c/o Japan Fes
Billed as the biggest Japanese street fair and food festival in the world, Japan Fes will be taking place on April 13 and is expected to draw thousands of visitors eager to sample the island country’s traditional and creative culinary treats.
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Over fifty vendors will be set up on Broadway between 115th and 116th streets to celebrate Japan’s culture and diverse cuisine. They will offer delicious favorites such as sweet rice balls, Imagawayaki, Yakisoba, Takoyaki, Ramen, Okonomiyaki, tender Karaage (fried chicken), Matcha sweets, and more. Vendors will come from across New York City, the U.S. and around the world. Many Japanese vendors are joining the festival for the first time this year.
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There will also be local artists selling Japanese crafts including dog and cat toys and accessories, cotton kimonos, folk art, stationery and skin care products.
The festival highlights not only Japanese food but also how it blends with and is influenced by western cuisine and culture.
“Our aim is to create a festival that embodies this concept (the fusion of Japanese and western influences) while embracing the local community’s spirit. We strive to showcase the rich cultural fusion and traditions of Japan, rooted in the local culture and heritage,” states the festival’s website.
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The event’s MC is Kohei, a singer and performer from Tokyo known for performing at Anime conventions and Asian festivals throughout the U.S.
“ We firmly believe in the power of food, music and art to bring people of diverse backgrounds and cultures together in a natural and comfortable environment. It is through these shared experiences that we foster cultural exchange and create memorable moments,” states Japan Fes’s website.
Japan Fes is based in New York and last year held twenty-one events across the city, attracting over 300,000 people. This year, the number of events has climbed to an ambitious thirty-three.
“We’re not just a festival; we’re a culinary extravaganza celebrating the best of Japan,” states Japan Fes on its Facebook page. “JAPAN Fes has chosen New York as its home, bringing you 33 extraordinary events filled with mouthwatering delights and cultural experiences this year. With so many Japanese food options to explore, there’s something for every palate at the largest Japanese food festival in the world.”
Learn more about the festival here.
