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). 

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.

Thank You, Alaska Airlines!

In Alaska Airline’s May inflight magazine, Momo is listed as one of 10 must-see shopping opportunities in the Puget Sound region. We’re so honored to be in such fine company as E. Smith Mercantile, Compass Rose, ExOfficio and other local luminaries. Here’s the link to the recent issue — check out “Shop Talk” on page 130. You can also find us on Facebook at MOMOseattle, or instagram at hellomomoseattle.

If you prefer a shorter route to more about Momo, come on in. We’re a select ‘hapa’ shop, where East meets West for a happy • lucky • life style located in the heart of Seattle’s historic Japantown:
600 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
206.329.4736
Monday - Saturday, 11:00 - 6:00
Sunday, 12:00 - 5:00

 Looking forward to saying hello!

Summer Good Fortune Sale Now in Session

 

Confucius say, wise person takes advantage of extra savings on sale clothing at Momo. Pick your item, then pick your cookie stuffed with an additional 10-30% off. Only you can determine your discount destiny. Here’s how it works:

• Decide that you need to go home with a Sale item. 
• Bring said Sale item to the counter. 
• Pick a tasty, crunchy fortune cookie out of a jar and open it.
• Inside is a special fortune giving you an ADDITIONAL 10% - 30% off of the sale price!
• Eat cookie. Do not eat fortune
• Go home happy.

Just in for the Momo Man

& Sons - updated classics.

New at Momo and in the United States: Toronto-based & Sons, a recently launched shirt maker, purveys timeless wardrobe staples. & Sons’ focus on updated classics will complement anyone's wardrobe. We love the fact that the fine fabrics are designed in-house and produced ethically in small scale mills and sewing facilities.

Lush, textural textiles.

A perennial favorite, Bench, was originally inspired by the skateboarding culture in Manchester, England. The brand has evolved to offer contemporary designs with broad appeal based on functionality and durability, still with a stylist nod to its origins in the streets. Bench outerwear offers the perfect weight and layer options for our NW Fall and Winter weather.

Bench ‘Cardio’ zip-thru layered over & Sons blue checker.

‘Residence’ jacket has four over-sized patch pockets and side slash pockets.

So gents (or discerning partners of gents) – get a jump-start on your Fall fashion with the newest arrivals at Momo. See you soon!

Timelessly Chic Saint James

Old-school Saint James! 

Saint James clothing was established in Lower Normandy in 1889. Most classically known as the original Breton seaman’s sweater, Saint James’ stripes are now an iconic part of the fashion world, gracing figures around the globe.

100% densely-knit cotton, our genuine Saint James shirts are both stylishly and physically enduring. They’re also perfect for this time of year: an ideal transition piece for those days when the temperature fluctuates dramatically.

We have them on hand in smaller sizes suitable for persons of petite persuasion, or the more generous ‘unisex’ cut. And these striped shirts are incredibly versatile — for women, we suggest dressing them up with pearls and a skirt, or down with a pair of capris. Men can wear them for work to weekend, simply by swapping out khakis for jeans.

Momo has red and white stripes ...

... and blue and white!

The eternally beautiful and elegant Audrey Hepburn sporting her Saint James. 

Quintessential Picasso to sexy Brigitte Bardot.  

James Dean looking sultry in his Saint James. 

Today, sailor stripes may be trendy, but at Momo, we’ve chatted with customers who have owned their Saint James shirts for decades and still love them after all these years. You can recognize a person wearing an authentic Saint James — it speaks without words.

Lu for You

Hello Dear Momo Friends,

As you know, we at Momo love to support local designers. Our latest addition is Jenny Fort, creative mastermind behind Lu clothing.

Like many designers, Jenny started Lu when she wasn’t able to find exactly what she was looking for in the general retail world. What was Jenny on the hunt for? Simple, modern clothes in elegant colors. Comfort. Ease. Sophisticated backdrops for accessories.

Momo’s current collection of Lu showcases these ideals. Dresses, tops and pants all display an understated Japanese sensibility – structured without being unduly formal, avant-garde without the over-the-top drama of a Parisian fashion show.

Without further ado: this is Lu.

Professional yet playful Bottom No. 2 shorts.  

Shorts in action!

We love the silhouette of Dress No. 6

Dress No. 2 is a twist on the classic A-Line, plus pockets. 

Check out the squared-off asymmetrical hem on Top No. 3.

To all of our Lovely Momo Ladies: save the date ... Wednesday April 23rd from 5 – 7 Momo will be hosting a Momo Girl Power Hour with Pearlesque + Lu. Stay tuned for more info!

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

Promise

Every spring, a minor miracle occurs at Momo: our orchids bloom anew. Gifted to us by thoughtful customers when we opened in 2007, year ’round the tropical plants revel in the shy Seattle sun as they warm in our windows. Nurtured with reverent neglect, they reward us with brilliant blossoms that last for many weeks. Traditionally, orchids represent love and beauty, both of which we feel abundantly blessed by. We see them as symbols of perseverance and renewal — that at Momo, as we carry on, we might bring a bit of hope, happy ... and Hawai'i, into your world.