From spicy takoyaki to Hello Kitty lemonades — every bite was a love letter to Japan 💌🍡🐙 The OC Japan Fair brought together food, culture, and kawaii magic all in one place. It was my first time ever to check out the OC Japan Fair and I could not have asked for a sweeter weekend!

Food vendors

With over 65 food vendors, the OC Japan Fair was truly a culinary adventure — a delicious journey through all kinds of flavors and dishes. 🍡🍜🍣

🐙 Tokyo Yakisoba — Spicy Mayo Takoyaki

This was one of the most popular vendors at the fair — and for good reason! 🐙✨ Crispy on the outside and soft, steamy perfection inside, these takoyaki were pure comfort for so many visitors. The spicy mayo added that perfect little kick 🌶️🔥 A total must-try for any takoyaki fan!

🍡 Mochi Irvine — Mitarashi Dango

Mochi Irvine was one sweet stop! 🍡💖These chewy rice dumplings, coated in a glossy soy glaze, were chef’s kiss! The perfect balance of sweet and savory — each bite felt like a warm hug in dessert form. ✨

🐔 Gaburi USA — Karaage + Lemonade

Gaburi USA is one of my favorite Japanese restaurants in Old Torrance, so I was thrilled to see them at the OC Japan Fair! 🍗✨ Their karaage was golden, juicy, and perfectly crispy — pure comfort in every bite. Paired with a refreshing lemonade 🍋, it was a combo I’ll definitely be craving again soon! 💛

🎀 Aki Drinks — White Peach Hello Kitty Drink

The White Peach Hello Kitty Drink from Aki Drinks was almost too cute to sip! 🎀 🍑 Served in the most adorable Hello Kitty cup, it was light, fruity, and refreshingly sweet — the perfect way to cool down after exploring the fair. A total kawaii moment! 💕✨

🐠 Taiyookie— Dubai Chocolate Taiyaki

Taiyookie was the sweetest surprise of the day! 🐟🍫

Their Dubai Chocolate Taiyaki was warm, rich, and perfectly gooey inside — a chocolate lover’s dream wrapped in crispy, golden perfection. Each bite felt like pure joy! ✨💖

Cool Booths + Celebrities 😉 🌟

Aside from all the yummy food vendors, there were also some amazing shop booths to explore! 🛍️✨ I loved checking out the different crochet crafters — you know I had to get myself a Hello Kitty crochet piece! 🧶🎀

Another highlight was getting to meet Lela Lee, the creator of Angry Little Asian Girl and Angry Little Girls! 💥💖 It was such an inspiring moment to meet someone who’s turned creativity and real feelings into something so powerful and iconic.

And of course… I had my total fangirl moment when I spotted Labubu! 💖Cuteness overload alert — eeek! 🥰 It honestly felt like seeing a little celebrity in the crowd. This unexpected moment made the OC Japan Fair even sweeter and ended the day on the most adorable note. 🍡✨

OC Japan Fair was the perfect mix of culture, flavor, and fun — from every bite to every smile. Can’t wait for next year’s fair already! 🇯🇵✨