What makes this street fair a uniquely San Francisco event is the broader cultural context participants can experience in addition to traditional Asian-Pacific influences. The Nihonmachi Street Fair organizers have a long history of including local entertainment that have spanned genres from Taiko to hip-hop to salsa, rock, and jazz. 

The Nihonmachi Street Fair proudly evolves to reflect the city it celebrates while staying true to its original mission: 
Engage and develop young Asian American leaders through the development of building community that celebrates our culture and diversity.

The event is produced, staffed, and organized by youth volunteers, thus providing practical, hands-on experience in collaboration, entrepreneurship, and problem solving.