JAPANFEST 2017
We invite you to join a multi-sensory journey through Japan. At the 2017 JapanFest, you will be able to "Experience Japan" in a whole new way. Engage all SIX senses through interactive performances, demonstrations, workshops, and more!
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JapanFest, now in its 31st year, typically draws crowds exceeding 20,000. Organized by JapanFest, Inc., JapanFest is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. Tickets are $10. 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.
JapanFest will feature a variety of musical performances sure to suit all ages and interests, including taiko drumming, J-Rock and J-Pop, and classical music. Dance performances will include both traditional and modern Japanese dance, as well as traditional Okinawan dance. All are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance! For visitors who have always wanted to try on an authentic Japanese kimono, the Konnichiwa Club will dress attendees from head to toe in the latest kimono from Japan. JapanFest will also feature a variety of exciting workshops on various aspects of Japanese culture. For fans of martial arts, JapanFest will feature demonstrations of virtually every Japanese martial art in existence, including aikido, karate, kendo, kyudo, and sumo. Visitors can purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including kimono, Japanese tea, dolls, and rice paper. The Japan-America Society of Georgia will have various Japanese goods, t-shirts, temporary tattoos, and more; the Ginza-dori, organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and named after Tokyo's famous shopping district, will feature Japanese ceramics, traditional Japanese clothing and accessories and fun items such as masks and toys; at the Bazaar on Sunday organized by the Georgia Japanese Language School you will find books and household goods. Traditional Okinawan items will also be available.
This year, we are also hosting a new concert event, Hibiki: The Japanese Fusion Experience. Experience a fusion of East and West, as a combined group of world-class performers of Japanese and Western instruments perform in front of an amazing and unique digital-art backdrop. For one night only, 12 amazing musicians combine their talents in front of a huge interactive animation display that is literally shaped by the music. Watch in amazement as this story of sound and visual art unfolds before you.
Kids will have a fantastic time experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. In our Children’s Area, they can make their own Japanese tops, and the Suburban Atlanta Kite Enthusiasts will be on hand to teach them how to make a Japanese kite. The Ginza Dori shopping arcade has tons of games and activities for kids as well, such as ring toss, water yo-yos, Japanese toys, and more! They can even take part in carrying the o-mikoshi, a traditional Japanese portable shrine.
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 features the best of Japanese cuisine in Atlanta! Local Japanese restaurants will offer a tantalizing menu of roll sushi, bento boxes, ramen noodles, takoyaki, shaved ice, curry rice, yakisoba, torikaraage, and more! JapanFest is not possible without the help of over 200 volunteers. To fill out an application, please visit www.japanfest.org. For more information, call 404-842-0736 or visit www.japanfest.org. |
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ABOUT JAPANFEST
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.