Photo by Flickr user 7beachbum
The third annual Japan Parade and Street Fair are returning to the Upper West Side on Saturday, May 11. The parade will start at 1 p.m. and go from 81st to 67th streets, while the street fair will run from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on 72nd between CPW and Columbus.
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The celebration will feature Japanese culture, art, tradition and food, along with live performances from traditional Japanese taiko drummers, folk dancers and more.
This year, Shingo Kunieda – a former wheelchair tennis player and four-time Paralympic gold medalist – will be the parade’s Grand Marshall.
“I am very honored to serve as Grand Marshal of the Japan Parade, and I’m delighted to be involved in this opportunity to promote Japanese culture,” said Kunieda. “I look forward to marching in the parade with all of you.”
Last year, the Grand Marshall was olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi and in 2022, George Takei led the festivities.
“More than just a celebration, the parade serves as a testimony to Japan’s friendship with the U.S. and aims to strengthen the solidarity of the Japanese-American community,” wrote a press representative to ILTUWS. “The Parade will also be a joyous, festive way for New Yorkers to come together and honor Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month.”
