Family Event: Be in the Japan Parade with Japan Society

The Japan Parade (https://www.japanparadenyc.org/) returns May 11, 2024 to New York City and will welcome organizations and performers from across America and Japan marching down Central Park West in front of over 50,000 spectators. We’re excited to share that Japan Society will be part of the parade for the first time this year, and we’d love children, students, and families with an interest in Japan to join us!

Japan Society will be sharing a float with JNTO (Japan National Tourist Organization) at the Japan Parade, and you can sign up below to join the Japan Society group on and around this float.

WHO CAN BE PART OF THE JAPAN PARADE: Japan Society is inviting children, students, and families to be part of the Japan Parade as a symbol of U.S.-Japan friendship continuing into the next generation. Children, students, and families will ride on Japan Society’s shared float as well as walk beside it. 

DATE, TIME & LOCATION: The Japan Parade will begin at 1 PM on Saturday, May 11, 2024 and will wind down Central Park West from 81st to 67th Streets. Participants will need to arrive at least two hours beforehand to check-in. Check-in details will be provided by email to all participants.

OUTFIT DETAILS: All participants should wear celebratory clothing, Japanese fashion or Japan-inspired outfits. This includes traditional garments like kimono as well as more modern fashion such as street fashion or Harajuku fashion. Please note, this does not include cosplay. The Japan Parade is looking to welcome Japan Society families in festive outfits, but participants cannot dress as anime characters.

COMFORTABLE SHOES: All participants should wear comfortable shoes. If you select to walk beside the float, you will need to walk 15 blocks from the start to the end of the parade. If you feel uncomfortable walking this length, we recommend you opt to be on the float.

APPLICATION DETAILS: Please sign up by April 25. Japan Society will send further information about the parade, check-in information, waiver information, etc. by May 2 to all participants. Please note, Japan Society may close this application early based on the number of sign-ups we receive.

Want to take part? Sign up now!

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Image © Masahiro Noguchi.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Additional support for cultural programs is provided by an anonymous donor and the Sandy Heck Lecture Fund.