Come one come All to the Royal Top

On Sunday, August 23, 2009, the NYC Japan Fair will make its debut at the Daytop Madison Avenue Festival, one of New York's largest street fairs that spans 15 blocks – from 42nd to 57th Streets – and attracts 10 million visitors annually. Hosting a diverse array of companies specializing in distinctly Japanese products and food, the NYC Japan Fair invites New Yorkers to immerse themselves with the rich culture of Japan for a day and experience Japanese foods and goods not commonly found in New York.

The Fair’s approximately 40 booths offer everything tangible about Japanese culture: food, merchandise, performances, and activities. In one place, visitors can sample such delectable fare as miso-marinated beef, roasted mochi, and okonomiyaki, a multi-ingredient savory pancake. Manga, J-Pop goods, goldfish fishing, Ikebana and calligraphy lessons, martial arts performances, and other cultural exhibits are just some of the few Japanese products and activities of note there.

Well-known Japanese household brands such as Marukome, Hisamitsu America Inc., Ajinomoto, Otafuku Foods, and Kikkoman will be participating in the festival. In addition, local Japanese restaurants and companies familiar to New Yorkers will be represented, including Café Zaiya, Washoku Café, and Bookoff.

Lucky visitors can also win round-trip tickets to Japan and be awarded gifts from the NYC Japan Fair's supporters with special purchases.

Part of the proceeds from the NYC Japan Fair will be donated to Daytop, a drug-free counseling organization.

Follow the Fair on Twitter ( @NYCJapanFair) and read its blog ( http://nycjapanfair.blogspot.com/ ) to keep up to date about the its unique offerings and to learn more about Japan!