The third annual Japan Parade is happening this weekend at the iconic Central Park in New York City.

The celebration of Japan Day drew over 50,000 spectators last year, including Filipinos.

It’s an event that aims to promote cultural exchange and friendship between the U.S. and Japan.

Japanese Consul General and Ambassador Mikio Mori said this year’s parade is especially meaningful.

This follows the meeting of U.S. President Joe Biden with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the White House in April.

"This year’s Japan Parade will be held amidst the growing momentum between Japan-U.S. relations," said Morio.

Mori added that the parade is also the Japanese-American community’s way of showing their appreciation to their adopted home, New York City.

The organizers hope that this would also strengthen the ties between Japanese-Americans and other community members in the Big Apple.

"Nation-to-nation relations or people-to-people relations, in every aspect," Mori said, "is based on how people are connected. To do so, we need to know each other with deep interest."

"The Japan Parade is an opportunity [for that] for everyone participating," he added.

The Japanese diplomat also invited Filipino-Americans to join the parade, in light of the recent meeting between Biden, Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He also noted that the parade is happening during AAPI Heritage Month.

Mori believes this would help promote stronger ties between Manila and Tokyo, especially for the two countries’ respective nationals in New York City.

"Kumusta kayo [How are you], our Filipino friends in NYC?" Mori said. "We are very much looking forward to seeing you and receiving you at the Japan Parade."

The Japan Parade begins 1 p.m. on May 11 at Central Park West. The street fair, meanwhile, is happening all day on 72nd Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue.