Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International takes us on a tour of Wakayama Prefecture’s zone at the Kansai Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan.

As followers of JapanCulture•NYC know, JCNYC Business Editor at Large Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International spent several months in Osaka, visiting Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan almost 40 different times. She shared her Expo experiences through blog posts on her website and during six Expo Talks she and I hosted on Zoom and LinkedIn Live.

She was fortunate to have access to the Wakayama Prefecture Zone of the Kansai Pavilion. Below please see her complete post about that visit, which is the perfect way to kick off JapanCulture•NYC’s long-time goal of introducing all 47 prefectures of Japan. Since Expo took place in Japan’s Kansai region, it’s fitting to start there.

Please enjoy this in-depth look at some of the things Wakayama has to offer through Yvonne’s experiences at Expo:

Incredible craftsmanship
The spiritual heartland of Japan
Culinary products, including umeshu, the traditional Japanese liqueur

The 47 Prefectures series will be an exploration of Japan’s richness and diversity, highlighting areas that tourists might overlook. Let’s dive into places not named Tokyo and Kyoto to discover more of the essence of Japan. Keep reading JapanCulture•NYC to learn more about each prefecture and start planning your trip to Japan. After reading about Yvonne’s experiences, you might want to start with Wakayama!

Osaka Expo Visits 36 & 37: October 10 & 11, 2025 - Wakayama Prefecture @ KANSAI PAVILION

— By Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International

The Kansai Pavilion at Expo showcased the diverse richness of the Kansai region — the prefectures of Shiga, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Tottori, Tokushima, Fukui, and Mie — each presenting its unique blend of history, culture, creativity, charm, and attractions.

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 1

Among them, the Wakayama zone was a deeply moving highlight. I was privileged to experience it firsthand, guided by the warm and generous spirit of Wakayama's representatives. Every element of the zone was thoughtfully curated to convey the finest essence of Wakayama — Japan’s spiritual heartland, where faith, nature, and craftsmanship have harmoniously intertwined for centuries.

I was fortunate to visit twice in two days. On my first visit, I took in the stunning visual exhibit and experienced a sumptuous bespoke confectionery tasting that was truly next level!

The first encounter in the zone began with a mural depicting ancient folklore and led to the focal point of the zone: the 5 “totems” video installation that stood tall and proud.

Each towering totem displayed a dazzling array of scenes of Wakayama culture, arts, nature, and industry from the past, present, and future. Across the elongated digital panels, the story of the prefecture is told on screens embedded in pillars symbolic of ancient Kii trees, encased in the renowned regional Kishu lacquerware.

Centuries-old craftsmanship embracing modern technology, merging nature, artistry, and industry into this unique expression of the Wakayama spirit — timeless yet ever evolving.

The zone itself was designed by a wonderful curator whom I had the pleasure of meeting. Her passion and appreciation of Wakayama were present in every detail. The creative use of the prefecture’s materials and products, both functionally and artistically, produced an integrated space that was beautiful, bathed in serenity, and with an almost reverent quality in the air.

Tasting the Best of Wakayama

At the elegant counter (made from Kishu wood) toward the back of the zone, visitors could experience a refined tasting experience — a blend of sweet and savory delicacies, each using Wakayama's signature ingredients and served in an elegant Kishu wood “chest,” with compartments containing sumptuous and artful treasures.

More than flavors, it offered a taste of Wakayama’s aesthetic, spirit, and grace.

Wakayama Prefecture - Part 2

My second visit was an invitation to experience a collaboration between the monks of Mount Koya (Koyasan) and the sacred Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

A procession of seven Koyasan monks performed Shomyo—sacred Buddhist chanting—that enveloped the audience in reverent tones that were calming and restorative.

The sacred aura of these two World Heritage sites radiated an almost otherworldly grace, yet within that divinity was a warm, earthly welcome to everyone from across Japan and beyond. It was more than a tribute to Buddhist faith; it was a celebration of compassion, connection, and our shared humanity.

After the ceremony, I had the privilege of speaking with the monks — a moment that revealed their lightness and humor. They spoke with genuine delight about welcoming visitors to Koyasan, sharing their faith, and enjoying aspects of other faiths, and traditions, such as their annual Christmas parties.

I felt their harmony between devotion and delight, reverence and play. One monk, who had once studied in New York City, embodied this spirit perfectly — a bridge between worlds, his story a testament to deep faith and a commitment to connecting beyond borders.

