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

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!

East Meets Fest

 

KimonoFest turned out to be one of our most omoshiroi (fun) events at Momo, with many an enthusiastic guest dressed by kimono expert Yuri and embellished with Thea Starr’s exotic kanzashi hair adornments of vintage kimono fabric. Good sport Gretchen got into the spirit in full regalia, even topping off Ms. Monica with Thea’s lovely hair pins. Midori and Nobue honored us with their charm, and as an unexpected delight, we were graced with a sidewalk showing of the Ai Yai Ice Queenistas, bedecked in Maria Antoinette-ish paper ballgowns. France meets Japan — so Momo!