Tell me about yourself and your involvement with Japan Village.

I’m the general manager of Japan Village and Sunrise Mart. My role involves overseeing daily operations, ensuring a seamless experience for our visitors, and curating an authentic Japanese cultural environment. Japan Village was established to celebrate and share the rich heritage of Japan through food, products, and events. I work closely with our team to bring a taste of Japan to Brooklyn, creating a space where people can immerse themselves in Japanese culture, cuisine, and traditions.

What are some of the most unique foods and products that can be found in Japan Village?

Japan Village offers a wide array of unique foods and products you won’t easily find elsewhere. From fresh sushi-grade fish and premium wagyu beef to artisanal Japanese sweets like mochi and dorayaki, our market and food hall are filled with authentic Japanese offerings. We also carry specialty items such as matcha products, traditional Japanese teas, rare sake, and a curated selection of ceramics and kitchenware imported directly from Japan.

Is there a particular place in Japan where the products in Sunrise Mart are imported from?

Many of the products at Sunrise Mart are imported from various regions across Japan, each known for its specialties. For example, we source high-quality green tea from Shizuoka, renowned for its tea plantations, and premium soy sauce from the Kagawa Prefecture, famous for its traditional brewing techniques. We work closely with suppliers across Japan to ensure that the products we offer are authentic and of the highest quality, providing our customers with a genuine taste of Japan.

How does Japan Village fit within the framework of Industry City? How does IC support it?

Japan Village is an integral part of Industry City’s mission to create a vibrant, diverse community space that blends culture, commerce, and creativity. As a cultural hub, we contribute to the unique mix of offerings within Industry City, attracting both residents and visitors from afar who are looking for an immersive cultural experience. Industry City supports us by providing a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and growth. Their infrastructure and community-driven approach allow us to host large-scale events and collaborate with other businesses within the complex, enriching the visitor experience.

Tell me about the events held at Japan Village—what have been the most popular and who are some notable guests that have attended?

Japan Village hosts various events that celebrate Japanese culture, from seasonal festivals and tea ceremonies to pop-up markets and cultural workshops. One of our events, the AniTOMO Con, is shaping up to be an annual celebration of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. It attracted fans from all over. We’ve also hosted traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and cooking workshops that are always well-received. Notable guests have included chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, cultural ambassadors, and artists from Japan, who bring their expertise and passion to our events, making them special experiences for our visitors. We’ve also had voice actors from popular anime, and we hope to invite more musicians and performers in the future.

What is exciting and upcoming for Japan Village?

We have several exciting events and initiatives in the pipeline for Japan Village. One of the highlights is the upcoming Summer Festival on Saturday, August 31st, where we’ll bring the festive atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer matsuri to Brooklyn, complete with games, performances, and authentic street food. We’re also expanding our offerings in the food hall and market with new vendors and products that highlight the regional diversity of Japan.

In addition to these events, we’re thrilled to announce the upcoming openings of a bakery, a yakiniku restaurant, and a karaoke bar at Japan Village. These new additions will further enhance the cultural experience we offer, providing even more opportunities for our visitors to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine and entertainment.

To stay updated on all our exciting news, we encourage your readers to join our newsletter through our website and follow us on Instagram @japanvillagebrooklyn. We’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience at Japan Village, and we’re excited about what’s to come.