Japanese community in Charlotte (Rocky Mount, King: houses, schools, restaurants)

[mameha1977]

My wife is Japanese and we are wondering if there is much of a community for Japanese people around Charlotte. I know there are some dodgy 'japanese steak houses' but I wonder if there are many genuine japanese restaurants, asian stores selling japanese food, community groups etc. I know there is a saturday school.

[Carolina Blue]

Can't speak specifically, but you may find some of this below helpful...

Saturday August 2nd
Bon Odori Festival
Website: CharlotteCultureGuide.com: Bon Odori Festival, Wachovia Atrium and Plaza
Pictures from past events: Bon Odori Photo Gallery by Derita Studio at pbase.com

CAROLINAS ASIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Website: CAROLINAS ASIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE - Charlotte NC

Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival: :: Charlotte Dragon Boat Festival ::

[BarbJ]

Here are two sources that might be able to answer any question you might have:

The Japanese Association in Charlotte
The Japanese Association of Charlotte was established by the Japanese firms located in the Charlotte region to
financially support the Japanese Language School, where the children of Japanese employees study the Japanese
language to prepare themselves for re-adjustment to schools back to Japan. Several meetings and activities such as
golf tournaments, softball tournaments, and craft classes are held throughout the year. The Japanese Association
organizes the Bon Odori Festival each August. It is the largest Bon Festival east of the Rocky Mountains.
The Japanese Association
c/o International House
322 Hawthorne Lane
Charlotte, NC 28210
phone: 704-333-2775
Fax: 704-333-0862
email: nihonjinkai03@ctc.net

Japan-America Society of Charlotte
The Japan-America Society of Charlotte, a volunteer-based organization, responds to needs and requests in the
Charlotte region. The Japan-America Society of Charlotte, founded in 1992, is dedicated to promoting mutual
understanding between the peoples of Japan and North Carolina by providing a forum for the exchanges of ideas,
art, education, values, and information.
Japan-America Society of Charlotte
Contact: Maria Domoto
Executive Director
105 W Morehead Street,
Charlotte, NC 28202
phone: 704-332-3800
email: jasc@bellsouth.net
www.us-japan.org/jascharlotte

I'm not sure of what the current Japanese population is, but I know that several years ago it was substantial.

[jhansen704]

So far, one of the best Japanese restaurants I have found in Charlotte is Mizuho. The owners are from Japan, and there are many Japanese people who go there to eat. I am Japanese-American myself.

There is also a Japanese store called Hatoya located at 605 N. Polk St, Pineville, NC. Their phone number is 704 889 6600. They carry many staples not available in the regular grocery stores.

The Bon Odori is great and a nice way to spend a Saturday!

Hope this helps her out!

[searpr]

Originally Posted by jhansen704

So far, one of the best Japanese restaurants I have found in Charlotte is Mizuho. The owners are from Japan, and there are many Japanese people who go there to eat. I am Japanese-American myself.

There is also a Japanese store called Hatoya located at 605 N. Polk St, Pineville, NC. Their phone number is 704 889 6600. They carry many staples not available in the regular grocery stores.

The Bon Odori is great and a nice way to spend a Saturday!

Hope this helps her out!

Waaaait a minute. This place is not too far from me, how'd I miss it? What stores are around it?

[Singe]

Konnichiwa ...I'm J/A myself. There is a little store on South Blvd that carries a large variety of Japanese food as well as different Imported Japanese magazines and Cartoon books....like NHK..etc. The owners are Korean but speak Japanese as well. Very nice people.

Lotte Oriental Food & Gift Market

4211 South Blvd
Charlotte, NC 28209
(704) 527-8949

(Closed on Mondays)

[Singe]

Originally Posted by jhansen704

So far, one of the best Japanese restaurants I have found in Charlotte is Mizuho. The owners are from Japan, and there are many Japanese people who go there to eat. I am Japanese-American myself.

There is also a Japanese store called Hatoya located at 605 N. Polk St, Pineville, NC. Their phone number is 704 889 6600. They carry many staples not available in the regular grocery stores.

The Bon Odori is great and a nice way to spend a Saturday!

Hope this helps her out!

jhansen704:
Thanks so much for mentioning the Hatoya store. I'm fairly new here and had never heard about it. I happen to shop there today and was quite pleased with their selection! Their candy selection brought back childhood memories

[PowerBolt]

Originally Posted by mameha1977

My wife is Japanese and we are wondering if there is much of a community for Japanese people around Charlotte. I know there are some dodgy 'japanese steak houses' but I wonder if there are many genuine japanese restaurants, asian stores selling japanese food, community groups etc. I know there is a saturday school.

Hi, we are moving to Charlotte soon. My husband is Japanese and I also very interest to know Japanese community. Can I be friend with your wife?

[smoothpicker]

Nakato is owned/operated by a Japanese family (Nakato). There are two locations Hwy 51 and over in Univeristy City. Musashi (Japanese owned) is located off Park Rd just north of Hwy 51, behind Burger King. Mai (Japanes owned) was on South Blvd but has moved to new shopping center at intersection of Rea and Colony. Sapporo Bistro is off Ardey Kell in shopping center called Fountains (owned by Chinese but good Asain food including Japanese...Sushi is excellent). Also in Ballantyne Nikko's, but quality is not that good. Mostly now like American style Japanese food.