Seattle’s Japantown holds first annual block party since 2019

SEATTLE — Crowds took to the streets of Seattle’s Japantown Saturday as part of the neighborhood’s annual block party. It is the first time the neighborhood has hosted the event since the pandemic began in 2019.

“Hai! Japantown,” the annual block party in the historic neighborhood, is back with a rhythm of its own.

“Today is about bringing all the different generations together to celebrate together, party together and dance together,” said Joël Barraquiel Tan, executive director of the Wing Luke Museum.

The Wing Luke Museum is one of the many facilities that helped organize this week-long celebration, which organizers believe will draw thousands of visitors.

“Make sure our Japantown businesses and galleries and all the good people and families that make Japantown and our CID take center stage and the rest of Seattle,” Tan said.

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It’s been a rough few years for many businesses in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District.

“The boards are in place, but the people behind them and the companies behind them are still very active and we just shouldn’t assume that because there are plywood panels protecting windows, we aren’t an active and thriving community,” said Binko Chiong- Bisbee, the Co-Founder, Kobo Gallery & Shop.

Despite some obstacles, companies are still optimistic about the future and believe that the return of this annual block party is the first step in getting back on track.

“We’re here to stay, we’re not leaving and we’re not giving up, and if anything, this festival helps dispel some of the negativity and we want the city of Seattle to come down and get to know us,” Chiong said – bisbee