Taste of Japan Phoenix 2024
2024/12/26
Taste of Japan, a Japanese festival, returned to Arizona for its second year on December 14-15, 2024. The event was kicked off with opening remarks by Deputy Consul General Naoshige Aoshima, Phoenix City Councilmember Carlos Galindo-Elvira, Downtown Phoenix Inc. Chief Growth Office R.J. Price, and JETRO Los Angeles Chief Executive Director Akira Kajita.
During his remarks, Deputy Consul General Aoshima noted the history of cultural ties between Japan and Arizona, including the nearly 50-year sister city relationship established between Himeji and Phoenix, and hoped that the festival would spark even more interest in Japanese food and culture.
This year’s festivities included sumo matches by Japanese sumo wrestlers, taiko drummers, pop culture experiences, merchandise, and more. Participants also enjoyed an array of Japanese food, including ramen, takoyaki, and yakitori from over 20 vendors, as well as Japanese sake and beer.
Opening remarks by Deputy Consul
General Aoshima
Sake barrel breaking ceremony
with opening speakers and organizers
Sumo matches
Japanese sake at the festival
During his remarks, Deputy Consul General Aoshima noted the history of cultural ties between Japan and Arizona, including the nearly 50-year sister city relationship established between Himeji and Phoenix, and hoped that the festival would spark even more interest in Japanese food and culture.
This year’s festivities included sumo matches by Japanese sumo wrestlers, taiko drummers, pop culture experiences, merchandise, and more. Participants also enjoyed an array of Japanese food, including ramen, takoyaki, and yakitori from over 20 vendors, as well as Japanese sake and beer.
Opening remarks by Deputy Consul
General Aoshima
Sake barrel breaking ceremony
with opening speakers and organizers
Sumo matches
Japanese sake at the festival