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40 Amazing Japanese Theme Party Ideas

Updated on: Feb 18, 2024

Moshi-Moshi! That means “hello” in Japanese. Japan is well known for advanced technology and urban cities, but it is also a beautiful island county with gorgeous mountains and sandy beaches. This tiny, but mighty country is very densely populated with 47 prefectures. Japan has experienced countless changes and has a rich history of interesting stories and progress, dating back over 30,000 years. If you can’t visit Japan now, hopefully, this guide can bring pieces of Japan to you for you and your guests to experience! Japanese theme party decorations will be easy to find and make with these tips. Your guests will feel as if they are truly in Japan with these ideas for Oriental parties!

Japanese Theme Party: Decorations

1. Oriental Screens

Set the mood by placing screens around the party area that have oriental designs on them. Purchase oriental screens online or from any furniture store.

2. Paper Lanterns

In Japan, lanterns symbolize love, brightness, and protection from evil. Bring good luck by placing paper lanterns around the party area. Paper lanterns can be purchased online or at any craft store.

3. Paper Fans

Make paper fans from printed Japanese Origami paper. Other ideas include decorating regular paper with Japanese-themed paintings or rubber stamps and pleating the paper at the bottom. Origami paper can be purchased from any local craft store.

4. Japanese Style Motifs

Buy a rubber stamp that has Japanese characters online or from a craft store. Stamp the motif on paper napkins and invitations for a decorative touch. For those who are truly crafty, you could carve out your own stamp from linoleum and look at Japanese characters for inspiration.

5. Paper Cranes

The most popular Japanese origami is paper cranes. In the Japanese culture, cranes symbolize good fortune, so it is believed that if someone folds 1,000 paper cranes, known as a senbazuru, they can wish for one special wish. Senbazuru has long been part of Japanese tradition and using colorful origami paper, you could create some paper cranes to decorate the venue.

6. Japanese Flags

Best way to let your guests know this is a Japanese-themed party? Hang up the Japanese flag on the wall.

7. Sushi Pillows

Sushi Pillows are a great way to spice up the area where your Japanese-themed party will be held in. This decoration idea can be used on shelves and couches, or guests can sit on them on the floor. You can find them at any home store like Target or Walmart.

8. Kimonos

All your guests can match with Kimonos! This fun idea can be achieved by purchasing Kimonos for the number of guests you expect and leaving a basket near the entrance to your party. Have each guest pick up a Kimono and put it on when they arrive at your party.

Japanese Theme Party: Party Favors

9. Japanese Candy

Japan has a large variety of fantastic snacks and candy. Some like Hi-Chews and Pocky can be easily found in America. There are also snack crate services that import candy and snacks from Japan.

Samurai Dagashi Set, Japanese Snack Assortment 36pc with Samurai Kid Sticker

"DAGASHI" are Japanese candies and snacks in single-served packing.
"DAGASHI" are perfect for sharing with family, friends, coworkers and etc.
One of the great options for birthday , Christmas, Valentine's Day gift and many more. Eat Fun!!
The selections from the sample pictures and size may vary. (basket in the picture is not included)
Samurai Kid sticker is included. Nijiya Market original.

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$21.98

Have your guests bring home party favors to remember your party. These favors can also double up as activities for guests to enjoy.

10. Fancy Chopsticks

Ebros Reusable Bamboo Wood Pink Japanese Sakura Floral Cherry Blossoms Set of 5 Ridged Chopsticks Pairs Set In Gift Box 8.75" Long Asian Cuisine Dining Dinnerware Accessory

This beautiful reusable chopsticks set serves five people, containing 5 pairs of Bamboo wooden chopsticks.
These reusable chopsticks are 8.75" long each. They are made in a state of the art factory in China. Handwash Only.
Ergonomically designed for comfort and effectiveness, these bamboo chopsticks feature smooth wider top and narrow bottom that is ridged for added friction. The top parts of the chopsticks are imprinted with pink cherry blossoms. Get rid of those prickly wooden chopsticks that the restaurants give you and use these stylish chopsticks.
The chopsticks set are packaged in a neat gift box as pictured.

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$15.75

11. Paper Bookmarks

Go online and learn how to make fun paper origami bookmarks. Make all different shapes and colors. You can also write the event details on the bookmarks and hand them out as favors.

