Organizing a Japanese theme party
Costume, dinner, and ambience

A MYNIPPON member in France writes, "The day before last I prepared the "tofu vegetable scramble" for some friends of mine and we did like it. So I would like to invite more of them to a complete Japanese dinner. I would be grateful if you could give me some advice for the menu and the ambience (I mean what music to listen to, what kind of light, ...) I wish I could avoid the traditional clichés."  (Related article:  How to organize a Japanese style spring party)

We contacted some of its team members: both Japanese and non-Japanese, who have lived in Japan but now miss Japan and regularly organize Japanese theme parties. Here are some of the ideas that we have received that neither require a lot of investment nor will they be too difficult for guests.

Arranging for the theme party

Take furniture out of your room and put a comfortable carpet. Make sure that there are enough pillows so that people not used to sitting on the floor can still sit comfortably. Put a low table in the center for food and drinks.  If possible, put some flower arrangements in the room. If you have Japanese art pieces, decorate the room with these. You may also want to use Japanese style dishes and provide chopsticks for the more adventurous guests. While Japanese sake will be the most desirable drink, please provide green tea for those who do not want alcohol but would still like to have a Japanese style drink.

If you have a CD with Japanese classical music, you will be able to create an ideal environment. Keep the lights low and if you can get some paper lamps, that will create a perfect atmosphere. If the party is during day time, then try to maximize day light.

Young Japanese listen to music that is no different than what you hear in the west. You might want to use traditional Japanese music. If not, then western classical music, for example by Beethoven or Bach, would be just fine since a lot of Japanese people enjoy western classical music and you hear it being played not only in homes but also in high end hotels and restaurants.

Inviting the guests

Use Japanese paper to prepare invitations by hand. Give them some idea about what to expect so that they are not shocked when they show up. For instance, let them know that they should be prepared to take their shoes off and sit on the floor for the party.

You can also encourage guests to dress in Japanese style. MYNIPPON members suggest that yukatas are probably the closest to what can be used to create a Japanese traditional ambience without too much effort. If yukatas are not available, guests may use sleepwear-style kimono robes, if it is an informal party.  Regarding the dress, it is understandable that not many women outside Japan may have night robes that look like yukatas. When women buy their nightwear, the last thing they expect to use them for is a Japanese theme party - some of these may not be appropriate for public wearing at all. If this is not possible, then the next best alternative is to just let the guests wear their usual dresses and whoever can manage to wear Japanese style should be welcomed.

Party 

Be patient with those who are new to the experience and take time to demonstrate to them how certain things are done. It is good to have all the food prepared in advance and served on large dishes to be shared by all. Since it is a Japanese theme party, it will not be complete without karaoke so ask those who want to try, to sing a song or two. 

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