The third-annual Japan Parade declared ‘Domo Arigato’ Saturday on the Upper West Side in celebration of the ever-blossoming friendship between New York City and Japan.
With the resounding banging of drums and ecstatic cheers, hundreds lined the streets along Central Park West from 67th to 81st Streets as they waved in excitement to see all of the splendor that represents classic and contemporary Japanese culture.
“The purpose of the Japan parade is to celebrate and appreciate both modern and contemporary Japanese culture to promote the strong relationship, the friendship between Japan and the United States. It’s an opportunity for us to say ‘Arigato,’ to say thank you. Thank you to the city of New York for bringing us all together,” said Sandra Endo, news correspondent and emcee of the parade.
The celebrations began with an opening ceremony featuring both the Japanese and American National Anthems sung by violinist/soprano Hirona Amamiya and Broadway star Sonya Balsara, respectively. Elected officials such as Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal, Assembly Member Ron Kim, and Council Member Gale Brewer joined the festivities, as well as representatives for Mayor Eric Adams and Gov. Kathy Hochul, who presented parade organizers with proclamations deeming May 11 Japan Day.
Serving as the grand marshal, four-time Paralympic Gold Medalist Shingo Kunieda kicked off the parade on 81st Street followed by thousands of participants dancing and singing, showcasing the beauty of the East Asian country.
The parade also featured a special performance by the 2.5D Musical “Demon Slayer: The Stage,” where actors executed fight scenes and engaged with fans of the beloved Manga/Anime series.
In addition to watching the parade route, visitors were invited to the Japan Street Fair on 72nd Street, where guests encountered dozens of tents offering fun activities including calligraphy, water balloon fishing, origami crafting and delicious food.
