Hama Sushi’s 40th Anniversary Block Party – Venice Paparazzi | Venice Beach CA, Photo Agency, Community Info, News, Events

The OG of OG’s, Hama Sushi, turned forty and it was an epic party!

Venetians and visitors alike came out en masse to enjoy what had to be one of the best community parties of the year so far! Windward Ave. was closed from the circle to Riviera, and played host to: a multitude of vendors, Venice Vintage Motorcycle Club, classic car show, VW beetle club, Venice Beach Football League, Deejay Jacques, Venice Art Crawl kids coloring station, Japanese calligraphy, a red carpet arrival set up, and of course the Venice Paparazzi photo booth!

The crowd mixed, mingled, skated, danced, and payed homage to Venice’s Hama Mama, the beloved Esther Chaing. Esther was presented with awards from Mike Bonin, Ted Lieu, Sheila Kuhl, and the Venice Chamber of Commerce. At 5:15, following the presentation of Esther’s own bulb in the Venice sign, the entire crowd counted down and Venice sign lit up in Hama’s signature pink, red, and white.

The inside of Hama was an overflowing, standing room only scene with many, many, happy familiar faces. A slide show of of community submitted photos taken at Hama over the years looped, much to the entertainment of the entire crowd. Esther gave a moving toast and danced behind the bar as folks cheered and raised their glasses. The sushi and sake flowed as the jubilant revelers partied until Hotel California came on, which everyone knows means it is time to go elsewhere. Epic party! Thank you, Hama!

View photos by Venice Paparazzi!

Tag @hama_sushi and photo credit @VenicePaparazzi
Photo booth sponsored by Hama Sushi, Hotel Erwin and Green Goddess Collective.
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Hama Sushi’s Esther Chaing, Tony and Councilman Mike Bonin on the Venice Paparazzi red carpet

Jimmy, Esther Chaing, and Todd von Hoffmann

Venice Paparazzi’s Alex and Edizen, Venice Originals’ Bobby Bliss, and friends

Venice Vintage Motorcycle

Micky Schuman, Venice Japanese Memorial Marker’s Phylis, and Esther Chaing

Councilman Mike Bonin and Hama Sushi’s Esther Chaing

Esther Chaing with Councilman Mike Bonin, Jason Moore, Alexander Stowell, Deejay Jacques, David Kacvinski, and Tony

Esther Chaing wiht VBFC. Venice Beach Football Club

Hama Sushi’s Esther presented with her own Venice Sign Light Bulb

The iconic Venice Sign lit up with the Hama colors.

A huge high five to the involved parties, who came together as a team and organized this fantastic event in under four weeks:

Venice Paparazzi – arranged for Certificates of Recognition from Ted Lieu and Sheila Kuhl, presented awards, flipped the Venice Sign switch to Hama colors, rolled out the red carpet set, did event photography, and provided a Hama themed photo booth sponsored by Hama Sushi, Hotel Erwin and Green Goddess Collective.

Midnight Bazaar – organized vendors, car show, motor cycle show, VBFL soccer area, and developed blue print and time line of the event

Flightless Nerds– got neighbors to sign off on street closure, interfaced with CD 11 in obtaining street closure permits.

David Stein and David Kacvinski– graphic design of all marketing materials, T-shirt design, coloring template for kids art booth

Todd von Hoffmann– organized the slide show that played all night inside Hama Sushi, and created Hama 40th plaque.

Red Bull- donating the DJ stage and hi boys

Deejay Jacques- Deejaying the event.

Go team!

High Fives by Venice Ball

About Hama Sushi:

Established in 1979, Hama Sushi can be traced back in time to being one of the first sushi restaurants on the westside. Known for it’s unique ambience and casual setting, Hama brings the freshest and friendliest service. Locals, tourists and newcomers can all enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine with unique fusion dishes.

Located on the circle of Windward/Main street, a block from the famous Venice Boardwalk, Hama has been a part of Venice Beach’s history for the past forty years. HamaSushi.com