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!
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. |