Hello, this is Morgan and Mariko from New York Branch.

On Saturday May 14^th employees from the SuMi Trust New York Branch, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management America (SMTAMA), and Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank（U.S.A.) came together with hundreds of other participants to celebrate the first ever Japan Day Parade!

Every year the Japan Day festival @ Central Park celebrates Japanese culture, art, tradition, and food at Central Park. The event is designed to introduce Japanese culture to New Yorkers and to connect with the local Japanese community. In 2022, Japan Day organized the first-ever Japan Parade.

Of the many Japanese companies, the New York Branch’s General Manager, Mr. Atsushi Ueda, was honored to serve as the chairman of the event and led the event along with Japanese-American actor, Mr. George Takei as the Grand Marshall and the Consulate General of Japan.

Ten of our employees volunteered to help VIP guest section for the event and 140 employees, friends, and family marched to represent Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank, New York Branch!

Our participant employees were able to talk to coworkers and their families to form deeper connections while enjoying the beautiful day.

Following the great parade, participants and spectators were able to enjoy a Japanese street fair with delicious food, drinks and desserts from prominenet vendors. Participants enjoyed the selection so much that many of the vendors sold out very quickly.

The event turned out to be a great success, with more than 20,000 spectators and various media filling the streets along the way. More than 80 groups and 2,400 people participated, including groups performing traditional Japanese dance and anime cosplay.

Our employees had an amazing time showcasing the Japanese communities appriciation to their home city of New York and we know their participation will go a long way in building a bridge of cultrual understanding between the people of Japan and the U.S. There are already calls for the next event, and it may become a new tradition in New York City.

Photo: Masaki Hori