#Japan #Tokyo #Calrose Rice #Gumbo #American Festival

Experience the American Festival 2025

From November 22nd to 24th, 2025, Hibiya Park will come alive with the vibrant flavors of American cuisine and craft beer during the highly anticipated American Festival 2025. Organized by the United States Embassy's Agricultural Trade Office (ATO), this event promises to be a feast for the senses, showcasing a variety of culinary delights from across the United States.

One of the highlights of this year’s festival is the introduction of authentic Southern cuisine, particularly the signature dish, gumbo, featuring California's beloved Calrose rice. The United States Rice Federation Office in Japan will bring a food truck partnership with Homies Food Service, known for their delicious rendition of gumbo. This traditional dish, enjoyed throughout the Southern U.S., is a rich, flavorful stew characterized by its use of Cajun spices and the inclusion of okra.

Gumbo Special: Johnsonville Sausage Gumbo

At the festival, visitors can indulge in the Johnsonville Gumbo Rice, priced at 1,400 JPY (including tax), featuring the number one-selling sausage in the U.S., Johnsonville. The dish entails a unique blend of tastes, offering the perfect balance of spices and ingredients, all served over a generous helping of Calrose rice. The special rice variety is uniquely suited for gumbo due to its ability to complement the dish's flavors, with a delightful texture that enhances the overall experience.

Refreshing American Lemonade

The food truck will also offer homemade American lemonade, priced at 700 JPY per serving (or 600 JPY when paired with gumbo). Made from U.S.-grown lemons, this refreshing drink will be a cool accompaniment to the hearty gumbo, making it an ideal pairing for festival-goers looking to beat the autumn chill.

This festival marks a significant opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in American food culture and enjoy craft beers alongside rich culinary offerings. There will also be various activities that promote American culture, including a showcase of American meats and a distinctive craft beer experience.

American Festival Event Details

• - Date & Time:

- November 22 (Saturday): 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
- November 23 (Sunday): 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- November 24 (Monday, Holiday): 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM

• - Venue: Hibiya Park
• - Organizer: U.S. Embassy Agricultural Trade Office (ATO)
• - Co-organizers: U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), Brewers Association
• - Partner: USA Rice Federation
• - Supported by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The festival will include fun events like trivia contests where Calrose rice will be featured as prizes, ensuring a festive atmosphere filled with delightful surprises.

About Calrose Rice

Calrose rice is a medium-grain variety developed in California. It's appreciated for its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors from dishes like gumbo, making it an excellent choice in American cuisine. To learn more about Calrose rice and its unique attributes, visit USA Rice.

About USA Rice Federation

Founded in Arlington, Virginia, the USA Rice Federation represents four core groups within the U.S. rice industry, working under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The organization focuses on promoting knowledge about U.S. rice and advocating for its distribution both domestically and internationally without engaging in commercial transactions.