Japantown is Jumping! Saturday, August 17th

If you’re a fan of Japanese culture, this Saturday is for you as Seattle’s Nihonmachi presents a Super Sale and our annual summer block party, Hai! Japantown. 

First up: the All Things Japanese Sale. If you love Japanese art, collectibles, antiques (and more!) this is the opportunity for you. Hosted by the Japanese Cultural Community Center, income generated from the sale will go towards supporting the JCCC mission of preserving and promoting Japanese culture.

All Things Japanese Sale

Japanese Cultural Community Center

Saturday, August 17 from 10:00 - 4:00

1414 South Weller Street

The event is free, but if you want a sneak peek, there is a pay-for-preview sale on August 16th: $20 for members, $30 for non-members is you register online before August 12th. Admission goes up $10 after that date so sign up today!

Then the fun really heats up with Hai! Japantown, a neighborhood-wide event that provides an opportunity to experience a vast array of Japanese cultural activities ranging from paper lantern painting to live music and storytelling. 

Hai! Japantown

Saturday, August 17 from 3:00 - 7:00

Japantown Seattle

Here’s the Hai! lowdown for Momo so you can come visit us specifically ... you’re our friend so we’re sharing first:

Kokoro’s Kid’s Korner with Toni Yuly

3:00 – 5:00 pm

600 S Jackson St 

Lovable local librarian turned children’s book artist/author Toni Yuly, teaches the craft of torn tissue art in this make-your-own event. She’ll also share her beloved board books, as well as her latest creations “Thank You, Bees” and “The Whole Wide World and Me.”

Momo Haiku You and Limited Lucky Bags

3:00 – 7:00 pm

600 S Jackson St 

Please the poet within you, as you’re challenged to arrange our fun Haikubes into eloquent haiku. Post your piece on Facebook and we’ll vote for the next Momo Haiku Laureate.  While you’re in the shop, check out our Fukubukuro Mystery Bags filled with goodies, limited quantities available for $5 or $10, cash please. 

And there’s more fun, take a peek at everything else that’s going on in the ’hood:

DaDaDa Gallery Summer Surplus Sale
Noon – 6:00 pm
513 S Main St
Save 40% - 80% off the original price of past season and overstock items for men and women from Maiden Noir and Blk Pine Workshop. Check DaDaDa Gallery’s Facebook for more details as the event nears. 

BONFIRE Gallery: “Magic Box”
Noon – 7:00 pm
605 S Main St
A collaborative installation of painting and poetry by David Thornbrugh, Joan Laage, and Katrina Wolfe. 

KOBO at Higo Mako & Munjuru Okinawa Ensemble
3:00 – 4:00 pm
602 S Jackson St
Wearing beautifully tailored kimonos, Mako & Munjuru spread Okinawan music through playing traditional instruments, the sanshin and taiko. These songs not only preserve the sound of Okinawan music, they also share stories of love, family and heritage. According to Mako, playing the music of her ancestors helps her feel a connection to her roots and the people who have come before her. 

KOBO at Higo Kid’s Corner: Japantown Style
Yo-Yo Water Balloon Fishing Game and Art Activities
3:00 – 5:00 pm

604 S Jackson St
Join local artists and try your hand at a number of traditional games and crafts. Win a prize during Yo-Yo Fishing, a favorite summer fest game where you fish for floating balloons with a paper string. 

Honoring Amy Nikaitani in Nihonmachi Alley

3:00 – 5:00 pm - Exhibit at KOBO at Higo

5:00 – Brief Presentation in Nihonmachi Alley

Between 6^th Ave S and Maynard Ave S on the north side of S Jackson St

Last year’s celebration unveiled the Japantown murals by Amy Nikaitani. This year will honor her memory, as the local Japanese American artist passed away in the spring. Daughter Tamiko of Arizona will represent the family. An edited display of her works will be on view at KOBO at Higo.

Chill in Chiyo’s Garden Party
3:00 – 7:00 pm
In alley on north side of S Jackson St, between 6^th Ave S and Maynard Ave S
Kaname Izakaya presents an outdoor summer 21+ lounge with DJ Maile Lono (aka DJ Maui NKO) from KBCS and live music from the upbeat, Jawaiian inspired group, Island Bound. Sit under the skies and relax in this special space as you enjoy tunes and light bites, beer and sake as well as other ongoing experiences and events, including:

• The Wing Marketplace and other local vendors
• The starting point of “Suitcases Project” Butoh dancing (details below)
• Artwork and acknowledgment of community artist Erin Shigaki 
• Arrangements of NW Ikebana Club, presented by DaDaDa Gallery 
• Art activity with Erin Shigaki and Densho: The Japanese American Legacy Project
• Nashi (Japanese pear) picking, right from the tree, plus we’re cooking up a pot of nashi-sauce on the spot

Kobe Terrace Paper Lantern Painting
3:00 – 7:00 pm
In front of Kaname, 610 S Jackson St
Embellish a paper lantern with your own inspiration, guided by our friends from Seattle Chinatown International District Preservation and Development Authority (SCIDpda). When we’ve gathered enough, we’ll hike up to Kobe Terrace Stone Lantern at 6:30pm to hang them amidst the trees. 

