The Nihonmachi Street Fair considers itself the original "melting pot" of street fairs, with many aspects of Asian-Pacific American life and San Francisco's cultural life expressed through performance, tradition, art, music, food, and community outreach and service.

Continually evolving to reflect the city it celebrates while staying true to its original idea: to use this event as a platform to mentor Asian-Pacific American youths and foster their leadership and communication skills through volunteerism and community service. The Fair is produced, staffed, and organized by volunteers, thus providing practical, hands-on experience in collaboration, entrepreneurship, and problem solving.