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Contact: Shaun Mejia
New doors have opened during the past year, bringing fresh faces, alongside old favorites, to the small business community of Seattle’s Japantown. Reason enough to rediscover this unique corner during “Hai! Japantown” the annual celebration of Japanese American culture. During the 20-day summer celebration, Japantown invites local tourists to delve more deeply in exploring its contemporary offerings as well as the rich history of the area. The stores, galleries, restaurants and other creative spaces will be showing their spirit with shopping, food and fun, along with self-guided tours and online events.
Kaitlin Madriaga and Kaitlin Uemura, co-owners of Sairen, the new boutique on the corner of Sixth and Jackson (previously home to Momo), expressed their excitement at participating in the neighborhood fête. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this community,” shares Madriaga, “we’ve already made so many new friends and can’t wait to meet more of the fans of Japantown.” Uemura chimes in, “And our pups love to greet people and make them feel welcome!”
Two other Japantown classics have also recently turned over in ownership: Pioneer Barber Company is now helmed by Verdi and Matt Gough, while Kaname Izakaya transformed into Itsumono under the stewardship of Mike Vu and Hisato Kawaminami, hiring Hawaii-bred Sean Arakai in the kitchen and Alan Tran to tend the bar. These newcomers, as well as treasured businesses like KOBO at Higo, Panama Hotel Tea and Coffee, Trichome, BONFIRE Gallery, and DaDaDa Gallery, will all participate in “Hai! Japantown.”
Throughout “Hai! Japantown,” the public is encouraged to learn more about the historic district, once the bustling home of Nihonmachi, decimated with the WWII imprisonment of Japanese American citizens. Businesses will be open as usual, with the addition of special activities Thursday through Sunday. A few are listed below; online information is continually updated and is the most accurate resource. Visit Facebook @JapantownSeattle or Instagram @JapantownSeattle. Also, a full listing of participating businesses and activities is online:
https://linktr.ee/japantownseattle
Calendar of events
DaDaDa Gallery ”Slot & Tab” by local artist Nicholas Nyland
On view now through Tuesday, August 10 Noon - 6 PM
513 S Main Street
In conjunction with the Deconstructed Art Fair, DaDaDa Gallery presents “SLOT & TAB,” an exploration of mixed media and ceramic works using the slot and tab design methods to join planes of material to playfully diffuse light.
BONFIRE Gallery - Mance Engine’s ‘Gifts of Distraction’
On view through August until Saturday, September 25
Thursday – Saturday from noon – 5:00 pm and by appointment
BONFIRE is open First Thursday from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
603 S Main St in the Panama Hotel
Creative Seattle recluse Mance Engine’s (@manceengine) ‘Gifts of Distraction’ invites you to make your own meaning in this playful, arresting and sometimes NSFW (or kids!) debut exhibit of sculptural curiosities, assemblages, and collages inspired by food, death, art history, mythology, nostalgia and sex. Masks are required and will be available. More info at http://www.thisisbonfire.com/gallery
High Wall Hosts Flashes of Seattle’s Nihonmachi
Monday, August 9 – Monday, August 23 after dusk
815 Seattle Blvd S
In partnership with the Wing Luke Museum, INScape Arts High Wall shares glimpses of Seattle’s historic Japantown with videos projected on their southwestern courtyard wall. Projections can be viewed in the evenings after dusk and seen from:
Parking Garage at Lumen Field by 4th Ave S near Dearborn St
Between the Light Rail Stadium Station and Chinatown-International District Station. For more info, check out inscapearts.org/thehighwall/
Itsumono x Wing Luke Museum Virtual Food for Thought Tours
Friday, August 13 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Friday, August 27 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Can’t make it in person to join in on Hai! Japantown happenings this summer? Join in on a virtual food tour to meet the local chefs at Itsumono to make a special treat at home while immersing yourself in Seattle’s Japantown history courtesy of the Wing Luke Museum exhibits and historic spaces. Must register in advance online https://25646p.blackbaudhosting.com/25646p/Food-for-Thought-A-Dinner-Date-with-History-13Aug2021
Chiyo’s Garden Visiting Hours
Saturday, August 14 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, August 19 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Thursday, August 26 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Between 6th Ave S and Maynard Ave S on the north side of S Jackson St
This secret oasis, located behind the Jackson Building in Nihonmachi Alley, is dedicated to the Murakami family who owned and ran the venerable Higo Variety Store, now home to KOBO at Higo. More information at http://www.wingluke.org/single-exhibit/?mep_event=759.
