Image courtesy of Buddhist Church of Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A Sacramento summertime tradition returns when the Buddhist Church of Sacramento celebrates its 78th Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar. This one-day event is on Saturday, August 10, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fabulous, homemade Japanese food will be available for sale — such as sushi, noodles, main dishes, Japanese pastries and delicious desserts. The Japanese Bazaar will also feature live entertainment, games and prizes for children. As always, it is free admission.

You can listen to the thunderous drummers of the Sacramento Taiko (TAH-ee-koh) group. Then hear magical sounds of the local East Wind Band playing old-school funk, soul, R&B and classic rock.

All proceeds from this annual fundraiser benefit the Buddhist Church of Sacramento and its affiliated organizations: youth basketball teams, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and the Japanese language school among other groups at the temple.

After the turmoil of WWII, Japanese Americans were trying to rebuild their lives after being forced to live in internment camps for several years during the war. The Japanese Bazaar began in 1947 as a fun and happy community social event. Later, in the mid-1960’s, the Japanese Food Bazaar was expanded to encompass entertainment, Japanese culture, exhibits and games.

The Buddhist Church of Sacramento is located at 2401 Riverside Blvd., across the street from Target on Broadway, and right next to Highway 50, the W-X Freeway.

Fee-based parking is available under the freeway at 7th and W streets, with free shuttles to and from the Bazaar.

The Buddhist Church of Sacramento celebrates its 125th anniversary this year. The temple was established on December 19, 1899. The Buddhist Church continues to thrive through five generations, and also continues to grow in membership and activities.

Interesting Factoids About the Buddhist Church’s Annual Japanese Bazaar

We use over one ton, or 2,500 pounds of chicken.
We use over one ton, or 2,400 pounds of bags of ice.
We use 1,650 pounds of rice.
We use 3,840 bottles of water.
We use 1,875 cans of soft drinks.
We use 1,000 pounds of sugar.
We use almost 800 pounds of charcoal.

Glossary of Some of the Foods Served at the Bazaar

Curry Rice Pork Bowl – SPICY! Our version is delicate pork over a bed of rice. Japanese curry is a blend of dried spices.

California Rolls – Avocado, cucumber, and imitation crab rolled in rice, that is seasoned in vinegar and sugar, rolled with a dried sheet of seaweed.

Ebi (EH-bee) Fry – Three pieces of shrimp, lightly battered and deep-fried to a golden brown.

Gyoza (gee-yoh-zah) – Japanese deep-fried dumplings filled with finely-minced pork and vegetables.

Niku (NEE-koo) Udon (oo-dohn) – Buddhist Church of Sacramento won the coveted “Best Udon Served in Sacramento.” Our award-winning recipe is made with a thick wheat-flour noodle. The noodles are in a hot soup made with soup stock, soy sauce, and topped with a zesty beef.

Somen (SOH-men) – Refreshing ice-cold, thin noodles in a light, savory soy-sauce broth. Perfect for a warm summer’s day.

Spam Musubi (MOO-soo-bee) – Made with a grilled piece of Spam, sandwiched on a block of short-grained rice, wrapped together with seaweed. This dish originated in Hawaii and is a popular Japanese-American snack.

Inarizushi (ee-NAW-ree-zoo-shee) – Vinegar and sugar-flavored rice tucked inside of a little deep-fried tofu pocket. A traditional sushi that most Japanese Americans grew up with.

Teriyaki (TEH-ree-yah-kee) Beef Sandwich – Succulent slices of beef marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sake (SAH-ke), or rice wine, and other fresh ingredients. This marinated beef is put into a soft roll with mayonnaise and various condiments.

Teriyaki (TEH-ree-yah-kee) Chicken Bowl – Tender slices of chicken marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, sake (SAH-ke), or rice wine, and other fresh ingredients.

Tuna Poke (POH-keh) Bowl – The word “poke” in Hawaiian means “chunk.” Our version is made from chunks of raw tuna mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil and other ingredients, topped with green onion.

Yakisoba (YAH-kee-soh-bah) – Japanese soba noodles stir-fried with vegetables.

Live Entertainment

11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Sakura Minyo Doo Koo Kai
A Sacramento-based Japanese-folk dance group.

1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sacramento Taiko Dan Youth Group
Taiko is a Japanese style of percussion which combines music and movement. The group promotes and preserves traditional styles of taiko drumming.

2:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sacramento Taiko Dan Adults

4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The East Wind Band
The East Wind Band hails from Sacramento. This elite group of musicians plays tunes from the 60s to today’s current hits. They have performed with renowned recording artists The Dramatics, Bloodstone, and Hiroshima.