After its inaugural run last year, Colorado’s Sakura Foundation is hosting the second annual edition of its Spirit of Japan Festival next weekend, from Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 14. Held at 19th and Larimer downtown, the event – which amasses an extensive list of food vendors, beverage distributors and entertainment – is at home in the city’s Sakura Square.
Even if you don’t know the location by name, odds are that if you’ve spent enough time in Denver, you will indeed recognize the property. Built in the 1970s, the mixed-use high-rise is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and a certain nostalgia for a more thoughtfully designed urban architecture. Pseudo-brutalist concrete forms with sweeping ground-floor windows open to its spacious courtyard. There – along with food trucks parked on the street – Spirit of Japan will welcome its guests with vibrant sights, sounds, smells and flavors.
The festival “is designed to foster cultural exchange, promote international travel to Japan, and strengthen community bonds,” said Stacey Shigaya, Executive Director of the Sakura Foundation. “Our inaugural event last year was a huge success. Not only is this an amazing opportunity to appreciate Japan’s traditional food while enjoying a festive atmosphere, but it is also an opportunity to support Sakura Foundation’s mission to share Japanese and Japanese American heritage and culture.”
On the food and entertainment menu, start with something raw. At the Tuna Cutting Show, you’ll see a chef break down an entire fish before heading to Matsuri Omakase’s booth to taste sashimi and nigiri to round out the sushi experience. Then dive into something more traditional of a Japanese street festival with vendors serving up takoyaki – the famous, golden brown octopus balls – karaage – Japanese fried chicken – yakitori – grilled chicken skewers – and so many more fun, exciting bites.
If it’s something more substantial you’re after, udon noodles, fried soba noodles, ramen and LA’s famous Kagura Katsu Sandwich – a juicy pork cutlet, crispy and golden, layered with fluffy Japanese milk bread and tangy-sweet sauce – will also be served. All are must-try Japanese comfort foods. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, Spirit of Japan will boast a broad menu of Japanese desserts and pastries, ranging from shaved ice and buns to Japanese candy and cookies.
To drink, Spirit of Japan is hosting more than 50 sake and spirit producers, all of which are excited to teach the vast differences in their ingredients and techniques that make each of their products so unique. And if you’re not trying to get boozy, buckets of Umacha Bubble Tea – a favorite already in LA and Singapore – will be served in an abundance of different, refreshing flavors.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will support future programming for Sakura Foundation, including scholarships, community grants and a variety of further cultural festivals and events throughout the year, including the Denver Cherry Blossom Festival held annually in June. So, whether you’re a fan of Japanese food, drinks and culture – or you’re just looking for something fun to do outside during the dwindling weekends of Summer, Spirit of Japan offers a little something for everyone.
Spirit of Japan takes place on Friday, September 12, 6 – 10 p.m.; Saturday, September 13, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; and Sunday, September 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. It will be held in Sakura Square located at 1255 19th St., Denver. There are a variety of different package deals, all of which include food and drink tickets. Check out its website for more information.
All photography courtesy of Dunn Communications.
AloJapan.com