Spirit of Japan Returns to Sakura Square with Local Restaurants

If you attended the first Spirit of Japan last year, you may have been surprised by the crowds — and the lines. The event, which was held at Sakura Square in downtown Denver, was sold out; some attendees grumbled about the wait for food and drinks (the "spirit" in the name).

The Sakura Foundation, the nonprofit that owns Sakura Square LLC and put on the event, listened to the complaints.

The event is returning for its second year, and Stacey Shigaya, Sakura Foundation's executive director, says that last year's success led to some changes for this year's Spirit of Japan, which is set for September 12-14.

"For our first year, we were pleasantly surprised at the overwhelming response we received," she says. "It was great to sell out our first year and see so many people enjoying themselves. We learned a lot and are using that information to make this year even better."

The main difference: There will be more space to eat, drink and be merry. Instead of being limited to Sakura Square, the event will take over the block of Larimer Street between 19th and 20th streets, too. That way the vendors can spread out, and the people eager to try their samples will have more room, too.

"We are excited to bring Japanese food and spirits for the second year to the Rocky Mountain region, and proud to share the unique and delicious foods of Japan, offer the opportunity to enjoy spirits not easily found in Denver, provide a fun and uplifting atmosphere, and bring Japan closer to our community," Shigaya adds. "This year we have expanded the footprint of the festival, added more vendors including a few locals, and have a stage and additional dining area. A live DJ will add to the dynamic atmosphere, as well as pop-up performances like taiko scattered throughout the weekend."
Last year, some attendees noted that while a wide variety of Japanese foods were available, none were from local restaurants. This year, Sushi Kazu and Ramen Star will be on hand to cook up samples of menu items, including onigiri rice balls from Sushi Kazu and mazemen, cold noodles mixed with ingredients and dipping sauce, from Ramen Star. Other local restaurants participating include Sweet Rice Flour, Hana Matsuri Omakase Glendale and Beard Papa. The event will also feature live performances, calligraphy demonstration and a tuna cutting show for sushi and sashimi enthusiasts.

Spirit of Japan is the largest fundraiser for the Sakura Foundation; the popular and long-lived Denver Cherry Blossom Festival, which the Foundation produces in collaboration with Tri-State Denver Buddhist Festival in Sakura Square every June, is a fundraiser for the church.

Spirit of Japan 2025 will be held at Sakura Square, 1255 19th Street, on Friday, September 12, from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, September 13, from noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday, September 14, noon to 5 p.m. Get more information and tickets at spirit-jpn.com/denver.