Not Held at Japan Society – Japanese New Year’s Fair

Come and enjoy the 14th Street Y’s Japanese New Year’s Fair on Sunday, January 18th from 1 to 5 pm at the 14th Street Y,  344 East 14th Street (bet. 1st and 2nd Ave.)

For Ages 2-12
Admission: Adult $7, Child $5 (3 yrs and older)

The afternoon includes Japanese-inspired arts and crafts, games,
performances, refreshments.  Arts and crafts will include origami, learning to write Japanese calligraphy, making Japanese Hagoita (battledores) and more. Younger children can play a variety of games.

The highlights of the celebration include a Japanese folk dance by Misachi Aoki, a magic show by Cardone the Magician, and a Samurai  Sword Soul show led by Yoshi Amao accompanied by the shamisen  (Japanese 3-string guitar) player Yumi Shindo.

The main event is Mochitsuki, or rice cake making, the exciting tradition of pounding steamed sweet rice into a cake in a stone mortar with a large, wooden hammer.  This New Year’s food is rarely made from scratch, even in Japan, since ready-made mochi is widely available.  The 14th Street Y is keeping this disappearing tradition alive! It is a great exercise, and everyone shares in tasting the delicious mochi!

You can also check our famous silent auction (for adults and children) and flea market (children’s goods only).  Light refreshments will also be available. 

Directions: Near the N, R, 4, 5, 6 trains at Union Square, or the L train at 1st Ave.

For more information, Call (212) 780-0800 ext. 243