KOBO at Higo Wear Your Summer Yukata!
3:00 – 7:00 pm
602 S Jackson St
Come down and wear your favorite Yukata and Obi and celebrate Hai! Japantown. We’ll have helpers standing by to help dress you at KOBO at Higo.

Trichome’s “High! Japantown!”
3:00 – 7:00 pm
618 S Jackson St
The legalized lifestyle boutique mixes up caffeine and CBDwith music to sip by in this 21+ event.

KOBO at Higo Storytelling
4:00 pm
602 S Jackson St
Gather ’round for traditional Japanese folk tales with Yumiko Sorenson. 

Japanese American Remembrance Trail Tour 

4:00 pm | 60 - 90 minutes

Starts in Nihonmachi Alley on north side of S Jackson St, between 6^th Ave S and Maynard Ave S

The Wing Luke Museum, partnered with the National Park Service, hosts an educational urban hike through the original Japantown, starting at Nihonmachi Alley and Chiyo’s Garden. Comfortable walking shoes are advised. Limited space available; registration required. For more information, visit wingluke.org/japanese-american-remembrance-trail. 

Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee: “Ménage a Trois in Dream Time”

4:00, 5:00 & 6:00 pm | 30 - 40 minute performances 

605 S Main St

The historic photos of the Panama come alive with this dramatic reenactment created by Butoh artists Aoi Lee, Alan Sutherland and Shoko Zama, accompanied by local musician, Paul Kikuchi. Dressed in the heyday of 1930’s Japantown, the ghosts from the past emerge from the black and white pictures to dance with antique clocks and memories, against a musical backdrop. 

BONFIRE Gallery Presents “Suitcases Project”

4:30 pm

Starts in Chiyo’s Garden in alley on north side of S Jackson St, between 6^th Ave S and Maynard Ave S

Six Butoh dancers, lead by Seattle-based director Joan Laage, present a moving piece reflecting the 1942 walk to King Street Station, literally moving through the streets of modern-day Nihonmachi. Inspired by the relocation of countless Japanese citizens during World War II and performed by Joan Laage, Camille Hildebrandt, David Noble, Kaoru Okumura, Stephen Passero and Helen Thorsen. 

Pioneer Barber x Vera Project: Emma Lee Toyoda

5:00 & 6:00 pm 

314 6^th Ave S

Support for life’s challenges is the mission of indie artist Emma Lee Toyoda. Feel the love while you listen to their music in the cool comfort of this old-style barbershop.

Live Music from Island Bound

5:30 – 6:00 pm and 6:30 – 7:00 pmChiyo’s Garden in alley on north side of S Jackson St, between 6^th Ave S and Maynard Ave S Transport yourself to sunshine and sandy beaches with the Hawaiian Island reggae of Island Bound. 

Summer Cinema with SAAFF Entertainment and Screening of “Mirai”

7:30 pm

Hing Hay Park at 6^th Ave S and S King St 

Taiko drummers, a magician/hypnotist, and Seattle Asian Art Museum activities take center stage, followed by a recent Japanese animated film written/directed by Mamoru Hosoda and produced by Studio Chizu. A young boy encounters a magical garden enabling him to time travel and meet relatives from different eras, guided by his younger sister from the future. Film starts at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm). 

Shades for Seattle Rainshine

Eyebobs sunglasses and readers have a cult following, and with good reason: their hand-finished, optical quality frames make them comparable to “designer” eyewear at a significantly better price. Momo owners Lei Ann and Tom own multiple pairs fitted with their prescriptions.  

While the summer sun has been somewhat lacking this year, we’re confident it will eventually break through. In anticipation of those bright days, Momo scored a batch of Eyebobs sunglasses at a special promo deal, giving you an opportunity to pick up a pair at an amazing price.

Here’s a sample of the sunglasses styles we have on hand:

Need a little visual boost? Eyebobs readers are fun and fashionable, and come in a selection of diopters. We are more than happy to special-order any of the frames we offer in the diopters strength you need. Check out our styles of readers below, and drop into Momo for your next pair of distinctive eyewear.  

As a bonus, your purchases support a company that has it eyes on the future giving back via its philanthropic partnerships, funding cancer research, homelessness solutions and scholarship programs.

Proud

Show your colors: German wood bracelet + necklaces at Momo.

June 28th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, where patrons stood up to New York City police during yet another late night raid of a gay club. The clashes incited activist groups and gay rights organizations across the US to unite and bring their cause to light. A year later, the very first Gay Pride marches were held on the streets of NYC, LA, San Francisco and Chicago.