A couple of days later, on the final day of Expo, I encountered two of these same monks wandering the grounds — wide-eyed and smiling as they explored pavilions and exchanged greetings across languages and cultures. It was a wonderful reminder that the sacred and the contemporary can not only coexist, but enrich one another — proof that faith, when open to the world, becomes a bridge, not a boundary.

My second visit to the Wakayama Zone concluded with what else . . . a tasting of Wakayama's famous umeshu (Japanese traditional liqueur). The flight I selected (set C) revealed umeshu’s versatility—from gentle and fruity to rich and robust, from a pale green plum color to deep amber. I sipped and savored every drop!

Wakayama’s blend of faith, tradition, craftsmanship, and creativity weaves a universe of timeless beauty — where spirituality and artistry coexist, inviting all who visit Wakayama to feel both wonder and connection.

Wakayama and the other prefectures of the Kansai region have so much to offer visitors. The Kansai pavilion was a wonderful showcase of the richness and diversity of each prefecture. Showing us that what is most local can also be universal — and that connection, in all its forms, is what the Kansai spirit is all about.

NOTE: I am writing and giving online talks about my Expo visits to share the wonders, innovations, inspiration, and cultural richness of EXPO Osaka 2025 with those who are interested but unable to attend.

All pictures and videos by Yvonne Burton

A big thank you to Yvonne for allowing JapanCulture•NYC to repost her entire article so that we can get a glimpse of Wakayama Prefecture. Are you craving umeshu? Or do you think a peaceful visit to Koyasan is just what we all need right now?

Please visit Yvonne’s website to read all of her blog posts about Expo.

Support JapanCulture•NYC by becoming a member! For $5 a month, you’ll help maintain the high quality of our site while we continue to showcase and promote the activities of our vibrant community. Please click here to begin your membership today!

Susan McCormac 10/21/25 Susan McCormac 10/21/25

AkumuFest Hits Japan Village Brooklyn

Kaede Kimonos and JapanCultureNYC are collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! This Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.

AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience

AkumuFest merges Japanese horror aesthetics with modern fandom through immersive storytelling, folklore-inspired fashion, and interactive experiences. Attendees are invited to dress in Japanese horror cosplay, kimono, or original yokai-themed attire.

Event Details

📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025

🕘 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 pm
🌑 AkumuFest After Dark: 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

📍 Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232

🎟️ Admission: Free

Presented By

👘 Kaede Kimonos & JapanCultureNYC
🎌 Under the patronage of Japan Village

Main Highlights

📖 Japanese Storytelling

👹 Cosplay Contest

🏮 30 Unique Vendors

BaobDraws
Sushito Clothing
Radlab Art Studio
XIseeno
Vandel M Studios
Summeresque Crochet
Partulla
CupNewdles
CleanPlum
Unlicensedkarebear
The Dark Fae Collaborative
P-GLiTCHii Studio
tiny little guys
Oishiri Sauce
Cute Tangerinie
glitched_rena
SteamCatKimono
Anubis House Productions
Kazaria3
Pucci Ropa Jewelry /Hanatural.
Crafts by Wing
Little Song’s Workshop
Natalie Anna Jacobsen – Author of Ghost Train
PlusHii Kawaii
GRINNIES /Fragrant Olive
Clucludie
JOGI NO YUME
JapanCultureNYC
Ravishing Admire
KikiPenguins

🥐 Akumu Café – Located in the courtyard in front of Panya!

🎤 Live Performers

Liana Kurogi
OMNY Taiko
Rino Day performance (Solo/Duo)
Rino Band
Let Hair Down
Edamovement Lab
Akari Village
Quantum

🏯 Brooklyn’s First Night Parade of 100 Yokai

After Dark

✨ Stay with us for AKUMUFEST AFTER DARK ✨

🎶 Live Performances • 🎭 Comedians • 🎤 Special Guests

Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Get ready to scream, because the Chainsaw Man Movie Trailer will be shown at AkumuFest! swing by the Chainsaw Man booth for bloody-good giveaways (while supplies last)!

Are you brave enough to step into the chaos?

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

VIP Pass

Step into the shadows with our exclusive VIP Pass, designed to give you the ultimate AkumuFest journey.

