How to Host a Japanese-Themed Party
Since Japan has such a rich culture, there are many options if you’re looking to host an event with a Japanese theme. Consider a Kokeshi doll baby shower, a ninja birthday party, or just cherry blossoms and sushi. Here are some fantastic suggestions to get you going.
Decorate Japanese-Style
The following guide will make it simple to find and make decorations for a Japanese-themed party. These suggestions for Oriental parties will make your guests feel as if they’re actually in Japan!
Use the Japanese Flag
Investing in a high-quality thematic backdrop is one of the quickest and easiest ways to transform the space of your home into a themed party escape. Then start by setting up your main buffet or cake table in front of it. There isn’t an easier way to make it look more Japanese than making a display of the Japan flag. Here’s why.
With its simple yet striking design, nothing could be more iconically Japanese than its national flag. The red disk in the centre of a white background is instantly recognisable worldwide and conjures up vivid images of Japan and the Japanese people.
Although officially referred to as “Nisshoki” in Japan, which means “flag of the sun,” it is more frequently called “Hinomaru” or the “circle of the sun.” Both names refer to Japan’s well-known nickname, the “Land of the Rising Sun,” which people have used for the country for more than 1200 years.
Deep religious and cultural roots are behind this design. In Japanese culture, the sun has a significant meaning. The sun is given a lot of importance in Shinto, the native polytheistic religion of the islands.
Although it wasn’t always in use and hasn’t always referred to the entire country, the “red sun on a white background” motif is old. Since the early 7th century, when the emperor addressed himself as the “Emperor of the Rising Sun” in official correspondence with the Chinese court, the “rising sun” aspect of the Japan flag has been in use.
The Japanese flag comes in different forms, some of which are both popular and divisive historically and currently, such as the Imperial Japanese Navy variant, used from 1889 to the end of World War Two. Its design puts the sun slightly off-centre and to the left. Both branches controversially kept flying the World War II flags after the conflict, but with only minor modifications.
Acknowledging the importance of the Japanese flag won’t only enrich your Japanese-themed party but can also serve as a great conversation starter.
Origami Decorations
Paper cranes are the Japanese origami that is most in demand. The folding of 1,000 paper cranes, or a “senbazuru,” is said to grant one specific wish because, in Japanese culture, cranes are a symbol of good fortune. Senbazuru has long been a part of Japanese culture, and you could decorate the place by making some paper cranes out of vibrant origami paper.
Lanterns are a symbol of love, light, and safety in Japan. Put paper lanterns all over the party area to bring luck. You can buy paper lanterns online or at any craft store.
Another idea is paper parasols. You can scatter paper parasols throughout your party area, as they look great as a decorative element. Make them “kid-sized,” as it’s the ideal size to hang from the ceiling.
Print Japanese Origami paper to make paper fans. Other suggestions include folding plain paper at the bottom and embellishing it with artwork or rubber stamps with Japanese themes. Any nearby craft shop will have origami paper for sale.
Japanese-Inspired Screens
Place screens with oriental designs around the party area to create the right atmosphere. You can buy these from a furniture store or online and use them after the party as a Japanese-inspired home decor item.
Prepare Good Food
A Japanese-themed party needs good food, so let’s start with the menu! Here, we’ve condensed the idea to streamline the process and simplify your job as the host. What do you serve at a Japanese dinner party? You can mix and match the options on the menu or select one central theme, as suggested below:
Gyoza Party
Being able to share delicious dumplings is both entertaining and romantic. At your kitchen island, set up wrapping stations with gyoza wrappers, filling, and recipe cards. Let everyone get together around it and fold the dumplings while catching up. The gyoza can be steam-fried in turns. Serve some appetisers, salad, and miso soup to enjoy on the side while the gyoza cooks, and you’re good to go.
Japanese Hot Pot Party
A hot pot party is inexpensive and incredibly simple to put together. You might need some tools to set up a hot pot, but it’s a handy investment because you can eat it whenever you want. Win!
For our Japanese-themed party, we enjoy serving sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. You’ll find yourself sitting down to eat with your guests after washing and chopping all the ingredients in advance.
Izakaya Party
Using delectable small bites and grilled food, recreate the atmosphere of a Japanese gastropub at home! We adore the Izakaya theme concept because it can take place indoors or outdoors. Teriyaki wings, Yaki Onigiri and sake-steamed clams are our go-to dishes for an izakaya-themed gathering.
Sushi Party
Sushi parties are popular and satisfy all dietary needs. You can prepare everything and cook the rice a few hours before the party begins. Set up the nori sheets and sushi fillings at a bar or kitchen island. Everyone serves themselves sushi and eats as soon as the guests arrive!
Drink Ideas
We can’t call it a party without a drink to contemplate all that tasty food. Umeshu (Japanese plum wine), Sake or Sake Mojito, Japanese Yuzu Cocktail, Japanese Beer and Green Tea and Sobacha (Buckwheat Tea) are some of the most popular Japanese drinks.
