Celebrate Japanese Culture at Columbia
Experience a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture with delicious food, captivating performances, and engaging activities. Since 2006, Matsuri has brought the Columbia community and New Yorkers together for an unforgettable day of cultural exchange.
Columbia Japanese Students Association Matsuri 2025
Friday, March 28 from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Columbia University Low Plaza – W. 116th and Broadway
Admission: Free
The Japanese Students Association of Columbia University presents its Matsuri 2025 this Friday, March 28. JapanCulture-NYC is honored to be one of the sponsors Matsuri 2025 and to support the students of JSA who are bringing this dynamic cultural event to life!
Matsuri, the Japanese word for “festival,” embodies the spirit of community celebration through food, entertainment, and cultural exchange. Since 2006, JSA’s Matsuri has evolved into one of Columbia University’s most anticipated cultural events, transforming the heart of campus into a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture. Drawing nearly 1,000 attendees to the iconic Low Plaza each spring, Matsuri is more than just a festival; it’s a landmark event that brings together students, faculty, and New Yorkers.
Attendance is free, and guests can sign up through Columbia JSA’s Eventbrite link. However, due to current restrictions to access campus, people not affiliated with Columbia University and anyone without a valid Columbia University ID MUST fill out this form as well by today, Wednesday March 26. Columbia will send a QR code to your email. Please bring the QR code and a valid form of ID when you arrive, or you will not be able to enter campus.
What can you expect at this year’s Matsuri 2025?
Cultural Performances
Traditional taiko drumming echoing across campus
Martial arts demonstrations
Powerful Sōran Bushi (traditional Japanese song) performances
Culinary Journey
Authentic Japanese street food vendors
Traditional and modern festival treats
Interactive food demonstrations
Games and Activities
Photo booth with props
Traditional Japanese matsuri games
Japanese drinks and snack prizes
Food Vendors
Dokodemo
Inari Zushi
Karl’s Balls
Mr. K Katsu Sando
Mu Cha
Musubin
Rai Rai Ken
Sam’s Fried Ice Cream
Yakitori Tatsu
Cultural and Community Vendors
Golden Gate Global
Vision USA
Taro’s Origami Studio
Performance sCHEDULE
6:30 p.m. - 6:40 p.m. CU Goju Karate
6:40 p.m. - 6:50 p.m. CU Taiko
6:50 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CU Naginata
7:00 p.m. - 7:10 p.m. Kendo
7:10 p.m. - 7:20 p.m. Columbia Pops
7:20 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Columbia Pops
7:30 p.m. - 7:40 p.m. Upper West Side Kenshikai Karate & BJJ
7:40 p.m. - 7:50 p.m. Kogyoku Yosakoi
7:50 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Kogyoku Yosakoi
8:00 p.m. - 8:10 p.m. CU Lion Dance
8:10 p.m. - 8:20 p.m. CU Lion Dance
8:20 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. CU Wushu
8:30 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. Columbia Taekwondo
8:40 p.m. - 8:50 p.m. Columbia Taekwondo
8:50 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. JSA 48
Location of JSA Matsuri 2025
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JAA’s Sakura Matsuri in Queens
JAA 19th Sakura Matsuri
Saturday, April 20 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Admission: Free
The Japanese American Association will hold its 19th Sakura Matsuri at Flushing Meadows Corona Park on Saturday, April 20. The program begins at 11:00 a.m. rain or shine and features performances by taiko drumming group Soh Daiko, the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of New York, the JAA Chorus with Japan Choral Harmony “TOMO,” and the New York Okinawa Club & Jimpu-Kai New York. In addition, there will be a tea ceremony on the lawn by the Urasenke Tea Ceremony Society. Yours truly is honored to serve as emcee.
Bring a blanket and a bento and enjoy the cherry blossoms!
For more information, please visit JAA’s website.
Cherry trees planted by the Parks Department for JAA in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
JAA’s Honorees
This year a cherry tree will be planted in honor of the late Dr. George and Mrs. Kazuko Nagamatsu for their years of generous support of JAA. Dr. Nagamatsu was a pioneering urologist and engineer who was the first Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) to be named Chairman of Urology at a major U.S. medical school when he took the position at New York Medical College in 1957. As a recipient of JAA’s Project Bento initiative during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mrs. Nagamatsu felt a closeness with the organization and named JAA one of the beneficiaries in her will when she passed away in 2021.
The History of JAA’s Sakura Trees
Symbolizing the friendship between Japan and the U.S., in 1912 Japan gave a gift of sakura trees the Washington, D.C., as well as 2,000 sakura trees to New York City, thirteen of which were planted in Claremont Park, now Sakura Park. JAA’s “21st Century New York Cherry Blossom Project” began on Arbor Day, April 24, 1992, at City Hall Park. Sakura seeds donated by The Cherry Association of Japan were presented by then JAA President Shigeru Inagaki to Betsy Gotbaum, then Commissioner of New York Parks. The seeds were nursed in the greenhouses of Van Cortlandt Park, and JAA volunteers planted 168 trees in a design created by the noted landscape artist Kan Domoto with George Yuzawa in 2001. Working in close cooperation with the Flushing Meadows Corona Park staff, JAA has donated and planted hundreds of sakura trees.
Disclosure: The author is a Vice President of The Japanese American Association of New York, Inc. and the chair of JAA’s Sakura Matsuri committee.
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NIGHT MARKET & KARAOKE CONTEST AT JAPAN VILLAGE
Japan Village’s [Karaoke] Night Market
Friday, October 20 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue (Courtyard), Brooklyn
Admission: Free
Celebrate the fall season at Japan Village's [Karaoke] Night Market for a night of fun, food, and festivities.
Head to Japan Village in Industry City, Brooklyn! There will be a mouthwatering lineup of food, including yakitori, grilled squid, and yaki unagi onigiri. 🍢🦑🍙
Mutual Trading and Takara will offer an incredible selection of drinks, featuring Suntory Premium Malts and Orion beer, Takara Chu-Hais, and two sparkling sakes: Mio and Smooth Sail. 🍻🍶
For all you shoppers, there will also be vendors selling cards, trinkets, toys, and something special for everyone, young and old. 🛍️🎁 For the gamers, test your skills with games and win awesome prizes! 🎮🎉
Karaoke Contest
The main event will be the karaoke contest, starting at 5:00 p.m.
They have space for only 12 contestants, so register now. Each contestant will have 10 minutes to shine on stage and sing a song of their choice. Participation is free! 🎵
To register, send an email to info@japanvillage.com and submit the YouTube link of the song you want to sing. 🎥✨ Please note: Find a karaoke version or a lyric music video of your chosen song. The best singer of the night will receive a $100 Sunrise Mart gift card!🏆
The music doesn’t stop after karaoke. DJ Weapon from Hiroshima will drop the beats starting from 7:00 p.m.
Japan Village's [Karaoke] Night Market is made possible by Kuraichi in conjunction with Mutual Trading and Suntory Premium Malt’s.
For more information and to reserve your spot, please visit Japan Village’s Eventbrite page.
Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!