As a VIP, you’ll receive:

🍱 One Deluxe Bento Box – Choose from a curated selection of Japanese bento, each served with 2 classic side dishes.
🍬 Authentic Japanese Snack bag – Handpicked festival treats to enjoy throughout the day.
🥤 One Refreshing Drink – Choose from tea, soda, specialty drink or bottled water.
🎴 Up to Two Interactive Experiences – FREE – Whether you dare to take on the Cursed Experience Challenge or join the Yokai Hunt Tour, you can unlock up to two of these immersive adventures at no extra cost.

Your VIP pass doesn’t just give you food and perks—it grants you deeper access to the eerie, immersive world of AkumuFest. Enter, if you dare, by clicking here.

Susan McCormac 10/11/25 Susan McCormac 10/11/25

Course on Artists of Japanese Ancestry

Joseph Tokumasu Field, an art historian and educator, has developed CrossCurrents, an exciting new course that is centered around twentieth-century artists of Japanese ancestry.

CrossCurrents

Mondays from October 13, 2025 through November 3, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. EDT

Virtually on Zoom

Admission: $80

Joseph Tokumasu Field, an art historian and educator, has developed CrossCurrents, an exciting new course that is centered around twentieth-century artists of Japanese ancestry.

Meeting on four consecutive Monday evenings beginning October 13 through November 3, Field and attendees will deep dive into the inspiring lives and work of the selected artists: Toshiko Takaezu, Atsuko Tanaka, Miné Okubo, and Henry Sugimoto. Using the newest scholarship, this course celebrates the important contributions to visual art, design, education, and political activism of these Japanese and Japanese American luminaries.

With an emphasis on lively discussions and shared discovery, the class will occur online through Zoom and will be recorded for participants to view/review in their own time. The cost is $80, which includes the four classes along with a further reading list, class schedule, weblinks, and other provided materials. Registrants who mention JapanCulture•NYC will receive a 25% discount, bringing the total to $60! Scholarships and other accommodations are available upon request.

To register and for more information, please contact Field at joetokumasufield@gmail.com.

Course Schedule

Week 01 – Monday, October 13 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Toshiko Takaezu

American artist Toshiko Takaezu (1922–2011) was born in Pepeekeo, Hawaii, to Japanese immigrant parents Shinsa and Kama Takaezu. One of eleven children, she was raised in a traditional Japanese household whose values, as well as the surrounding Hawaiian landscape, strongly underscore her artistic practice. During her five-decade-long career, the artist worked in many media including painting, fiber, and bronze. However, her primary medium, and that for which she is best recognized, was ceramics. Takaezu was instrumental in the post-war reconceptualization of ceramics from the functional craft tradition to the realm of fine art. Her signature “closed form” merged the base form with glazed surface painting to create a unified work. From the Toshiko Takaezu Foundation

Week 02 – Monday, October 20 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Atsuko Tanaka

Born in Osaka, Japan, Atsuko Tanaka (1932-2005) was an innovative artist whose work gained prominence among the flourishing postwar Japanese avant-garde. Interested in understanding the relationship between the body, space, and time, her works challenged traditional notions of art and performance. While a member of the groundbreaking Gutai group, Tanaka created Electric Dress (1956), a garment made from 200 colorful blinking light bulbs which the artist wore in performance. From the 1960s onward, Tanaka produced mainly abstract paintings with colorful compositions at once organic and ordered. From Glenstone

Week 03 – Monday, October 27 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Miné Okubo

Miné Okubo (1912-2001) remains best known as a narrator and artist of the Japanese American camp experience, most famously in her 1946 book, Citizen 13660, a graphic memoir of her confinement at Tanforan and Topaz. However, Okubo considered herself first and foremost a painter, and she devoted seven decades to perfecting her art. Her work is currently on view at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in the exhibition Pictures of Belonging: Miki Hayakawa, Hisako Hibi, and Miné Okubo through January 4, 2026. From Densho

Week 04 – Monday, November 3 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. ET
Featured Artist: Henry Sugimoto

Henry Sugimoto (1900–1990), a Japanese-born artist who studied in Los Angeles and France, achieved largely posthumous fame for his paintings documenting the official wartime confinement of Japanese Americans by the U.S. government. Sugimoto lived and worked in New York City, and his works are held in many major institutions/collections. From Densho

Susan McCormac 10/5/25 Susan McCormac 10/5/25

Learn About Historic Japanese Farmhouses

The Kominka Preservation Alliance is hosting a free seminar entitled Giving Japanese Kominka Farmhouses & Other Traditional Structures a Second Life in Japan & Overseas at RESOBOX.

