One of Southern California’s largest Japanese cultural festivals, the 16th annual OC Japan Fair, is set to draw an estimated 45,000 people to Costa Mesa’s OC Fair and Event Center on April 4-6. Attendees can explore a vast array of attractions, including performances, cosplay, exhibits and live music, as well as a sprawling food scene showcasing the best of Japanese and Asian cuisine.
Gastronomic highlights will include a live tuna-cutting demonstration, in addition to Japanese fare galore, from traditional dishes to modern favorites. Guests can look forward to ramen from Michelin-recognized Ramen & Tsukemen, taiyaki (fish-shaped griddle cakes) from Mr. Bully, tamago sando (fluffy egg sandwiches) care of Pillow Talk Cafe, bao from Nikuman-Ya and yakitori from Shin-Sen-Gumi, to name a few of the nearly 50 food vendors from around Southern California and beyond.
Beer and sake will also be on hand for the 21-and-over crowd, while boba teas and matcha drinks available for all ages. OC Japan Fair’s 2025 food lineup is as follows:
- 85C Bakery
- All Dat Dumpling
- Aamai-Ya (featuring sweet treats)
- Aoki No Chuuka
- Big and Long Swirl Potato
- Bluey & Co. (coffee)
- Boba Bestie
- Cafe 949 (lobster)
- Daikokuya (ramen)
- NH Foods (gyoza)
- Dreamland Maid Cafe
- Egghausted (tamagoyaki, egg omelets)
- Gindaco
- Gold Mench & Uma Lemonade
- Gong Su Gan
- Hawaiian Honey Cones
- HGG Tanghulu (glassy, sugar-coated fruit)
- Honda-Ya
- Japadog
- Jungle Wings (crispy chicken)
- Kagura
- Kanto Filipino Street Food
- Kondo Sando
- Kyoto Tender
- Lucky Ball (Korean barbecue)
- Mr. Bully (taiyaki)
- Mr. Teddy Baker (katsu sando)
- Nikuman-Ya (hand-made bao)
- Okamoto Kitchen (anime food truck)
- Omusubi House
- Osaka Hashimaki (savory pancakes on chopsticks)
- Osaka Ohsho (gyoza)
- Osaka Street Food
- Pillow Talk Cafe (fluffy egg sandwiches)
- Ramen & Tsukemen (Michelin-recognized ramen)
- Rated R Ramen Burger
- Shin-Sen-Gumi (yakitori)
- Sukiyuki LA
- Taiyookie (fish-shaped waffles with savory and sweet fillings)
- Takoyaki Tanota
- Takoyaki Yamachan
- Temaki Time (handroll sushi)
- Tokyo Yakisoba
- Tonkatsu Marushichi
- Waffleland
- Wagyu Street
- Yakitoriyado (skewered chicken)
- Yakitori Yado Matcha Latte
OC Japan Fair happens from Friday, April 4 from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m., Saturday, April 5 from noon until 10 p.m. and Sunday, April 6 from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Admission prices are $15 for general admission for tickets purchased in advance online or $18 for general admission for tickets purchased onsite. Free entry for children under 6 and seniors 65 and over. Parking costs $12.
Find it: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa