Trap Sushi: The cultural exchange of hip-hop and anime
Japanese Animation better known as “Anime” has a large fanbase that has created a culture of community, conventions, and creativity. Trap Sushi has been a cultural crossroads for fans of hip-hop and anime, described as “a cultural exchange disguised as a party”. Guests get the chance to be fully immersed in the experience with attractions like fresh sushi, a bar that serves a multitude of saké, live performances, and a cash prize costume competition. With the increasing popularity of Anime, Trap Sushi serves as the perfect opportunity to celebrate black and Japanese culture.
The Atlanta Voice had an opportunity to sit down and talk to the founder, music artist Tolden “Troop” Williams.
The idea for Trap Sushi would come to Troop one day when he would visit an Anime convention with his wife around 2019. He would notice how there was a large community of fellow anime fans, from casual fans who might watch anime from time to time, to diehard fans who made costumes of their favorite characters. Troop would see anime fans just like him, people who are passionate about their favorite shows who like connecting with people with similar interests. “I’m looking at the elements of what made the convention, and turned it into a party” Troop says when asked about the inspiration.
While based in Atlanta, Trap Sushi has thrown events across the world. Trap Sushi had the opportunity to be the official afterparty for Momocon, Texas-based anime conversation Dreamcon, as well as putting on an event in Tokyo earlier this year. Troop’s overall goal for Trap Sushi is to become a multifaceted lifestyle brand, one thing that’s always been important to the Trap Sushi brand has been the merchandise. From custom hats with your favorite anime character to high-quality t-shirts with homages to classic Anime series like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball-Z, and Naruto.
The amazing part about Trap Sushi is that you don’t have to be a fan of Anime to enjoy the experience. The main goal of every Trap Sushi event is for patrons to have an amazing and memorable experience whether you’re an Anime fan or not. Troop’s passionate combination of Japanese and black culture has brought a new fresh spin on events in Atlanta. When asked about the importance of the city of Atlanta to his business Troop would say “The city of Atlanta showed me a lot more black people running their businesses, I’m from Mississippi and most of the businesses weren’t Black=-owned. When I got to Morehouse College It was insane.” Troop would go on to explain how it wasn’t common to see a Black-owned business in his hometown, and how it was almost a culture shock when he arrived in Atlanta.
Troop’s plans for Trap Sushi are still in the early stage, he has huge plans for Trap Sushi in the future. He eventually hopes to regularly hold Trap Sushi events across the world so more people can experience this cultural crossroad. Trap Sushi has an upcoming event to celebrate Halloween on October 31st, there will be a cash prize costume competition, and it will be taking place at Monday Night Garage, which is located at 933 Lee St SW in Atlanta. If you would like to learn even more about Trap Sushi you can visit trapsushi.com or follow their social media account @trapsushiofficial.