12. Japanese Scenery

13. Ornaments

14. Bento Boxes

Japanese Lunch Bento Box Oval Shape With Strap Plastic Lacquered Sakura Cherry Blossom Design Made in Japan

TRAVEL SIZE - This bento lunch box measures 5.25"L x 3.75"D x 2.75"H compact size making it perfect for travel convenience. The size of the compartments holds a very generous portion of food if you pack them carefully IMPRESSIVE LUNCH - Perfectly sized for bringing lunch to school, office or just an outdoor picnic, this lunch box will certainly be admired by other colleagues or schoolmates. FOOD SAFE MATERIAL - This bento box is durable made of food-safe lacquered plastic. Two tier compartments comes with inner lids that keeps food from spilling during transportation. Dishwasher safe. Not recommended for Microwave. It is also easy to clean. Made in Japan EAT SAFE HEALTHY MEALS ANYWHERE - This bento box is great for hiking, mountain hiking, camping, lake fishing, construction site lunch or picnicking PERFECT GIFT - This personal travel bento box is perfect for gift giving for almost any occasion to your friends or love ones. Great for house warming, birthdays, Mother's Day, Christmas, Graduation or simple gift to your boss. IMPORTED from Japan

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$29.99

15. Sushi Kit

Japan is known far and wide for its sushi, and it has become the symbol of a bougie meal. While sushi is often seen as a restaurant food in the US, it is not difficult for normal people to make it at home. Give your guests a sushi kit to take home and try rolling some rice up themselves.

Delamu Sushi Making Kit, 23 in 1 Sushi Maker Bazooker Roller Kit with Bamboo Mats, Chef's Knife, Triangle/Nigiri/Gunkan Sushi Rice Mold, Chopsticks, Sauce Dishes, Rice Spreader, User Guide

5 Sushi Makers: A fun, easy, and inspiring experience-this is what we aim at with our sushi making kit. It includes 5 sushi makers: Bazooka Roller, Bamboo Mats, Triangle/Nigiri/Gunkan Sushi Maker, all of which are simple and ergonomic for any beginners. No stress or worries, just explore the creative world of sushi making with your family, teach your kids something new and help them practice their fine motor skills. You’ll together bring out mouth-watering sushi rolls in no time
22 in 1 Sushi Making Kit: Your kit contains 1*Bazooka Roller, 2*Bamboo Mats, 1*Triangle Sushi Maker, 1*Nigiri Sushi Maker, 1*Gunkan Sushi Mold, 1*Sushi Knife, 1*Avocado Knife, 1*Oil Brush, 5*Pairs of Chopsticks, 2*Chopsticks Holders, 2*Sauce Dishes, 1*Spreader, and 1*Rice Paddle. All of these pieces working together removes all the difficulty and stress from your sushi making the journey, offering you only ease, fun, and delight
Booklet User Guide: No worries about how to use these tools, since we have detailed manuals to show you how to use the different tools. The instructions also explore the easiest way to prepare sushi rice at home, learn how to roll sushi, and unlock the six sample recipes that can be made from a kit. With this basic guide, you can confidently master the expert sushi-making method. You will love it
Restaurant Grade Construction: Enjoy your delicious homemade sushi safely! Our 100% natural bamboo mats are held together with cotton strings, no unraveling, and no glue used at all. The Bazooka Roller and Nigiri Maker are reinforced with thick hinges for durability. And the upgraded chef’s knife made of premium steel is extra sharp with a nonstick coating to ensure quick and smooth sushi cutting
Fast & Easy Sushi: You’ll be making delicious, professional-looking sushi rolls from your kitchen with this easy-to-use kit, being a sushi beginner, culinary novice, or professional chef. Just follow the included handbook step by step and create fresh, tasty nigiri, onigiri, or musubi rolls anytime desired. The exquisite looks and exotic flavors of sushi are perfect for making a surprise at a birthday party, family night or, other celebrations

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$29.99

16. Paper Fans

Zonon Handheld Floral Folding Fans Hand Held Fans Silk Bamboo Fans with Tassel Women's Hollowed Bamboo Hand Holding Fans for Women and Men (White, Blue, Dark Blue and Black)

Practical cooling tool: the handheld folding fans are useful to scatter the heat in the hot summer days, and they will not make any noise when applying, which provide you cool and comfortable experience
Quality material: the handmade handheld folding fans are made of silk fabric and bamboo, and the fans have hollowed frameworks with compact combination and crafted
Dimensions: the hand folding fan length: approx. 21 cm/ 8.3 inches; Unfolding fan length: approx. 38 cm/ 15 inches, lightweight and foldable for easy carrying in your handbag, which is convenient for your application at any place and time
Design: the beautiful patterns are showed on the folding fans; The delicate and elegant fans with delicate tassel pendant, nice gifts to woman, girls and lady with their different dress or dance outfit
Wide application: the delicate fans are great for decorating wedding, dancing, embellishing walls, party favors and more; They also are wonderful and special gifts for yourself, friends, relatives

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$9.99

17. Mini Zen Gardens

Create a miniature Zen garden for your guests to play with and relax. Fill a wooden pan with sand and add rocks, a rake, chimes, plants, etc. Your guests will be so impressed with such a fun, cute idea.