Back then, Seattle was a sleepy burg — we’ve since woken up to become leaders in recognizing and embracing gay and LGBTQ rights. Momo is proud to be part of a city of such inclusiveness, and you can be sure that Seattle will be jumping with activities related to this momentous anniversary. For a comprehensive list of events and celebrations, check out seattlepridefest.org and seattlepride.org 

Father’s Day in the Sun

Momo Man has a few ideas to make Dad look sharp and feel summer-ized. Father’s Day heralds the advent of summer, and nothing says summer like a linen shirt. At Momo you can find 100% linen shirts from Raffi and & Sons, and linen/cotton blends from National Standards.

A pink linen shirt and a glass of rosé, perfection.

Raffi’s Aqua Cotton is the perfect light-weight
button-down shirt, and oh so soft.

Daddy-O will look sharp in our selection of mod and slim cut shirts from Bruun & Stengade, Copenhagen.

Pops will have happy cool feet with
 these easy summer socks from Japan.

The Open Sole design assures the socks won’t slip off the heel.

Billy Jealousy has a variety of great grooming products that any man, especially Dad, will appreciate.

Wishing all the Dads out there a fabulous Father’s Day, with love from Momo.

 

No ‘Kitten!’ ... We’re Smitten!

This spring, we’re CAT CRAZY at Momo! With a little of this and a little of that (all bedecked with kawaii kitties) we’re paw-sitive we have something for the lover of felines in your life. 

“George” ceramic cat head necklace is a purrfect little gift!

Hello summer! Cat+phone = Cutie!
Also available as a skirt (blue or hot pink)

Japanese retro cool! Acrylic brooch from Missouri-based Decoylab.

From local girl Harumi K! We have several unique prints – all cats, of course.

A pair of pussies from another local lady, Nina Raizel. 

The “Cat Phone” tee is hiss-terical. 

French Felines! delicious-smelling candles in reusable Duralex® cups. 

Seattle artist Stasia Burrington’s latest addition to Momo:
Oracle cards. Each card features an adorable cat. 

A Stroll Down Nihonmachi Alley

Did you know that there is a collection of wonderful art installations, historic photos and a commemorative garden just around the corner from Momo? Join news anchor Lori Matsukawa and Maiko Winkler-Chin (Executive Director of SCID Preservation and Development Authority) for a tour of Nihonmachi Alley, where artists like Erin Shigaki, Amy Nikaitani, Rumi Koshino and architect Yuko Kunugi have created artworks that focus on the history of Japantown.

A section of Erin Shigaki’s mural.

We’d also like to mention that after 36 years of anchoring King 5 News, Lori is retiring next month! We will miss her in-depth reporting of goings-on around town and are so very thankful to her for bringing attention to our little corner of the city. Good luck to you, Lori!

Lori studies the fence/art installation created by Rumi Koshino and Yuko Kunugi.

Zing into Spring

Springtime in Seattle is often a time of indecisive weather. In less than a few hours, we can experience rain, sun, rain, then back to sun. When a day can start out misty and chilly and end with a sudden wave of heat, practical layers are a must! In this nature-loving Northwest, that generally translates to muted earth tones ... which doesn’t exactly inspire fun-in-the-sun. So Momo dares: why not add some Zing to your Spring?

To start, this just in from Lithuania: a veritable rainbow of Ducktail rain jackets: Lightweight, unisex, with a snap-on, reversible reflective ‘tail’ in the back, these are our favorite cheery spring raincoats.

Layer it over a brand new brand for Momo: Blue Platypus. Playful, whimsical, fun. And, you guessed it, POCKETS (by now, dear reader, you know we are pocket obsessed)!

Our pocketed skirt is available in these three patterns, plus the sailboat print! 

Flirty dress in a blue catphone or sailboat (sorry, no orange!)

And we believe that men deserve some brightness in their wardrobes, too. From another perfect for spring-into-summer line, Kennington, here are some playful prints.

When life hands you lemons, you’re one lucky dude.

Frenchies, anyone?

It’s our Momo mission to supply you with the goods you need to enjoy a happy • lucky • life, so we continue our crusade to present you with pops of color — in just the right dose for Seattle — of course. 😉

Cultivate Love for Mother’s Day

Lei Ann’s beautiful Mommy in a Japanese temple garden.

’Tis the nurturing season, time to plant seeds of love for Mother’s Day. At Momo, we cherish small and special ways to say “Mahalo, Mom.” Among our favorite gifts are interesting herbs and flowering fun from Japan — simple ways to grow a little love.

Grow delicious herbs in elegant Japanese ceramics. 

Cultivate and Eat: So easy, just open and add water!

Easy peasy.

Sprouting hedgehogs! Grow mint, basil or strawberries. 

Flowering Fortunes: Open to reveal a fortune and a strip
of seeds (chrysanthemum or petunia) to plant.

And while you’re thinking of her, why not present your Mommy with blooms that will last for a long time. Better yet, pen a note of gratitude inside, a gift she’ll love more than any.

Beautiful letterpress cards made by Momo Mama’s very own sister in Hawaii.

Also from the Aloha State: beautiful, classic washi paper notecard sets.

Momo wishes all mothers, surrogate mothers, second moms and other mothers, a love-filled Mother’s Day: Hau'oli La Makuahine to you.