The Kominka Preservation Alliance Seminar

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

RESOBOX – 91 E. 3rd Street (at 1st Avenue)

Admission: Free

The Kominka Preservation Alliance is hosting a free seminar entitled Giving Japanese Kominka Farmhouses & Other Traditional Structures a Second Life in Japan & Overseas at RESOBOX. Japan’s kominka (traditional farmhouses), kura (storehouses), and other heritage wooden structures represent centuries of craftsmanship, local culture, and community life. Yet many of these architectural treasures face demolition due to depopulation, changing lifestyles, and economic pressures.

Image credit: Hotaruan Kayabuki Minka owned by Haruo Nishio

What the Seminar Will Explore

The history, cultural significance, and unique architecture of kominka
Traditional materials and time-tested building methods
Current challenges and preservation efforts in Japan
Experiences of living and working in a rural kominka
Creative reuse in Japan and abroad—from homes to guesthouses and cultural spaces
Stories of relocating and restoring kominka and kura storehouses
Practical ways for individuals and communities to get involved

This seminar welcomes anyone with an interest in Japan’s culture and heritage—from traditional architecture and craft to rural life and community revitalization. It will offer both inspiration and practical insights into the preservation and creative reuse of Japan’s historic wooden structures. The event is free, but space is limited, so reservations are required. To register, scan the QR in the graphic below or visit kominkapreservationalliance.com.

About the Kominka Preservation Alliance

The Kominka Preservation Alliance is a collaborative platform dedicated to preserving Japan’s traditional architecture, crafts, and rural communities through a wide range of events, initiatives, and activities. To learn more, please visit their website.

The Kominka Preservation Alliance Members

Kominka Collective | kominkacollective.com | contact@kominkacollective.com
Toda Komuten | todasanchi.com | kou-toda@todasanchi.com
Kominka North America | kominkanorthamerica.com | info@kominkanorthamerica.com
Minka Preservation Society | minkasociety.com | info@minkasociety.com

Susan McCormac 10/1/25 Susan McCormac 10/1/25

New Ramen Website to Host First Meetup

Best Ramen NYC to host its first meetup at Marufuku Ramen

Best Ramen NYC Meetup – Marufuku Ramen

Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Marufuku Ramen NYC – 92 2nd Avenue (between 5th and 6th Streets)

Admission: Free

Best Ramen NYC is hosting its first meetup at Marufuku! Marufuku serves authentic Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen: rich pork broth, ultra-thin noodles, and melt-in-your-mouth chashu.

The small group will meet to share bowls, swap recommendations, and connect with fellow ramen lovers in New York. Admission is free, with guests covering their own food and drinks.

This event the first meetup in Best Ramen NYC’s monthly ramen series, where they’ll spotlight different ramen shops across the city. To RSVP, please visit Best Ramen NYC’s website.

About Best Ramen NYC

Best Ramen NYC is a new website dedicated to sharing knowledge about, well, the best ramen in NYC! Explore featured restaurants, editor’s picks, and various ramen categories from vegetarian options to late-night spots to wallet-friendly offerings. Learn more at ramen-nyc.com.

Susan McCormac 9/30/25 Susan McCormac 9/30/25

Kanpai in NYC: 6 Ways to Toast World Sake Day

Celebrate World Sake Day at six different events in NYC

From Pairings to Parties, Here’s Where to Sip Sake This October

October marks the beginning of the sake brewing season in Japan, arriving just after the September rice harvest and leading into winter, the ideal time for fermentation. In 1978, the Japan Sake and Shochu Makers Association officially designated October first as Nihonshu no Hi, or World Sake Day.

Here are six fantastic events in New York where sake lovers can raise a glass and say “Kanpai!” to the rich traditions of Japanese sake.

How will you celebrate World Sake Day?

SAKE DAY 2025 at Bin Bin Sake

29 Norman Avenue, Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Admission: $10 - $15

Greenpoint-based Bin Bin Sake, a liquor store specializing in sake and natural wine, will host its second World Sake Day celebration.

Highlights

Tickets include admission, unlimited tastes of sake, a small ochoko (ceramic sake tasting cup), and a special discount at the bin bin shop for take-home bottles
Each sake being poured has been selected by the Bin Bin team in collaboration with its distributors, showcasing the team’s favorite products
Vendor market featuring incredible local art and Japanese crafts, as well as a food vendor and DJ

Go to Bin Bin’s Eventbrite page to purchase tickets.

