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). 

Momo, Musubi and a Short Movie

Spam-O-Rama 2018 has come and gone, but thanks to local videographer (and contestant!) Justin Inahara we have a terrific video to remember the delightful day. Check out his moving montage of Hai! Japantown for glimpses of some of our favorite Momo neighborhood people and places. Sugoi, neh!

Hai! Japantown! Saturday, August 25

Saturday, August 25 from 3:00 - 7:00 pm

Seattle’s historic Nihonmachi comes alive with festivities only an Asian-style neighborhood can claim with the return of “Hai, Japantown!” Long-time locals, Seattle newbies, area residents and visitors alike are invited to take part in discovering this vital, re-surging community during a summer celebration for the entire family. Experience an historic heritage walk, the dedication of Nihonmachi Alley art, Hawaiian music, a beer and sake garden, Spam musubi making contest, nashi (Japanese pear) picking and more. For updates, visit FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/970642499782932/?active_tab=about

Here’s the Hai! Japantown Line Up:

Momo Semi-Annual Good Fortune Sale
11:00 am – 7:00 pm
604 S Main St
It’s the fame-ish sale everyone waits for, where YOU get to determine your discount. Here’s how it works: select a sale clothing or accessory item you love from our men or women’s section, then pick a crunchy cookie stuffed with fortunes and receive an additional 10% - 30% off. Confucius say, “Smart shopper pick wisely.”

Bonfire Gallery “I Saw the Face of Hecate”
Noon – 5:00 pm
605 S Main St
A solo show of local artist Juli Adams paintings and sculpture inspired by a lifelong curiosity about darkness as an expression of self-knowledge and empowerment. Not to be missed!

DaDaDa Gallery Archival Sale
Noon – 6:00 pm
513 S Main St
Clothing, bags, accessories 40-80% off.

KOBO Mako & Mujuri 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.

Amy Nikaitani Nihonmachi Alley Mural Dedication
3:30 pm
Between 6th Ave S and Maynard Ave S on S Jackson St north side
This ceremony will honor local Japanese American artist Amy Nikaitani with the unveiling of her murals featuring landmark businesses that undauntedly continued upon the families returning from WWII incarceration: Kokusai Theatre, Maneki Restaurant, Sagamiya Confectionery and Uwajimaya Grocers.

Japanese American Remembrance Trail Tour - SOLD OUT
4:00 pm
Starts in Chiyo’s Garden on S Jackson St between Maynard Ave S and 6th Ave S
The Wing Luke Museum in partnership with the National Park Service hosts an educational urban hike through the original Japantown, starting at Nihonmachi Alley and Chiyo’s Garden; 60-90 minutes. Comfortable walking shoes are advised. Space is limited, register online. For more information, visit wingluke.org/calendar.

Panama Hotel Tea & Coffee Presents the Jay Thomas Quartet
4:00 pm
605 S Main St
Seattle-ites may not realize that Jackson Street was once home to many jazz and blues clubs. The music returns to the Panama — deemed the 60th National Historic Landmark in 2015, and the setting for the novel, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet — witha visit from native son Jay Thomas, who played at The Black & Tan and other ’60s era area nightclubs. The music of Thomas, a versatile multi-instrumentalist (trumpet, flugelhorn, alto, tenor, soprano and flute) is earthy and lyrical with evidence of his deep roots in blues and swing.

Momo Fun-for-All Face & Body Painting
3:00 – 5:00 pm
600 S Jackson St
Put on the party with glitter painting by budding temporary tattoo talent, Nagisa! The affordable artistry is $5 - $10, depending on what you fancy.

KOBO Kid’s Corner: Japantown Style
Yo-Yo Water Balloon Fishing Game, Veggie Printmaking and Origami Magic
3:00 – 5:00 pm
604 S Jackson St
Join local artists Etsuko Ichikawa and Sayuri Fukuda in Yo-Yo Fishing, a favorite summer fest game where you fish for floating balloons with a paper string. There will be prizes! Try your hand at Veggie Printmaking with Susan. Make your own colorful art using lotus root, daikon, ginger and more to imprint unique designs on cloth. Learn origami with master folder, Sakiko!

Japanese Cultural Community Center of Washington Activity Time
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Storytelling at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 pm
Nihonmachi Alley on S Jackson St between Maynard Ave S and 6th Ave S
Family fun presented by the JCCCW with coloring and storytelling. Experience Kamishibai, a form of Japanese street theater, popular during post-war Japan until the advent of TV.

Live Music from Mai Pu’uwai Makana
5:30 pm
Chiyo’s Garden in alley on S Jackson St between Maynard Ave S and 6th Ave S
Kana means “Sharing the Breath of Hawaiian Music,” and that's just what this trio brings: “feel good Island music” Hawaiian/Island Reggae to the party.

Momo Spam-O-Rama Musubi Contest
6:00 pm
Chiyo’s Garden in alley on S Jackson St between Maynard Ave S and 6th Ave S
Spam fans are invited to participate or spectate during the revival of the fame-ish Spam musubi competition. Contestants create their versions of Hawaii’s favorite Spam sushi and are judged on presentation, taste and originality. Interested entrants can email lala@momoseattle.com or call 206.329.4736 by August 22 for details.

Chill in Chiyo’s Garden Party
3:00 – 7:00 pm
In alley on S Jackson St between Maynard Ave S and 6th Ave S
Kaname presents an al fresco summer 21+ lounge with DJ Maile Lono (aka DJ Maui NKO) from KBCS, live Jawaiian music (Mai Pu’uwai Makana), light bites, beer and sake. Artist Erin Shigaki gathers your wishes on traditional ema to help create a future public art installation in Occidental Square. It’s also nashi (Japanese pear) season, and revelers are invited to pick the fruit and eat it right from the tree. A pot of nashi-sauce will be cooking on the open-air patio.

KOBO 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 CBD drinks with music to sip by in this 21+ event.

KOBO and Artists for Japan Hiroshima Flood Relief
3:00 – 7:00 pm
602 S Jackson St
This grassroots group will be accepting donations to be sent to a NPO in Hiroshima (to be confirmed), one of the areas severely damaged by the torrential rainfall, worst flood in decades in early July. Any amount is welcome and appreciated.

Movies in the Park in Hing Hay Park
Entertainment and the Screening of “Allegiance, the Musical”
7:20 pm – 10:30 pm
S King St and Maynard Ave S
Taiko drummers rally the neighborhood, followed by local poet Troy Osaki, and live music from Anime Creek and ukulele artist Arden Fujiwara. The film will start at dusk (approximately 8:30 pm). For more info check out https://www.facebook.com/events/200745964112156/?ti=cl