2026: Annual Japan Day Parade & Japan Street Fair (Celebrates Japanese Culture, Art, Tradition & Japanese Food) FREE (See Video)NEW

Join the vibrant celebration of Japanese culture at the Japan Parade and Street Fair 2026 on Saturday, May 9th in the heart of New York City. Featuring traditional performances, martial arts demonstrations, authentic cuisine, and family-friendly activities, this free public event showcases the rich heritage and modern contributions of the Japanese and Japanese American community. Grand Marshal Chef Masaharu Morimoto, along with Community Leader Koji Sato, will lead this year's celebration. (Note: Community Leader section still references 2025 and may need updating once official 2026 info becomes available.)

Date and Time
May 9, 2026, Saturday 

Time
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM



-Update Coming-



Locations
Japan Parade: Central Park West from 81st Street to 67th Street
Japan Street Fair: 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Event Highlights

Opening Ceremony
12:30 PM at the Grandstand Area on Central Park West between 70th and 71st Street

Japan Parade
Starts at 1:00 PM at 81st Street heading south along Central Park West to 67th Street

Enjoy performances by Soh Daiko taiko drums the Japanese Folk Dance Institute of NY karate and sword-fighting demonstrations and more

Japan Street Fair
11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue

Sample traditional Japanese food view art displays shop for Japanese items and learn about culture and history

Grand Marshal - Chef Masaharu Morimoto
World-renowned Iron Chef and restaurateur Masaharu Morimoto will lead the Japan Parade as Grand Marshal. Known for blending Western and Japanese ingredients Chef Morimoto has opened 24 restaurants around the world and published two acclaimed cookbooks.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed the Grand Marshal of this year's Japan Parade in New York City. This role gives me a unique opportunity to celebrate and share the rich dynamic culture of Japan with the heart of one of the world's most vibrant cities” said Chef Morimoto.

Community Leader - Koji Sato
This year introduces Koji Sato as the Japan Parade Community Leader a new role to connect the Japanese community in New York with the event. Sato is the President of the Japanese American Association of New York and serves on the boards of several national organizations.

“I am very happy and honored to be the 2025 Community Leader for the Japan Parade” said Koji Sato. “This event will showcase the culture of Japan and how Japanese and Japanese Americans in New York add to this vibrant and diverse community”

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the parade happen if it rains
Yes. The parade will take place rain or shine. Participants will receive ponchos. In case of dangerous weather such as a thunderstorm or hurricane a cancellation may occur and will be communicated the morning of the parade.

Will the parade have bathrooms
Yes. Portable toilets will be placed at the beginning and end of the parade route and at the Street Fair.

Can children participate in the parade Are strollers allowed
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome. Strollers are allowed.

Are service dogs allowed in the parade
Yes. Service dogs are allowed. Please ensure they are comfortable in loud crowded environments.

Can my unit wear cosplay
No. To avoid copyright issues specific character cosplay is not allowed. General costumes such as samurai ninja or folktales are permitted.

Can my unit join the day of the parade
No. All units must apply in advance be accepted and complete confirmation paperwork.

Is advertising allowed in the parade
No. Advertising is not allowed during the parade.

Can my unit stop and perform during the parade
Yes but only when the parade naturally stops. You must maintain a quarter-block distance and resume marching as soon as movement restarts. Do not stop on your own to perform.

When will we hear about our application status
You will be notified in late March. Accepted groups will receive further paperwork.

Is there a place to leave items during the parade
No. There is no storage area. You must arrange your own transport for belongings.

When will we know our marching order
Marching order details will be sent several days before the event.

What time should we arrive
Groups should plan to arrive 90 minutes before their scheduled march time. You will receive a specific arrival time about one week before the parade.

How long will the parade last
Approximately 40 minutes depending on pacing.

Should our group leave the parade route after marching
Yes. Once your group reaches the end of the parade you must exit. To visit the Street Fair proceed up Columbus Avenue to 72nd Street.

What should we do about our group’s banner
The parade will provide a banner for your group. If you have your own you are welcome to bring it. Please notify the parade office if you plan to use your own banner.

Bring the whole family
Japan Parade and Street Fair is a free family-friendly event that brings Japanese culture tradition and fun to Central Park. Each year this event connects New Yorkers and visitors with the Japanese community through food art performance and celebration.

[Previous Year Info]

Summary for Saturday
1) Japan Day Parade: May 11, 2024 at 12:30 pm (Starts 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm)
2) Japan Street Festival: Saturday 11, 2024 from a 11:00 am to 5:00 pm

This family-friendly cultural event received official support from the Office of the Mayor throughout the years. We get to use the beautiful Central Park with the help of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy. Also, the Consulate General of Japan in New York, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, The Nippon Club, and many other Japanese and American corporations have been supporting us since day one.

The event kicks off with the 4-mile mini-marathon Japan Run and Kids’ Races hosted by New York Road Runners. The event continues with the Japan Day Festival featuring a wide range of Japanese traditional activities, free samplings of popular Japanese cuisine, and powerful stage performances throughout the day.

1) JAPAN PARADE (Saturday, May 11, 2024)
Opening Ceremony at 12:30 pm
Location: Central Park West between 70th and 71st street (Grand Stand area VIP only)
Japan Parade starts at 1:00 p.m.
Route: Central Park West from 81st street heading south towards 68th street

Japan Day Map

Japan Day Info

2) JAPAN STREET FAIR (Saturday, May 11, 2024)
Japan Street Fair is open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: West 72nd street between Columbus Avenue and Central Park West

About the Japan Parade
The Japan Parade shows the New Yorkers the comprehensive appeal of Japan. Everything from drums, dance, and martial arts to animation. The Japan Street Fair will further strengthen Japan-US exchanges through delicious Japanese cuisines and activities.

The theme is “Festival Yatai (Outdoor) gourmet”. We will introduce various Japanese street foods such as Ramen, Soba, Okonomiyaki, and more with the cooperation of local restaurant officials. In addition, Japanese tea will be provided by a donation from a company that supports the Japan Parade. Furthermore, Japan Street Fair is also a part of the export promotion efforts of Japanese foods by the Japan Food Export Platform NY, managed by JETRO and the Consulate General of Japan in New York.

We will also have a few activity tents including a tote bag charity tent. In conjunction with the Central Park Conservancy, we have put special effort into various initiatives to help maintain our beautiful home park, including planting cherry trees in the park. This year, we are collecting donations that will go toward supporting Ukraine.