Sake Revolution Podcast

Wednesday, October 1, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.-ish
6:00 p.m. – Taproom Opens
7:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. – LIVE Sake Revolution recording
9:00 p.m.-ish – Taproom closes

Brooklyn Kura – 34 34th Street, Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Admission: $15

Be part of a LIVE studio audience recording of America's first sake podcast, Sake Revolution! Hosts John Puma and Timothy Sullivan will be live and in person at the Brooklyn Kura taproom and invite you to join in the studio audience.

Highlights

Interview and sake tasting with Byron Stithem, owner and master brewer of Proper Sake in Nashville, Tennessee. Guests will taste two kinds of Stithem's sake and explore his philosophy and point of view on the making of his unique and delicious brand.
Audience members will be able to submit questions to be answered live during the broadcast

Purchase tickets at Brooklyn Kura’s website. Admission includes admission for one, plus two tasting pours of sake. Snacks and additional sake will be available for purchase.

World Sake Day NYC

Friday, October 3, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

The W Loft Rooftop – 240 Kent Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Admission: $65

The mission of World Sake Day NYC is to elevate awareness and appreciation of the rich history, dedicated people, and vibrant culture behind Japanese craft sake. This annual event brings guests face-to-face with the artisans and experts of the sake world, offering a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and connect directly with the makers of this traditional beverage.

Highlights

Premium sakes from more than 30 Japan and US breweries
Admission includes 15 tasting tickets, souvenir sake glass, and tote bag
Complimentary Bluefin Sampling Curated Japanese food vendors ($10–$20 per dish)
Meet Michelin Starred Sommelier Steve Kim of Restaurant l'abeille
Original cocktail designed by award-winning bartender Takuma Watanabe of Martiny's
Exclusive catering of Japanese appetizers and snacks by Tabetomo
Installation art by Ikuma design
Portraits pop-up by Japanese artists Hiroshi Masuda and Remi Yamamoto
Asian artisanal vendor market with crafts, ceramics, candles and more

To see the complete list of participating brewers and to purchase tickets, please visit World Sake Day NYC’s website.

Kato Sake Works Sake Day Party

Saturday, October 4 at 2:00 p.m.

Kato Sake Works – 379 Troutman Street, Bushwick, Brooklyn

Admission: Free (sake for sale)

Kato Sake Works, a small but mighty craft sake brewery in Bushwick, will celebrate World Sake Day with music, food, art, and a brand new sake. The event will serve as KSW’s official launch NY Jizake (NY Local Sake), a Junmai sake made with Akitakomachi rice grown by Great Joy Family Farm in Pine Bush, New York.

For more information, please visit @katosakeworks on Instagram or their website.

Sake Day Brooklyn 2025

Sunday, October 5, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Kura – 34 34th Street, Industry City in Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Admission: $50

Since one Sake Day celebration isn’t enough, Brooklyn Kura is hosting a Community Sake Day at their taproom in Industry City.

Highlights

Premium Sake Tasting all night
Interactive Brewery Tour
Shizuku Drip: Taste freshly dripped sake
DJ playing all night
Raffles and giveaways for sake classes and swag
Food pop ups in the courtyard

There will be two rounds of tastings, each featuring dozens of brands. Sake distributors will also be on hand to pour sake from all over Japan.

Premium Sake Tasting Round 1 – 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Dassai
Heavensake
Kato Sake Works
Komé Collective
Mutual Trading
Proper Sake
Sake Discoveries
Skurnik Wines & Spirits
World Sake Imports

Premium Sake Tasting Round 2 – 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Brooklyn Kura
Hakkaisan
Joto Sake
Kikusui
Niigata Sake Selections
Origami Sake
Wismettac

To purchase tickets, please visit Brooklyn Kura’s website.

SAKECON

Friday, October 10, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.

The Mezzanine – 55 Broadway, New York

Admission: $85-$120

Round out the Sake Day (week+) at SAKECON, presented by Upstairs NYC, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting friendly relations between New York and other countries through cultural exchanges.

Highlights

Theme: All White – Dress in white (not required) as a nod to “shinpaku,” the snow-white center of sake rice
Ultimate Premium Sake Selections: More than 40 breweries and 65 sake
Free sample of Dassai Blue Sake Mille Crêpes by Lady M (while supplies last)
Mouthwatering Japanese food and special cocktails by NR (Food is available for purchase)
Japanese marketplace
Original sake glass that is yours to keep
Giveaway: Original Izak Zenou tote bag
Live Entertainment: DJ and LED Electric Violin performance by global artist Sarina The Violin Diva
Part of the proceeds will be donated to sake breweries in Ishikawa Prefecture, impacted by the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake

For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit Upstairs NYC’s website.

