Name：Ms. Lisa Shure Benson

Nationality：America 

Induction：July 2008

October, 2010

The street is line with vendors welcoming us with a friendly “irashaimase!” or a free sample. There’s sushi, curry rice, tofu, and other foods for sale, as well as booths for Japanese travel agencies, manga and games, and kimonos and purses. There are cooking demonstrations for those wanting to make Japanese food at home. A small stand sells kabocha squash, eggplant, and other Japanese vegetables.

But this isn’t Japan. It’s a festival on Madison Avenue in the center of Manhattan, New York City. It’s been 2 years since I’ve left Fukui and for a brief time I felt I was still there. Having just moved to New York from Massachusetts, I am excited to finally be amidst Japanese culture again.

These festivals aren’t uncommon in New York City where many cultures mix and thrive. This particular festival is run by a new organization called JapanTown—they want to introduce Japanese culture to the people of New York City and give a chance for local Japanese vendors to advertise themselves. This year they hosted this festival, called “Healthy Food and Green Festival,” as well as “Cool Japan Festival” and “Soul Food Festival.” In addition, a local magazine called “Chopsticks” advertises events related to Japan such as art shows, movies, or events at places like the Japan Society of New York going on every weekend.

If I am homesick for Fukui, I can attend one of these events, go to a Japanese restaurant, or walk a few blocks to a Japanese grocery store. That is one of my favorite things about New York. I often hear Japanese spoken on the streets—a mother with her child, or business men talking together. Of course it’s not the same as being able to drive around the Mikata Five Lakes, or buying paper at Imadate Paper Village, but it is better than just dreaming about Japan and Fukui.

Another great thing about New York is I can find any culture. I recently attended the “Feast of San Gennaro.” An annual festival held for 11 days in New York’s Little Italy, the “Feast” has been going on for 86 years. It spans several blocks down Mulberry street. The “Feast,” a festival of religious origins, is a great place to try out Italian-American food. Like the JapanTown festival, there are vendors selling different foods. Among other things, you can eat pizza, sausage and peppers, gelato, and cannolis—a traditional Italian dessert that is a sweet cracker shell filled with creamy ricotta cheese. New York is the home of the first American pizza. We ate at the first pizzeria in America called “Lombardi’s.”

The festival’s atmosphere is crowded and romantic. White lights are strung along the streets and a visit to the Church of San Gennaro is tranquil and quiet. There you can buy charms and holy water. In the church were pictures of the twin towers the day they were attacked and statues of saints. I almost forget that I am close to the bustling crowds of festival goers.

These festivals make me think there are two things I like about experiencing different cultures. First, I like learning what is different, and second, I like seeing that we’re really all the same. While each culture has it’s own foods, celebrations, and traditions, everyone loves to relax and have a good time. Being in New York may not be the same as being in Japan, but I appreciate the diversity and the ability to find what I am looking for, whatever that may be. I hope to report on more fun things I encounter in New York soon!
 

JapanTown information: http://www.nyjapantown.org/index.php
The Festival of San Gennaro:http://sangennaro.org/
Lombardi's Pizza: http://www.firstpizza.com/