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.
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!
JAPAN Fes Returns to Midtown West
JAPAN Fes
Saturday, June 10 from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Midtown West – 8th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets
Admission: Free
There will be tons of drool-worthy Japanese food at JAPAN Fes on Saturday June 10 at Midtown West! Alongside the remarkable assortment of vendors such as Oconomi, Karl’s Balls, and Menya Jiro, JAPAN Fes welcomes the globally acclaimed Taiwanese bubble tea brand Tiger Sugar. Featured in Thrillist, Food Insider, Eater, and Cosmopolitan, Tiger Sugar will have an exclusive, one-day-only strawberry matcha latte available for JAPAN Fes attendees.
Savor fluffy okonomiyaki, slurp up flavorful ramen, indulge in matcha- and mochi-filled sweets, and satisfy your delicious Japanese cravings all in one place. Make sure to be hungry when you get there!
For full details on each vendor, please visit JAPAN Fes’s website and Facebook page.
Stamp Card
It wouldn’t be a true Japanese festival without a stamp rally! This year, JAPAN Fes introduced its new digital stamp card for attendees.
How It Works
Get the Stamp Card
Download the free JAPAN Fes Digital Card to your phone through their website or visit the JAPAN Fes tent on the day of a street fair to scan the QR code. You can conveniently store the card in your phone’s wallet.
Collect Stamps
Each time you attend an event, stop by the JAPAN Fes tent and receive one stamp.
Receive Rewards
Once you reach 5, 10, 15 and 20 stamps, you'll have the option to get rewards.
5 stamps = Original Merchandise
10 stamps = Original Merchandise
15 stamps = VIP (first pass) to skip the lines for your favorite foods
20 stamps = Become an official JAPAN Fes ambassador
Remaining JAPAN Fes Schedule
June 10 in Midtown West
June 17 in East Village
June 18 in Park Slope, Brooklyn
July 2 in Astoria
July 15 in Chelsea
August 26 in East Village
August 27 in East Village
September 9 in Upper East Side
September 16 in Chelsea – Konamon Contest
September 17 in Chelsea – Konamon Contest
October 7 in East Village – Ramen Contest
October 8 in Upper West Side – Ramen Contest
October 28 in East Village