Susan McCormac 9/29/25 Susan McCormac 9/29/25

What’s the Latest at Expo 2025 in Osaka?

JapanCulture•NYC is thrilled to continue our ongoing Expo 2025 Talk series with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International!

Expo 2025 Talk #6: A Conversation with Cross-Cultural Consultant Yvonne Burton

Thursday, October 2 at 9:00 p.m. ET | 6:00 p.m. PT | Friday, October 3 at 10:00 a.m. JST

LinkedIn Live

Admission: Free

JapanCulture•NYC is thrilled to continue our ongoing Expo 2025 Talk series with cross-cultural consultant Yvonne Burton of Burton Consulting International!

Yvonne has been on the ground in Osaka, exploring the site of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, since it began in April. She’s visiting pavilions and reporting on the dynamic energy and discoveries at this fascinating global event.

In Talk #6, Yvonne will update us on her most recent visits to Expo 2025, which now number more than 30! She will also share her latest insights, show photos, and answer your questions in an interactive conversation that brings you closer to Expo 2025—even from afar!

🚀 Taking the Expo Conversation Across Platforms

Since our last talk in early September, Yvonne has shared her Expo insights through a variety of media outlets. Check them out:

📰 Featured in an article on Forbes.com
🎙️ Guest on Joan Michelson’s Electric Ladies podcast
💻 Guest on the Engaging Virtual Meetings Podcast with John Chen, where she discussed everything from architecture to technology at the Expo

Join the talk on LinkedIn Live: https://www.linkedin.com/events/expotalk-6withcross-culturalcon7378471677707309056/

🎥 Missed our earlier talks? Catch up on YouTube and LinkedIn

All About Yvonne

📝 Read Yvonne’s Expo blog posts: burtonconsulting.biz/blog
🔗 Connect with Yvonne on LinkedIn: Yvonne Burton

💬 Have you visited Expo 2025? Share your observations with us! Bring your questions and join the live conversation in the comments!

Susan McCormac 9/17/25 Susan McCormac 9/17/25

JAA Open House

118-year-old service organization to have open house

JAA Open House

Friday, September 19, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

JAA Hall – 49 W. 45th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues)

Admission: $20 General Public | Free to JAA Members

The Japanese American Association of New York, a 118-year-old service nonprofit, is hosting an open house this Friday, September 19. The Rino Aise Band will provide live music, and there will be Japanese food and wine to enjoy.

Non-members are encouraged to attend to learn about how the organization supports the Japanese and Japanese American community in New York. To RSVP, please send an email to info@jaany.org. (Full disclosure: The author is a JAA member and serves on the board of directors as one of the vice presidents.)

Susan McCormac 9/4/25 Susan McCormac 9/4/25

Yamazaki Home Sale at Japan Village

At Japan Village: Shop Yamazaki Home designs at exclusive prices for three days only!

Yamazaki Home Open-Box Sale

Friday, September 5, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 7, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

The LOFT at Japan Village – 934 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn (2nd floor)

Shop Yamazaki Home designs at exclusive prices for three days only!

Japan Village in Brooklyn is hosting a rare opportunity to shop Yamazaki Home favorites at 40–60% off. Discover minimal, thoughtful design at exclusive price points, only while supplies last!

From entryway essentials to kitchen must-haves, explore a curated selection of open-box items priced at just $5 to $100 (+ tax). Quantities are limited. Arrive early for the best selection.

About Yamazaki Home

Yamazaki Home is a sleek Japanese housewares brand known for its minimalist and functional products that keep in mind small spaces and the need for organization. Learn more about them at their website and follow them on Instagram.

Susan McCormac 8/21/25 Susan McCormac 8/21/25

JapanCulture•NYC & Kaede Kimonos to host Pre-Halloween Bash

Kaede Kimonos and JapanCultureNYC are thrilled to announce we’re collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! On Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.

AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience

Kaede Kimonos and JapanCulture•NYC are thrilled to announce we’re collaborating to present AkumuFest: An Interactive Japanese Horror Experience! On Saturday, October 25, Japan Village will come alive with Yokai in this immersive celebration of Japanese horror, fashion, folklore, and fandom.