We created a virtual space to celebrate our Japan Day spirit for the 2021 event. Japan Day 2021 Thank You Project is a family-friendly stream event that is organized by the Japanese community to appreciate New York City.

Here is what Japan Day 2021 looked like!

Using the 2020 Art Contest winning design we created a Japan Day tote bag. This was then distributed to Japanese stores in New York City. Customers who bought items at these participating stores were able to receive their very own Japan Day tote bag.

Also, we organized the Japan Day Giveaway which resulted in over 1000 entries. Thank you to all those who have entered! We hope you enjoyed your prize. We would also like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors who have graciously agreed to provide wonderful prizes during these times.

On May 9th at 11 a.m. ET we celebrated Japan Day by streaming special performances and messages from special guests.

We created a Japan Day tote bag using this design for Japan Day 2021 Thank You Project. You can pick up your very own bag at Japanese stores located in New York City.

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

CHIAKI YAGISHITA

Born and raised in Yokohama City, Chiaki Yagishita majored in International Culture in college and learned about Japanese culture and other different cultures. While working as a PC/DTP operator she learned graphic design and handicrafts, and also self-taught herself dressmaking. Currently, she is distributing her artwork as a quilt artist in European and American contests and exhibitions. In addition, she participates in overseas online sales events for handmade goods and creates colorful accessories as well. She said, “making things is a joy and a life’s work. I am honored to be able to join Japan Day again in 2021. Arigatou gozaimasu!”

Follow her on Instagram @1000_autumn

AMBASSADOR AWARD AND HONORABLE MENTION

SHANICE FIGEROUX

Shanice Figeroux is an animator located in New York City with practical expertise in all aspects of visual and graphic arts. Art gives her voice a sound she could never deliver, so she wants others to use this form of expression to reflect on the past, present, and future. She is a cultured artist talented in clothing design, acrylic painting, spray paint, and custom one-of-a-kind creations. Since 2016, she has painted 12 murals for local businesses throughout the five boroughs. She is fearless when it comes to art and is optimistic and ambitious.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

*Listed alphabetically by last name

Hue Voun Lee

Bek Shakirov

Toma Vagner

Yana Yakubchik

A SPECIAL THANK YOU

We would like to express our gratitude to the following companies for their generous contribution to this contest.

ANA (All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.)

Nikon Inc.

O gawa shou

Japan Day Giveaway Round-trip airline ticket NY to/from Tokyo

Qty: 1
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Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
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A round-trip airline ticket to/from New York and Tokyo

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https://www.jal.co.jp/ar/en/
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Japan Day Giveaway tea gift set and green tea carton

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Qty: 21
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ITO EN (North America) INC.
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You will win one of the following: Matcha LOVE Trio Gift of Tea / Oi Ocha Green Tea 30 Cans Carton

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https://itoen.com/
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Japan Day Giveaway $20 gift card

Qty: 100
SUNRISE MART
A $20 gift card can be used at all Sunrise market locations in NYC
https://sunrisemart.com/

Japan Day Giveaway Luxury Watch

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Qty: 3
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CITIZEN Watch America
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Eco-friendly light-power watch
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https://www.citizenwatch.com/
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Japan Day Giveaway Japanese Style B&B

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Qty: 1
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O gawa shou
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One night stay for 2 adults including dinner

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http://www.ogawashou.com/
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Pain Relief Products banner

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Qty: 5
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Hisamitsu America, Inc.
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One (1) set of 8 Salonpas pain relief products

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https://us.hisamitsu/
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Japan Day $10 gift card

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Qty: 20
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Dainobu
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A $10 gift card that can be used at all
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Dainobu locations in NYC
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http://www.dainobu.us/
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Japan Day Giveaway Noritake Teapots Teacups Saucers

Qty: 3
Noritake Co., Inc.
One (1) set of Teapot / Teacup & Saucer
https://noritakechina.com/

Japan Day Giveaway Yamadaya Japanese Bath Products

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Qty: 20
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YAMADAYA
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One (1) set of Japanese supplements, skincare, and bath products

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YAMADAYA Location
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Japan Day Giveaway Morinaga Hi-Chew

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Qty: 3
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Morinaga Hi-Chew
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One (1) bucket of HI-CHEW products
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https://www.hi-chew.com/
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Japan Day Giveaway $25 gift card

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Qty: 10
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Sakura-Ya
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A $25 gift card that can be used at Sakuraya

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http://www.sakura-yajapanesemart.com/
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Japan Day Giveaway Japanese Meal Kit

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Qty: 25
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BentOn
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Two (2) kits – Japanese-style meal
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```
https://bentonkit.nyc/
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Japan Day Giveaway Gundam Model Kit Set

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Qty: 6
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BANDAI SPIRITS CO., LTD.
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One (1) set of Gundam Model Kit
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https://satellite.bandai-hobby.net/#
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Japan Day Giveaway $20 Discount Coupon

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Qty: 10
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NY Farm Fresh
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A $20 discount code for your purchases
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https://www.nynojofresh.com/
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Japan Day Giveaway Vegetable Set

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Qty: 4
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Suzuki Farm
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Freshly picked vegetables packed for your convenience

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https://stores.nihonyasai.com/
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