Japan Parade Returns to Celebrate NYC’s Friendship with Japan
Japan Parade
Saturday, May 10 from1:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Parade Route: Central Park West from 81st to 67th Street
Street Fair: 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
Admission: Free
New York City’s celebration of Japanese culture takes over the Upper West Side this Saturday with the fourth annual Japan Parade and Street Fair. This vibrant event showcases the richness and diversity of Japanese culture and serves as a heartfelt "thank you" from the Japanese community to NYC.
Leading the Parade as Grand Marshal is none other than Chef Masaharu Morimoto, the Iron Chef whose culinary empire spans the globe. “I am deeply honored,” says Morimoto. “This role gives me a unique opportunity to celebrate and share the rich, dynamic culture of Japan with the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities.”
Joining him is this year’s Community Leader, Koji Sato, President of The Japanese American Association of New York. News correspondent Sandra Endo, a former reporter and anchor at NY1, is serving as emcee once again.
Highlights
A major highlight this year is the live appearance by the cast of Attack on Titan: The Musical, the 2.5D stage adaptation of Hajime Isayama’s internationally beloved manga. Paradegoers can catch performers portraying fan favorites such as Levi, Hange Zoë, and Erwin Smith.
Pop culture fans can also look out for Sayaka Yamamoto, former captain of NMB48 turned solo singer-songwriter, and the always-adorable Hello Kitty, joined by My Melody and Kuromi, celebrating milestone anniversaries.
The Parade lineup features more than 110 groups and floats with more than 2,700 participants—the largest in the Parade’s four-year history. Expect lively performances from taiko drummers (Soh Daiko, COBU, Taiko Masala Dojo), yosakoi and folk dancers, gospel singers, and martial artists. Students from Japanese schools in New York and New Jersey will also march, along with Anime NYC cosplayers and a delegation from Toyama City, led by Mayor Hirohisa Fujii.
STREET FAIR
Before the Parade, explore the Japan Street Fair starting at 11:00 a.m. on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. Produced in collaboration with JAPAN Fes, the Street Fair will feature hands-on cultural activities like calligraphy and origami, tourist info booths, giveaways, and nearly 20 food stalls offering authentic Japanese eats.
ABOUT JAPAN DAY
Organized by Japan Day Inc., the nonprofit behind Japan Day @ Central Park, the Japan Parade and Street Fair continue to grow as one of NYC’s most spirited celebrations of Japanese culture.
Don't miss this joyful fusion of tradition, community, and creativity—right in the heart of Manhattan.
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