Billed as one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Southern California, the OC Japan Fair returns to Costa Mesa from Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. Organizers expect upward of 45,000 people to attend the three-day festival, which is a lot of mouths to feed. Luckily, this year’s abundant lineup of Japanese and Asian food vendors are reason alone to check out the fair, now in its 13th year.
A handful of culinary highlights will include katsu chicken from Kagura, which has locations in Costa Mesa, Torrance and Gardena; Kuramoto Shavery, which creates Japanese-style shaved ice made with Kuramoto Ice; Tamuken’s Japanese barbecue bowls; noodles by Tokyo Yakisoba; Big and Long Potato Swirl frying up eponymous potato snacks; Rated R Ramen Burger, whose ramen-sandwiched burgers are made with wagyu beef; and ube cinnamon rolls from Ubenabon.
Beer and sake will also be on hand to quench any 21-and-over thirst, with boba teas and matcha drinks available for all ages. OC Japan Fair’s 2023 food roster is as follows:
- Sukiyuki LA
- Big Takoyaki
- Big and Long Potato Swirl
- Miniyaki Cheese Taco
- Ajaj Cafe
- Mr. Bully
- Kagura
- Got Corn?
- Yakitoriyado
- Yakitori Yado Matcha Latte
- Gong Su Gan
- Nikuman-Ya
- Lobsterdamus
- Ubenabon
- Egghasuted
- Otafuku
- Rated R Ramen Burger
- Kuramoto Shavery
- Gluten Free Meister
- Kanto Filipino Street Food
- Takouaki Yamachan
- Mochill Mochil Crepe
- Boba Bestie
- All Dat Dumpling
- Iwate Wagyu
- Aki Takoyaki
- Gindaco USA
- SVR BBQ
- Amami-Ya
- Waffleland
- Japadog
- Hot Bamboo
- Tokyo Yakisoba
- Hawaiian Honey Cones
- Wagyu Street
- RE&S
- Shin-Sen-Gumi Yakitori
- Kuramoto Shavery
- Aoki No Chuuka
- La Musubi
- Lucky Ball Korean BBQ
- Mr. Teddy Baker
- Midoh
- Daikokuya
- Tokyo Style Food Truck
- Okamoto
- Tamuken
- Arcance Cafe
The fair will also have a live blue tuna-cutting demonstration, in which a sushi chef slices a Maguro fish on stage, as well as sushi galore available for eating.
In addition to the many food offerings, guests can look forward to the “Oiran Dochu,” (which translates into “alluring procession”), a recreation of the procession done by Yoshiwara courtesans during the Edo Period; taiko drum performances, an appearance by comedian Mr. Yasumura, aka Tonikaku, who appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” in June (the clip of his performance has since accrued 7 million views); and more.
When: 5-11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 27; Noon-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29
Where: OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Tickets: General admission is $10 for adults; free admission for children 6 and under and seniors over 65; parking is $10
