On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Happy Monday! We are quite the travelers this week, should be fun!
If you have been thinking about sending in some pictures, now would be a great time to do it. We have a full week this week, and then just 3 posts in the queue for the following week.
(click the schedule below for a larger, non-blurry image)
ema
This was my first Japan Day parade (27:51 min full parade YT video) and I was a bit iffy about attending. I mean, a parade without pipes and drums, and marching bands, how does that even work? Let me tell you, it works just fine!
I loved the parade and found it to be entertaining and informative. They had groups representing both large cities and small islands, and traditional and modern Japanese culture. One thing that stood out for me, almost every group had at least a few itsy–bitsy kids and elderly people as full participants. My absolute favorites were the mini ballerinas – so uncoordinated, yet so committed – who stole the show.
They even had a group of Demon Slayer actors from Japan for a sword fighting scene. I was not familiar with Demon Slayer but I did enjoy the show. The actors were committed, the fight choreography was quite convincing, and a good time was had by all.
There was also a street fair with origami, calligraphy and, let’s be honest, what everybody was there for, Japanese street food. It was the most crowded street fair I’ve ever seen, and people were waiting in long food lines and having a great time. Unfortunately, I was filming so I didn’t get a chance to sample any of the treats. Next year. And speaking of next year, you know it’s a good parade when, as it’s ending, you’re already looking forward to attending next year’s event. So, if you’re in the city next year, I strongly recommend you attend Japan Day parade 2025.
(All the links, unless otherwise specified, are to the start of the segment mentioned, and each segment is about 1 min long.)
First, some traditional drums and a fan dance.
Next, a tricky group. They started out in traditional dress, performing a traditional dance, then, bam, off came the outfits, and on with the modern dance.
As I mentioned, almost every group, from dancers, to martial arts had little kids in them.
Some NYC Harajuku (21s YT short) fashion styles.
The Demon Slayer (5:26 min YT video) actors from Japan. The sword fighting was very well done.
Cheerleaders from a local Japanese high-school.
This group was from a small island and their music and dance reminded me of Hawaii for some reason.
This was a larger group of dancers representing different parts of Japan.
The adorable mini ballerinas The one on the far right was almost left behind.
Finally, some cool martial arts.
Baud
You had a good view.
eclare
How cool! Thank you.
Dorothy A. Winsor
That looks like fun
Betty
That was really fun.
O. Felix Culpa
I enjoyed this! Thank you for the photos and video links, which are well worth clicking through.
stinger
A good time was had by all! Thanks!
WaterGirl
I had no idea there even was a Japan Day. I love all these peeks into life on NYC!
WaterGirl
Loved the links to the videos, ema! Oh my gosh, the little ballerinas, so sweet. That little one on the right stole the show at the end, for sure.
Miss Bianca
Loved the Demon Slayer fight/dancing – I guess Demon Slayer is some kind of manga/anime thing brought to the stage? I’m definitely An Old for even having to ask that question, I guess!
BretH
Might have to visit the city for one of those thanks!!
ema
@Baud:
Mwuahaha, I have a Press Pass! Apparently, YouTubers are considered “independent media” in NYC and can apply for one.
ema
@eclare:
Thank you.
ema
@Dorothy A. Winsor:
It was, I really enjoyed it.
ema
@O. Felix Culpa:
Thank you.
ema
@WaterGirl:
I know, right? The way she lifts her hands in triumph at the end and then forgets to leave, adorable.
ema
@Miss Bianca:
It’s an anime, I think, but they have stage shows in Japan which are, apparently, very popular.
ema
@BretH:
Totally recommended!