Japanese immigration to the US has a long, and at times troubled, history, but the modern Japanese and Japanese-American population of NYC brings a fantastic cultural vibrancy and heritage to the city. According to the 2000 census, New York State has the fourth largest Japanese population in the US, with around 50,000 Japanese-Americans.Though there are no distinctively Japanese areas of the city, New York City’s East Village is nowadays the closest contender for the title of “Little Tokyo.” While Japanese immigrants to NYC have historically integrated well, modern Japanese culture is very much thriving in the city. Many would argue that the best Japanese cultural events and restaurants outside of Japan can be found right here in New York.
Japanese Food
The continued rise of Japanese food in the US has meant a boom in authentic Japanese restaurants and eateries in the East Village and beyond. Whether you are looking for ramen, tsukemen, fresh sushi, or more elaborate fare, there are plenty of great places to eat out in NYC. A great place to start might be some of the twelve Japanese locations that received Michelin stars in the 2013 guide to New York City:Momofuku and Soto both gained two stars, the first for its Asian-American fusion and the second for its sushi. Kaijitsu offers Buddhist vegetarian cuisine in East Village, while Rosanjin in Tribeca offers great slow-cooked Japanese food in an amazing setting. Both received one star from the Michelin guide.If it’s simpler fare you’re after – perhaps a hot bowl of ramen – you can’t go wrong with Minca – authentic Japanese food at reasonable prices, though you should be willing to wait for seating if there’s more than two of you. Authentic ramen shops are often hot, busy, and even crowded, but the reward of a steaming bowl of delicious noodles is worth it. Avenue A, around East 35th Street, has plenty of ramen shops to explore. Ippudo, on 4th Avenue, is already well established in Japan itself, and a visit to the New York branch is well worth your time. Be adventurous and ask for specials.As for izakaya – Japanese bars – the East Village again has some great places to go for a quiet – or noisy – drink. Village Yokocho and Izakaya Ten in Chelsea offer great ranges of sake, Japanese beer, whiskey, and other drinks, all alongside Japanese snacks and food. If you’ve never been to an izakaya, you’re in for a unique experience.New York and surrounding areas are also well supplied with Japanese grocery stores and import shops, so if you’re in the mood to cook for yourself getting your hands on the crucial ingredients shouldn’t be a problem. Katagiri, on 59th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenue has the honor of being the oldest Japanese grocery store in the US, and offers free delivery to Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn for orders over $50. Fresh food, packaged goods, bento boxes, and homewear are all available for purchase. In the East Village, Sunrise Mart offers Japanese groceries, while M2M, although mostly Chinese-focused, has plenty of Japanese snacks and ingredients.
Japanese Goods
Just across the river in New Jersey, Mitsuwa Marketplace is the largest Japanese supermarket in the entire US, and is a fantastic collection of restaurants, specialty shops and retail. Mitsuwa Marketplace doesn’t just cover food – electronics, appliances, cosmetics, and all manner of Japanese goods are available. This is a real gem and well worth visiting; the amazing collection of Japanese shops, cafes and stalls can provide a full afternoon’s entertainment for the family.Back in NYC, Kinokuniya – a name synonymous with books in any Japanophile’s mind –has a great store across from Bryant Park on 6th Avenue. A whole range of books in Japanese including manga, children’s books, and novels, as well as Japanese language books, textbooks, and study guides are all available. If you are looking for Japanese magazines or merchandise, Kinokuniya rarely disappoints. If you’re after manga, it’s also a good idea to visit Forbidden Planet. The same is true for many Japanese toys or character-related goods. For inexpensive used books and music in Japanese you can’t get better deals than at BookOff, a Japanese chain that now has a location on West 45th Street.Looking for gifts and luxury goods? Kyotoya in Chelsea may be small, but it packs in enough prints, kimono, ceramic and crafts to be a great place for unusual gifts. Kiteya, in SoHo, offers crafts, accessories, modern design pieces and children’s clothing, among other things.For clothes, UNIQLO now has four branches in NYC offering their iconic and simplistic designs. More upmarket clothing from Japanese is on offer at A Bathing Ape, founded by a Japanese DJ and still going strong.For a more comprehensive list of great Japanese stores in and around New York City, see Japan Culture NYC’s Christmas Shopping Guide
Japanese Culture
New York City is incredibly well served when it comes to Japanese culture and chances to experience Japanese traditions. The Japan Society, founded in 1907, is a non-profit organization that seeks to “bring the people of Japan and the United States closer together through mutual understanding, appreciation and cooperation.” This manifests itself in a beautifully designed building that hosts a wide ranging series of discussions, exhibits, classes, workshops, lectures, and demonstrations, all of which bring different aspects of Japanese culture and history into the heart of NYC. To stay up to date with what’s going on, and to get discounted access to their many events, you can become a Japan Society member from as little as $60. You’ll also get free admission to the Japan Society Gallery.ChopsticksNY is a great website for finding Japanese culture, tips, shops, and events in New York, as well as celebrity interviews and even pop quizzes. There’s also the Japanese-American Association of New York, providing support, assistance, and information for the Japanese and Japanese American community in NYC.The Asia Society is an educational and cultural organization dedicated to bringing mutual understanding between the U.S. and Asian cultures. They regularly hold discussions and events, as well as exhibitions, art shows, film screenings, and socials, and can be a great way to meet New Yorkers from all over the world – including Japan – and learn more about ancient and modern culture.In Central Park every May, Japan Day celebrates all things Japanese with a family friendly collection of food tents, art, performances, information kiosks, music, and dance. Set among beautiful Japanese cherry trees, it’s become an eagerly awaited event on the NYC calendar. Brooklyn Botanic Gardens has an especially wonderful collection of Japanese Cherry trees, and their annual matsuri (festival) lets you enjoy the beauty of the trees along with demonstrations of Japanese culture and arts. Though the sakura blossoming season is notoriously hard to predict, the festival tends to be in late April.Finally, Meetup.com is another great way to get involved in Japanese culture and language groups. The New York Japanese Culture Group offers meetings and help in learning Japanese, as well as discussing its culture and relevant issues of the day, while the Japanese Culture Club of New York City serves as a great way to meet other interested Japanese and Japanophiles. Article updated December 2014