Movies in the Park in Hing Hay Park
Entertainment and the Screening of The Paper Tigers
Saturday, August 14, movie starts at dusk
S King St and Maynard Ave S
The outdoor venue will feature live local talent, followed by the 2020 SAAFF Best Jury and Audience Feature award-winning film about three middle-aged men as they polish up their martial arts skills to avenge their fallen master.
AAPI Arts & Craft Fair in Hing Hay Park
Sunday, August 15 from noon – 6:00 pm
S King St and Maynard Ave S
This maker’s market in the park showcases a handpicked coterie of local Asian American Pacific Islander creatives, sharing their wares of ceramics, clothing, cards, jewelry and other surprises.
Itsumono Jazz Singer Showcase
Tuesday, August 17 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Tuesday, August 31 from 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
610 S Jackson St
“The song is the star” during this live performance of classic selections from “The Great American Songbook.” Featuring Revel Lubag on piano, Luie Gamido on guitar, and Anthony Cordora doing vocals and congos, accompanied by vocalists Tess Cabrera, Tina Lombard, Arlene Sanvictores, Denise Ducay and Teza Mendoza. The beautiful standards reflect the brilliance of American and international composers from the 1920s through the ’70s. If you are interested in performing, call (206) 853-7513. This is a 21+ event. No cover; bar is open, kitchen closed during event.
DaDaDa Annual Archival Sale in Chiyo’s Garden
Friday, August 20 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 21 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Between 6th Ave S and Maynard Ave S on the north side of S Jackson St
Based in Japantown, local designers Maiden Noir and Blk Pine Workshop host their Annual Archival Sale of the best independent apparel in the city. Jump start your fall wardrobe as you shop women’s, men’s and apparel for ALL, including trousers, outerwear, jersey, T-shirts, fleece, jumpers, dresses and skirts, and accessories, shoes, more at up to 70% off. Space is limited; RSVP to book your appointment at maidennoir.com. Walk-ins are available as first come first served.
Maiden Noir at DaDaDa Gallery Re-Use Pop-up Shop
Now through Saturday, August 21 by appointment from noon – 6:00
Walk-ins welcome Thursday and Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 pm
513 S Main St
As a 2021 fundraiser for InterIm Youth Program @wildprogramshop, the shop is filled with gently used outdoor gear, from bags, accessories, shoes and T-shirts for all ages. Gallery founders and local designers Nin and Christa will also teach a youth workshop in natural dyeing and apparel education on sustainability. Online shop available 24/7; local pick-up available Monday – Friday. Find details and make your appointment at maidennoir.com.
Movies in the Park in Hing Hay Park
Entertainment and the Screening Raya and the Last Dragon
Saturday, August 21, movie starts at dusk
S King St and Maynard Ave S
Live performances will introduce this film following Raya, a warrior princess who must find the fabled last dragon in order to save her divided home world from a ravenous plague.
Japanese American Remembrance Trail Tour
Saturday, August 28 at 10:00 am
The Wing Luke Museum hosts an educational urban hike through the original Japantown. Comfortable walking shoes are advised on this tour of the area. Must register in advance; to do so, and for more information, visit https://www.wingluke.org/single-exhibit/?mep_event=2447.
Chinatown-International District Food Walk
Saturday, August 28 from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Throughout the C-ID
Sample the neighborhood with super special treats from various venues in Japantown, Chinatown and Little Saigon including light bites and selected merchandise. Maps are available at
https://linktr.ee/japantownseattle.
Pioneer Barber Company Harajuku Pop Up in Chiyo’s Garden
Saturday, August 28 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Between 6th Ave S and Maynard Ave S on the north side of S Jackson St
A special delivery of concept clothing from Tokyo will be gathered in the garden, available in the U.S. exclusively through PBC. Another perk: mention Hai! Japantown during your hair appointment and receive $5 off your service of $35 or more. Reserve online at pioneerbarbercompany.com.
Last updated: August 9, 2021