The fifth annual Japan Parade took place on the Upper West Side over the weekend.
Photo by Amanda Moses
The resounding rhythm of Soh Daiko drummers echoed through the Upper West Side on Saturday, marking the start of the fifth annual Japan Parade.
Encroaching rain clouds did little to dampen spirits as hundreds gathered to celebrate the enduring friendship between Japan and New York City. Each year, the parade begins at West 81st Street and Central Park West before making its way down to West 70th Street, where marchers step onto a red carpet in a vibrant showcase of Japanese culture, tradition, and community pride.
The sights and sounds along the parade route brought a colorful celebration on the gloomy, rainy day. The steady boom of taiko drums mixed with cheers from spectators waving Japanese and American flags, while dancers in flowing kimonos and happi coats sashayed down Central Park West. Some revelers came dressed in cosplay while watching samurai swordsmanship and judo demonstrations, all the while the street fair exuded the aroma of sizzling Japanese food.
With bright smiles and laughter, Satoshi Katahira embraced the festive atmosphere while donning a Happi costume, a squirrel caricature mascot created by Grand Marshal manga artist and illustrator Achy Bright.
“This parade is focused on two things, one that show the unity of Japanese community in New York, and also it demonstrates the strong relation between Japan and the United States,” Katahira told amNewYork. “Japan Parade is not only Japanese community event, this is an event for all New Yorkers. This has become a signature event.”
In addition to the daylong Japan Street Fair filled with food, games and cultural activities for all ages, attendees enjoyed appearances from cast members of Jujutsu Kaisen The Stage, as well as performances by New York Taiko Aikokai, Taiko Masala Dojo, The Young People’s Chorus of New York City, traditional dance troupes Sachiyo Ito and Company and Awa Odori New York Ren, and martial arts demos by Japan Karate Association of New York and the NYC Area Judo Community.
