Fuji to Hood: Japan/Oregon collaboration festival was founded in Portland in 2018 to create cross-cultural bonds and lifelong friendships, alternating between Portland and Toyko. This year’s festival is Saturday, July 18, 1-8 pm at The Redd, 831 SE Salmon St.
The festival partners 25 breweries and cideries from Oregon with 25 from Japan to create original beverages, each using at least one special ingredient from their country. In the past this has curated beers made with seaweed, koji, sansho pepper, matcha, yuzu citrus and more.
But Fuji to Hood is much more than a drinks festival. Also enjoy Japanese performers from DJs to traditional dance, Taiko drummers and Kendo martial arts. A wide range of Japanese food and drinks are featured from sushi and ramen to imported snacks, desserts, baked goods, rolls, ice cream, tea, coffee, sake and spirits. Throughout it all, local Japenese artists and vendors set up a pop-up marketplace with goods like woodblock prints, handmade kimono, shirts and dresses, pottery, glassware and even Japanese cutlery.
The event is free and venue is all-ages for culture and entertainment but tickets are required to indulge in the collaboration beverages. General admission tickets ($35 + fees) include glassware and 10 drink tickets and are good for entry 1-8 pm. The VIP session, 11 am-1 pm, includes general admission benefits plus early entry for $50 + fees. Visit fujitohood.com for additional information and to purchase tickets.