Lucky 13 Matsuri

Every year we've been in business we've never taken it for granted. Each year has been wildly different and the unpredictably of the world keeps it... interesting. But while things change around us rapidly, we can say with full confidence that the community stays strong here in Oakland. For 13 years, it has been our pleasure to open our doors, pet your dogs, watch your children grow, and chat about everything from sake to the Northern Lights, to the latest scandal happening at the Coldplay show. 

We called our thirteenth bash the Lucky 13 Matsuri, to acknowledge all the luck we've had along the way to get to where we are. How lucky we've been to nurture a curious and inspiring community, how lucky we've been to do what we love, and most of all, how lucky we are to still be here after 13 years! For that, we thank everyone who has ever been to our store, worked here, emailed us, or called us. 

We've got pictures to prove how lucky we are. These were photos taken at our Lucky 13 Matsuri on August 9, 2025 by Peter. It was a sunny Saturday full of smiles, sunscreen, and lots and lots of shaved ice.

The event started at 12pm, but people showed up early (presumably to get in line for the shaved ice, which saw crazy lines all day). Our trusty staff including Mason and Matt had to hold the crowd back in the store.

Kayoko and I were ready at 12pm, right on the dot to make highballs, pour sodas, and hand out cans of beer. Quiche Ceramic's booth was right next to ours. She made special sake and matcha sets just for this event!Kuramoto Shavery came up from LA for our event. We are so lucky to have them every year. Check out their cool new neon sign!Matcha Zenzai (with an azuki surprise in the middle)Strawberry PieSatoshi and Sachi of Okkon saw the second longest lines all day. They were prepared with stacks of packed yakisoba. Pork Belly Okonomiyaki is the star of their menuAburaya's famous fried chicken rice bowls are oh so full of umamiThe place filled up quick even before our sake barrel breaking.Action shot! We filled the sake barrel up with Umami Mart Junmai. This never gets old!The party started off with a bang by Oakland TaikoThe crowd watches onAnd the sake flowedHey, it's Peter (who took all the other photos except this one)!Audience participation with all the munchkins in the crowdCasa de Kei served up chirashi boxes and nachosHighballs were in order as the sun started beating with the drumsMore cuteness participationMeanwhile, inside, the crew was holding it down insideIt was bumping outside, but inside people were keeping it coolDid we mention we launched these caps for our 13 year anniversary?Kana Kitchen, who's chili oil we carry, kept it sizzling hotTime for a raffle!People waiting with baited breath...We've got some winners!While Kayoko and Yoko were announcing the raffle, our crew was closing out the event at the drinks booth.This year's matsuri saw the biggest attendance yet! We saw so many people who have supported us from day one come through our doors, plus a new generation of young and old who are just discovering us now. All of us on staff are energized and thankful for all the smiles we received during matsuri and hope to keep throwing some damn, good parties for y'all!