On a perfect spring day in early May, women dressed in yukata strolled amid wisteria and cherry blossoms. The unmistakable sound of a pounding taiko drum could be heard in the distance. Food stalls served rice balls and dumplings. Giggling children folded paper into origami animals. Scenes typically experienced in Japan, but actually in…New York City’s Central Park!

Since 2007, Central Park has hosted Japan Day, an annual celebration of Japanese culture meant to “build bridges of cultural understanding between the people of Japan and the U.S.” (http://www.japandaynyc.org). The day traditionally kicks off with a morning Japan Run, followed by an all-day festival featuring family-friendly activity tents, free samplings of Japanese food, stage performances, and mikoshi parade. Enjoy this year’s highlights and mark your calendars for next year’s event!

Calligraphy Stage Performance by Seiji Sugiura

Bon Odori Dance with the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY

Photo booth featuring Domo, the official mascot of Japan public broadcasting, NHK

The mikoshi, a portable Shinto shrine carried in the festival parade.

Post by: Nicoletta Siccone / ETSY Shop: ArtologieDesigns / Website: www.art-ologie.com