August 10: Third Annual Nihonmachi Nite

August is the only month without any official holidays. Honestly though, who needs an “official” reason to celebrate?

On Saturday, August 10th from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, Japantown will be throwing its own party — the Third Annual Japanese-style street festival Nihonmachi Nite. The festivities, mostly centered at South Main and 6th Avenue South in the ID, will provide a wide array of terrific things to see, do and eat.

To Do!

• for a little history, take the “Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet” walking tour. The Wing Luke is offering an amazing deal: $5! Normally this tour is $17.95.
• enter your kiddo in the kimono and yukata costume contest
• enjoy live music by Kimo Muraki, DJ Initial P and others
• lots of games for the little ones

To See!

• experience a bit of tradition and watch volunteers parading a Mikoshi (a portable Shinto shrine) through the ID
• watch the Shi Shi Mai (Japanese Lion Dance) 
• check out athletic kendo demonstrations 
• taiko drummers creating stirring beats

To Eat!

• sweet treats from Umai-Do and Shabu Chic
• scrumptious snacks from Umamai Kushi, Mighty Ramen, Uwajimaya and more
• SPAM MUSUBI!!

Spam-O-Rama = party in your mouth

YES! In addition to all of the Nihonmachi Nite fun, it is time for Momo’s Third Annual Spam-O-Rama! Delicious, salty, comforting, spam musubi is one of the iconic go-to foods in Momo Mama Lei Ann’s native Hawaii. Enter your own take on this culinary delight! Momo is still accepting contestants. How creative and tasty is your musubi? Come down and show off your skills! Call or email us to sign up (206. 329.4736) or lala@momoseattle.com

Sweet Anthem of Summer

Enticing Sweet Anthem eau de parfum

ar·ti·san·al [ahr-tuh-zuh-nl, ahr-tiz-uh-]: pertaining to or noting a high-quality or distinctive product made in small quantities, usually by hand or using traditional methods. 

Sweet Anthem fragrances epitomize the ideal of “artisanal.” Solely owned and operated by Seattleite Meredith Smith since 2007, Sweet Anthem perfumes are hand-crafted in small batches. Thoughtful, provocative, vegan-friendly — these scents are alluring and addictive.

Momo is delighted to present Sweet Anthem eau de parfum and solid perfume twists, both nicely priced for gift giving to yourself or another ($8.50 - $29). We currently carry Annabelle, Lucille, Caroline, Sophie and Anton. Ranging from sweet, bright, lightly floral, musky and woodsy, we’re certain you'll find something to tickle your fancy ... and maybe someone else’s, too.

Anton — for boys AND girls

Anton, for gents. Momo Girl Angela loves musky and mossy scents, so this is her favorite.

Solid perfume twists are perfect
for stashing in your handbag.

Scented twists are petite and discrete

Celebrate Tradition: Bon Odori this Weekend

Our vintage shibori obiage tie can also be used as a scarf.

Come to Momo and get ready for another colorful cultural event in the International District.

July 20th -21st, the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple is hosting the Obon Festival and Bon Odori dance. Obon is a Japanese Buddhist family reunion holiday celebrated to honor ones’ ancestors. At this celebration you’ll find traditional Japanese food for sale, a beer garden with live jazz, taiko drummers and of course, Bon Odori dancing.
For more information, visit their website.

Thea Starr hair accessories to ornament your locks.

Momo was graced by a visit from designer Thea Starr this morning. She was kind enough to drop off a terrific selection of kimono hair accessories, including some extra-fancy hair prongs, called ‘kanzashi,’ for the upcoming festivities.

Momo men, pull on a “Powered by Gohan” tees designed by Hawaiian-born Brandt Fuse and dance the carbos off with humorous Asian flair with these quirky (and comfy) shirts.

Fun, funny Sumofish tees. 

 Join us in the International District for another lively cultural activity! We'll see you there.

This Weekend, Dragon Fest 2013 in the ID!

Saturday, July 13 from 12 - 8
and Sunday, July 14 from 12 - 6
Come down to the International District for culture, food, drinks
and fun including Dragon and Lion Dances, break dancing, taiko drumming, kabuki, anime costume contests, arts and crafts and more. Events and activities include:

$2 Food Walk, Saturday and Sunday. Bring your appetite! This is
a great (and inexpensive) way to explore new restaurants. Due to previous success, the food walk includes 11 new restaurants. The parking lot of the old Uwajimaya location with have a great assortment of food trucks as well (although these are not a part of the $2 Food Walk).

$2 “Double Happiness Hour,” Saturday 4 - 9. Sample boozy delights and get acquainted with new bars. If that isn’t enough to slake your thirst, there will also be a traditional Japanese beer and sake bar.

Saturday night will bring the “International Dance Party” beneath the Chinatown Gate on South King Street. From 8 until midnight you can dance to the tunes that DJ Richard Dalton will be spinning as well as get a free dance lesson from the Massive Monkees. All ages welcome.

For more specific information, get online: http://tinyurl.com/lmmjnra

See you this weekend!

A Modern Way to Wear Kimono

Momo has just received a handsome assortment of unisex accessories from Kiriko in Portland, OR. The collection includes pocket squares and scarves made of vintage kimono yardage sourced from the secret stash of generations-old kimono making families.

Pocket squares with character.

Kiriko scarves are abundantly long.

Each “Boro” scarf is a one-of-a-kind piece. 

Kiriko also creates the “Boro” scarf which is pieced from recycled kimonos. The word means “worn” and rather than viewing this as a fault,
it is considered sign of enduring quality ... in a wabi-sabi kind of way.

Both scarves include an antiqued pin and fragrance stick to dip in your favorite scent and tuck into the tiny linen tag. All accessories are hand-stitched and 100% unique.

I’m sure you, dear Momo reader, are wondering “Why the heck do I need a scarf when it’s a billion degrees outside??” Beside using one
as exotic self-adornment, here are some other uses for these versatile textile gems:
• Sweat band just like the old Japanese fieldworkers
• Belt when you want to hold your pants up on a skateboarding foray
• Headband for keeping summer hair at bay
• Runner to add a touch of color and texture to the table
And lastly, you can whip it off and use it for tying up your groceries
at Trader Joe’s when you’re in a “I forgot my bag” bind!