A guide to the Japan Parade in NYC

Japan Day in NYC has always been a joyful celebration of Japanese culture, and now's there's a massive Japan Day Parade along Central Park West to amplify the fun. 

The season for things to do outside has arrived along with lush trees and blooming tulips at NYC parks, so what better way to spend an afternoon than by soaking up the sun at this Japanese celebration? With newly released details, it’s safe to say that this massive cultural event is certainly one of the best things to do in spring.

The Japan Parade began for the first time in 2022, and it's back again for 2025. The first parade was a historic moment, according to the Consulate General of Japan in New York, which initiated the project. Originally, the parade was planned for 2020 to commemorate the 160th anniversary of the first Japanese delegates’ visit to the U.S. in 1860, as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, but it was cancelled because of the pandemic.

The event seeks to celebrate and promote the cultural exchange and friendship between the United States and Japan. 

When is the Japan Parade?

Japan Day is on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

What time is the Japan Parade?

The parade begins at 11am. 

Where is the Japan Parade?

Along Central Park West between 81st Street and 67th Street (heading south toward 67th Street). The accompanying street fair is on 72nd Street, between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.

Who and what will march in the Japan Parade?

Chef Masaharu Morimoto of Iron Chef and Iron Chef America, who recently opened his first-ever handroll concept Mori Mori at Time Out Market, will be the parade's Grand Marshal. A James Beard nominee and cookbook author, Morimoto has become one of the world’s most renowned chefs and a pioneer of Japanese cuisine. 

“I am deeply honored to be appointed the Grand Marshal of this year's Japan Parade in New York City,” Morimoto said in a statement. “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.”

There will be a first-ever Community Leader to help set off the beginning of the parade. Koji Sato has been named as such and is the President of the Japanese American Association of New York, Inc., is on the board of Governors of the Japanese American National Museum on L.A. and is the co-chairperson and Board member of the Asian American Advisory Board in Westchester.

But in terms of entertainment, get ready to see cast members from Attack on Titan: The Musical, singer-songwriter and former member and captain of NMB48 Sayaka Yamamoto, taiko drumming troupes, martial arts groups, traditional and coontemporary dance troupes, musical groups, marching bands and more march down the route.

What other activities will be happening?

The Japan Street Fair (the successor to Japan Day at Central Park) will be held concurrently on West 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. The street fair runs from 11am-5pm.

While the activities haven't been announced yet, last year included calligraphy, water balloon yo-yo fishing, origami, photo opportunities and more than 20 vendors in partnership with JAPAN Fes to choose from.

This year, you can head to Japan Night, a reception and concert on May 9, featuring a sake tasting with passed hors' d'oeuvres, a concert with performances from the cast of Attack on Titan: The Musical, the Miyabi Koto Shamisen Ensemble led by renowned koto player Masayo Ishigure, Asp Group, which will showcase traditional Japanese crafts and a closing performance by Sayaka Yamamoto. Tickets start at $75.

What is the goal of the event?

"The purpose of the parade is to celebrate, express, and bring awareness to the friendship between NYC and Japan with a thank you from the Japanese community," event organizers say.