Nature's Mark Mini Zen Garden Kit for Desk with Rake, White Sand, Miniature Pagoda Figure, Black Hexagon Base, River Rocks, Miniature Succulent

Bring balance and serenity to your desk at work, great for momentary escapes or channeling creativity
Entertain guests and start a conversation, great for living rooms or reception areas
Channel positive vibes and peaceful energy, great as a decor item
Need a gift? Comes in a colorbox. Mini Zen Garden Table Decor for the win
Includes everything you need to get started

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$16.99

18. Local Japanese Restaurant Gift Card

Gifting your party guests a gift card to local Japanese restaurants is a great way to show you appreciate and thank your guests for coming to your party. Local restaurants will also appreciate it!

Japanese Theme Party: Food Ideas

19. Milk Tea Bubble Tea

Although it originates from Taiwan, bubble tea is incredibly popular in the country of Japan with its most popular flavor being milk tea. You can purchase bubble tea kits to make at home. Your guests will surely enjoy this refreshing beverage and the tapioca will provide a pretty aesthetic.

J WAY Instant Boba Bubble Pearl (Classic Milk Tea with Brown Sugar Boba, 6 Servings)

🥤 HOMEMADE BOBA MILK TEA KIT - Featuring our original Taiwanese bubble tea with delicious fresh brown sugar boba pearls, classic milk tea and extra wide paper straws!
🥤 HOMEMADE BOBA MILK TEA KIT - Featuring our original Taiwanese bubble tea with delicious fresh brown sugar boba pearls, classic milk tea and extra wide paper straws!
🥤READY IN UNDER 1 MINUTE - Our boba is made from preservative free instant tapioca pearls coated in brown sugar syrup. Microwave the boba packet, add hot water to milk tea powder in a cup, and add ice, heated boba, and straw. Yay it's done!
🥤AUTHENTIC TAIWANESE FRESH BOBA - Our authentic Taiwanese fresh (not dry) tapioca is made with the finest ingredients and our classic milk tea is delicious.
🥤CONVENIENT AND EASY - Forget large batches, using bubble tea machines or washing pots & pans to make bubble tea. Take a boba set to the office or school for an easy snack, or stock up your pantry for at home use!
🥤WHAT IS INSIDE- 6 Individually wrapped portions of brown sugar flavored boba, 6 classic milk tea packets, & 6 extra wide paper straws. Store in a cool, dry place (no refrigeration necessary).
🥤28g/bag | Contains 42mg of caffeine | If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to milk products, please do not consume.

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$17.69

20. Sashimi

Sashimi or raw fish (often salmon) is a popular dish in Japan. It is incredibly healthy and best-served with soy sauce.

21. Korokke (Croquette)

These deep-fried potato and meat croquettes are delicious and best paired with a side of rice or salad.

22. Japanese Gyoza

Japanese gyoza, a type of dumpling, is usually filled with minced pork and is best enjoyed by dipping in soy sauce or gyoza sauce. Enjoy gyozas steamed or fried.

23. Shrimp Tempura

Shrimp deep fried in tempura is a great crispy appetizer best paired with chili sauce.

24. Sushi Rolls

Sushi is a classic dish from Japan and you cannot go wrong with serving it at your party. There is a huge variety of different types of sushi available with various ingredients and can come either raw or cooked. Providing a variety of classic, cooked, and vegetarian-style sushi rolls will best accommodate your guests.

25. Edamame

This soybean is one of Japan’s favorite snacks. It is incredibly healthy and addicting to eat. Roasted edamame will be a great appetizer to give to your guests.

26. Ramen

You can never go wrong with getting takeout from your local ramen noodle shop, going to your local Asian market, and getting fresh ramen noodles to make your own bulk ramen to feed a party.

27. Udon Soup

Udon Soup is a yummy traditional Japanese cuisine. You could even set up an Udon station at your party, allowing guests to customize their udon bowls with any type of broth or toppings they would like. Just provide the noodles, soups, and toppings and set them out with serving spoons to give your guests a memorable meal!

28. Tempura Ice Cream

Who doesn’t love ice cream at a party? What makes this ice cream even more delicious is the fact that its fried! Tempura Ice cream is an interesting take on desserts, but all your guests will absolutely love this treat!

