JAPANFEST 2019

September 21-22 at the Infinite Energy Center in Gwinnett

We invite you to join a multi-sensory journey through Japan. At the 2019 JapanFest, you will be able to "Experience Japan" in a whole new way. Engage all SIX senses through interactive performances, demonstrations, workshops, and more!

JapanFest, now in its 33rd year, typically draws crowds exceeding 20,000. The largest Japanese festival in the Southeast, JapanFest celebrates Japanese culture as it promotes understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. The theme of this year's festival is "Get Ready to Travel to Japan - Olympics 2020!". Enjoy the traditions, natural beauty, and pop culture of the country that is hosting the next Olympics.

We have expanded our ever-popular Food Court, filled with affordable Japanese delicacies, for more access. Also Ginza Dori "main street" is filled with even more vendors with Japanese novelties for sale. Other features include Anime Village for all our loyal Anime fans; Children's Playland with fun Japanese games; The Way of the Warrior with sword and martial arts exhibits; the Japanese Arts Studio where you can participate in Ikebana Flower Arranging, Bonsai, Calligraphy, Kimono, and Tea Ceremony; an Olympics 2020 Capsule to learn all about next year's festivities and travel to Japan; and a Sake & Beer Garden for adults--there is something for everyone no matter what your interests!

- Shop Japanese Goods: Visitors can purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including kimono, Japanese tea, Sake, dolls, ceramics and more. You can find locally handcrafted Japanese jewelry, ornaments, and decorations such as lanterns. At the Georgia Japanese Language School Bazaar on Sunday, you will find unique items gathered by Japanese families, including Manga, books, and household items. On Ginza Street, there are festival-style games, traditional Japanese clothing, ceramics, accessories, and fun items like masks and toys. The Japan-America Society will be selling various Japanese goods, T-shirts, temporary tattoos.
- Japanese Street Food: Attendees can sample seasonal foods from over 15 different authentic Japanese food vendors and sake vendors. Local Japanese restaurants offer a tantalizing menu of roll sushi, bento boxes, ramen noodles, takoyaki, shaved ice, curry rice, yakisoba, torikaraage, and more!
- Anime Village: The popular Anime Village will be back this year with a whole new schedule of performers, workshops, vendors, games and much more. Thanks again to the Momocom crew, the Anime Village is sure to be a lively and engaging part of JapanFest.
- Activities: The Children’s Area, Theme Street and Ginza Dori will offer an array of games, activities, and other opportunities for children and adults to experience Japanese holidays and festivals. They can make Japanese tops and learn how to make kites. There are also games like ring toss, water yo-yos, goldfish, and more.
- Omikoshi: Omikoshi is a portable shrine where the spirit of a deity stays using a festival held in his honor. At JapanFest kids will carry the authentic Omikoshi made by a highly skilled Japanese carpenter. On Saturday, the Omikoshi will be displayed together with an information panel and a video. On Sunday, there will be 5 sessions for kids to carry the Omikoshi and walk around Ginza Street. Anyone can just show up and join us on Sunday!
- Performances: We offer a full line up of 33 guest performers who will perform a variety of Japanese music, theater, and dance. This year there will be performances by Matsuriza Taiko, Samurai Sword Soul; Kimono-inspired Dawnamatrix Fashion Show; Minyo Station with Japanese folk music and jazz; Tomomi Kunishige, calligraphy artist; Motoko the storyteller; Mariko Iwase, Japanese street theatre artist. Dancers include both traditional and modern Japanese dance, as well as traditional Okinawan dance. All are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance!

Many of the approximately 600 Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the Made in Georgia exhibition. Interactive exhibits include the latest in Japanese technology, such as automobiles, tractors, and electronics.

JapanFest is not possible without the help of over 200 volunteers. To fill out an application, please visitwww.japanfest.org. For more information, call 404-842-0736 or visit www.japanfest.org.

Tickets are $10 on-line and $12 on-site. Children age 6 or younger may attend for free. Teachers can bring their students to JapanFest for free by applying online at www.japanfest.org. Larger organizations can save money by purchasing advanced ticket packages online.

ORGANIZERS

JapanFest, Inc. (and co-organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia and The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia)

MISSION

The mission of JapanFest is to improve understanding and appreciation of linkages between Japanese and Americans residing in the Southeastern United States through an annual salute to Japanese culture and friendship entitled JapanFest. This celebration will promote multicultural education, encourage social harmony, and ensure the cultural integrity of JapanFest by providing an appropriate mix of authentic contemporary and traditional programs on Japanese art and culture. Activities include a wide variety of performing arts, demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions. These grassroots efforts are coordinated by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and The Japan-America Society of Georgia, and implemented by a host of community volunteers. JapanFest is committed to organizing a self-sustaining event, supported in part by non-Japanese Chamber of Commerce and non-Japan-America Society of Georgia members, and provides meaningful financial support to educational endeavors in Georgia.

HISTORY

What is now referred to as "JapanFest" began in 1981 as Japan Week, a biannual series of Japan-related cultural events organized by the Consulate-General of Japan that took place around the city of Atlanta. In 1986, the name was changed to JapanFest, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, the Japan America Society of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan organized their own events under the title of JapanFest. In 1993, the first Picnic and Sports Day was held at Mercer University. In 1995, Picnic and Sports Day became Japan Day at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. In 1996, JapanFest moved to Stone Mountain Park and became an annual event. In 1997, JapanFest, Inc. was incorporated as a non-profit corporation. In 2012, JapanFest had over 17,000 attendees, making JapanFest the largest Japanese festival south of Washington, DC and east of Houston, TX.

AWARDS

JapanFest was selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2003, 2010, and 2011 and was a 2004 recipient of the Certificate of Commendation on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of US-Japan relations from former Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi for its contributions to the friendship and goodwill between Japan and the United States.

The Japan-America Society of Georgia, Inc.

is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located

in Atlanta, Georgia with the mission

to promote the mutual understanding

between the people of Japan and

the State of Georgia

404-842-1400 Admin@JASGeorgia.org