fox 11 News and feature reporter for Good Day LA.
Dignitaries from the Tri-State area arrived at the opening ceremony’s red carpet smiling brightly, acknowledging that for the fourth straight year, the sun shone brightly on the festivities. Mayor Eric Adams, Council Member Gale Brewer, Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Parade Grand Marshal Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto, Parade Community Leader Koji Sato, J-Pop idol Sayaka Yamamoto, Toyama City Mayor Hirohisa Fujii, and others applauded the celebration and called it the perfect opportunity to make new friendships.
“Today, let us see the beauty of Japanese traditions. This parade is a showcase of our culture, bringing a piece of Japan to the streets of New York City. From a colorful float to the traditional dances, food, and music, every detail has been crafted to transport us across the world,” Parade Grand Marshal Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto said.
Prior to the 15-block parade taking its first marching steps in the Upper West Side in 2022, the celebration was often held inside of Central Park. Mayor Adams shared that he pushed for the festivities to be taken onto the street.
“This year’s parade will give New Yorkers a wonderful opportunity to deepen their appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture. As you gather today along Central Park West, I applaud the parade’s organizers, supporters, and many participants for their efforts to highlight the vibrant tradition of Japan and our essential Japanese community, while also captivating New Yorkers of all backgrounds,” Adams said, handing Ambassador Mikio Mori and President and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Officers, Japan Day Inc. Shinichi Okamoto.
Parade participants included Soh Daiko, Harlem Japanese Gospel Choir, The Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY, International Karate Organization Kyokushinkaikan, and kendo dojo New York Kenshinkai, as well as Anime NYC cosplayers. Additionally, attendees were afforded the opportunity to delve deeper into Japanese culture with a street fair featuring educational activities on calligraphy, Yukata, and origami, and to taste an assortment of traditional dishes.