Japanese Theme Party: Entertainment Ideas

29. Cooking

Your guests are going to be thrilled to learn some yummy Japanese food recipes at your party. Cooking is a very practical activity that your guests can later apply to their regular life. You and all your friends and families working together to cook food is a fun and easy way for your guests to mingle and get to know each other. Also, the next time your guests crave gyozas they will remember their time at your party, and maybe they might even have the recipe mastered.

30. Origami

Go to your local craft store and purchase origami paper. Print out origami instructions for different shapes. Leave out a few examples that you already made to help your guests out. You can make a myriad of things from frogs to flowers.

31. Japanese-Themed Trivia

Go online and look up fun and interesting facts about Japan. Turn them into questions and split your guests into teams. Have them compete against each other and see who can get the most Asian-themed questions correct. Your guests will love the competitiveness of the game and will also learn some interesting things about Japan. You could also buy cute Japanese toys to use as prizes!

32. Japanese Tea Ceremony

TOVACU Japanese Style Cast Iron Teapot with 4 Tea Cups Trivet Tetsubin StovetopTea Kettle with Infuser Chinese Iron Tea Pot Tea Set for Adults Black (Pear Flower Pattern)

【IRON-PREVENT ANEMIA】Selected from RAW IRON, undergone 1500 ℃ high temperature melting,casting,and burning above 5 hours, Tovacu cast iron teapot is hard and durable.Iron teapot was recognized to be a best kitchenware to boil water due to its SWEET and SOFT water flavour and Fe2+ release,which supplement human’s Iron needed and prevent anemia.In additions, Cast iron tea set is suitable for cooking various teas such as fruit tea, black tea, Pu'er tea.
【ENAMELS-EASY MAINTAIN】ENAMELS sprayed on the INNER WALL of the cast iron teapot set, neat and easy to clean; EXTERIOR PLANT PAINTING, improved the Chinese tea pots service life; UNIFORM THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY and great THERMAL INSULATION performance increased the water TEMPERATURE to high boiling point quickly; Large FLAT BOTTOM & ARC AROUND suitable for a variety of stoves such as gas, electric and induction cook top.
【COLLECTION VALUE】The Tovacu Iron teapot outside design combined HAND RELIEF,COLOR PAINTING with NATURAL BEAUTY, makes the iron tea set more Three-Dimensional ,Vivid,Real and Beautiful. The teapot patterns of Pear Flower ,symbolized “Pure Love,Never Separated” with pure and noble character,could be considered as a best gift choice. Iron tea pot features with Practical,Appreciation and Collection Value,can be displayed both in kitchen,also living room for decoration .
【ANTI-HOT DESIGN】The teapot japanese style set handle adopts TRADITIONAL HEMP ROPE, is retro,ANTI-HOT and grip comfortable ; The tea kettle cast iron stovetop cover and the pot body are perfectly matched ; Built-in STAINLESS STEEL FILTER, facilitate tea separation, easy to move ,convenient for boiling water and tea making; LENGTHEN SPOUT helps GAS EXHAUST, water flow smoothly and powerful.FREE SENT TRIVET PROTECTS the desktop from SCALD and SLIP.
【4 TEA CUPS INCLUDED】 Teapot set Package includes: Iron tea kettle stovetop with infuser x 1(750ml);Cast Iron Trivet x 1; Iron Cast Tea Cup x 4 (50ml);It can be used for tea party ceremony for friends together,but also a best iron gift choice for Mother, Father, sister, brother, friends, colleagues and tea lovers on any kinds of occasions, such as Birthday, New Year's Day, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas

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$41.99

33. Fuki Warai

“Fuki Warai” means “lucky laugh” in English. Traditionally played in the New Year you can play it at your party no matter what time of year. The players are supposed to pin different aspects of the face (the nose, mouth, eyes, and eyebrows) onto a blank face while blindfolded. This game is very engaging and guaranteed to make everyone laugh.

Japanese Theme Party: Party Supplies

34. Sushi or Cherry Blossom Napkins

Bring out the Japanese theme of your party with cute sushi or cherry blossom napkins. These adorable napkins will provide a nice touch to your dinner table.

35. Bamboo Style Disposable Plates

Not only will the aesthetic of bamboo aesthetic palm leaf plates make your plate Instagram worthy but they are also biodegradable and great for the environment.

