Long ago when I was a tween craving all things Sailor Moon and before the internet made sourcing foreign goods easy, Sakura Square stood as a beacon of Japanese culture. There I was able to find gum, magazines, and packaged curry all sporting the anime face of my favorite show. Decades later the institution remains, and now the Sakura Foundation welcomes visitors to its first three-day festival featuring all things Japanese.
“Spirit of Japan is an opportunity for guests to explore Japanese street and festival foods emblematic of Japanese life,” said Stacey Shigaya, executive director of Sakura Foundation. “Folks in Denver and Colorado are open to new food experiences and like to try new spirits, and this event gives them an opportunity to sample all kinds of Japanese sake, whiskey, gin, beer and more.”
Expect to see food items such as yakitori, a form of grilled meat-on-a-stick. Or takoyaki, those little dough balls often filled with octopus. There will be okonomiyaki, a savory Japanese pancake that comes packed with either vegetables, meat, or seafood, and drizzled with tangy sauce and creamy Kewpie mayo. Also look for karaage, or Japanese fried chicken, udon in a light broth, and steamed pork buns.
On the sweet side, Shigaya said kakigori shaved ice, which resembles a snow cone but actually has the texture of fresh snow, will be on the menu. This dish comes sweetened with strawberry, mango, melon, orange, yuzu, or green tea. Also try the ishi yakiimo, a traditional roasted sweet potato dish.
Of course the spirit side is a big part of the event too, especially sake. Look for small batch sakes such as wine master Regis Carmus’ Heavesake, whiskey and other spirits by The House of Suntory, and sparkling sake by Ichido.
“Spirit of Japan not only celebrates Japan’s cultural richness but also fosters cultural exchange and understanding among attendees,” added Shigaya. “It’s an opportunity to appreciate Japan’s traditions while enjoying a festive atmosphere of community and hospitality.”
A portion of the proceeds will also go to support 10-year-old Sakura Foundation, a Colorado 501c3 organization with a mission to, “Celebrate and share Japanese and Japanese-American heritage and culture in order to promote a more resilient, compassionate, and equitable society.”
The festival is also a great way to support and explore Sakura Square, which has been a beacon of Japanese culture since 1973.
Book tickets to Spirit of Japan for Friday, Aug. 23 from 5 p.m to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 24 from noon to 4 p.m. or 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 25 from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets run $55 per person, which includes 10 food tickets. Or, opt for the $80 ticket that also includes unlimited sake and spirit tasting. Kids age 10 and younger enter for free. Each food item costs two to four tickets, and beer and non-alcoholic beverages are one or two tickets. To purchase tickets, please visit www.spirit-jpn.com/denver.
The event takes place at Sakura Square, 1255 19th St., Denver.