Chic Leaf Disposable Palm Leaf Plates Like Bamboo Plates 9 Inch Round (50 Count) - 100% Compostable Wedding & Party Plates - All Natural & Eco Friendly Plates

STRONG AND DURABLE - Our sturdy but lightweight palm leaf plates won't sag, break, or buckle with the weight of heavy foods. The palm leaf material is naturally heat-resistant, making our compostable disposable plates suitable for serving hot items like BBQ, steak, potatoes, and curry.
PALM LEAF PARTY PLATES - We handpick every one of the 50 sustainable round plates so we ensure they are the perfect choice for weddings, parties, outdoor events, barbecues, camping and home use. Our bulk plates are an impressive eco friendly alternative to plastic and paper plates.
MICROWAVE SAFE - Our palm plates can withstand high temperatures making reheating food in the microwave very easy.
GUESTS LOVE THESE PLATES - Your guests will be impressed with the fact that their unique plate is made entirely from a leaf. Our palm plates are always a big hit at every party.
100 PERCENT NATURAL - Made of only all natural USDA certified bio-based materials and completely free of harmful BPA, dyes, and glues.

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$31.99

36. Cherry Blossom or Koi Tablecloths

Having unique and elegant tablecloths will help set the theme of your party. There are some very cool cherry blossom and koi-themed tablecloths that can serve as tapestry following the party.

37. Chopsticks

In Japan, people use chopsticks as their silverware when they are having a meal. You can incorporate this into your party by having your guests practice their chopsticks skills while eating. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, you can purchase disposable chopsticks.

Japanese Theme Party: Invitations

38. Japanese Party Write-In Invitation

If you cannot find the right invitation for your specific occasion there are fill-in-the-blank Japanese theme party invitations.

39. Cherry Blossom Invitations

There are a variety of eye-catching cherry blossom style invitations. Some are for hibachi dinners or birthday party celebrations.

Editable Hibachi Birthday Party Invitation, Hibachi Dinner Invitation, Hibachi Invitation Instant Download, Hibachi Invitation Template,

Your printable invitation will look just like the picture, but with your specific information filled in. Try out the Hibachi Invitation Demo! Copy and paste this link into browser: https://www.corjl.com/d/4D9A3L After you purchase this listing, you will get full access to the editable file and you will be able to save your invitation in Jpeg or PDF formats. The size of the card is 5x7 inches. For other designs, check my entire shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/WestieCrew

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$7.50

40. Cartoon Invite

You can find a Kokeshi doll invitation to send to your guests. These adorable invitations display a woman in a kimono, traditional Japanese wear.

Kokeshi Doll Invitation, Japanese Doll Invitation, Kokeshi Doll Birthday Party, Japanese Tea Party Invitation, 2 options, DIGITAL

🏯 Japanese Doll DIGITAL Invitation More matching items: Soon! Take a look at more cute items here: www.printerfairy.etsy.com ★••★ YOU WILL RECEIVE ★••★ A DIGITAL printable Invitation files for printing at home, uploading to a professional printer or photo lab of your choosing. This order contains: - 1 Invitation (5" x 7" or 4"x6") ♥ Custom orders: If you need an item that you can’t find in our shop or additional modifications, please contact us. We would love to create additional items, or any other design you need for the perfect celebration for an additional cost. We also speak Spanish! // También hablamos español! ★••★ INSTRUCTIONS ★••★ Choose your Style! Purchase the invite / card or personalized design of your choice. Include in the “Note to Seller” section: - Name - Age - Party date - Time - Address - RSVP information Convo me if you have any special character request, if I have the character available I can modify the invite for you. Your designs will be sent within 24 hours. Email us with your approval or any changes to your design. Once we receive your final approval, we will email you the high resolution file in JPG and PDF. You can print your Invitation on your favorite cardstock or in the photo lab of your choice. ★ Please read shop policies. ★ Purchasing listing constitutes acceptance of the policies https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrinterFairy/policy ★••★ PRINTABLE INVITATION ★••★ This is printable file and no physical items will be mailed to you. Colors may vary between online viewing and your actual printed product. All computer monitors display color differently as well as all printers print differently. So please take this into consideration when viewing your design ♥ We can’t make refunds for digital files, anyway if you have any problem contact us so we can work together in a solution. ★••★ FOLLOW US! ★••★ ★ Check out our website and let's keep in touch! ★ http://www.printerfairy.com https://www.pinterest.com/printerfairy/

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$8.72

Japense Theme Party: Conclusion

Hosting a Japanese Theme Party can be a lot of fun. Japan has a rich and interesting culture. Implement parts of their culture such as origami making into your party and eat some classic Japanese-style foods. Hopefully you found this article helpful and are excited to host a Japanese theme party for all your friends and family!

Written by Kaitlyn Malcolm; Contributors: Samantha Shek, Marianne Vanderbeke, Daisy Gonzalez-Quezada and Maggie Betros

Daisy K Gonzalez-Quezada

Texas A&M University-San Antonio