JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 27-28, 2008, from from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at theConvention Center at Gwinnett Center.

JapanFest, now in its 22nd year, is the largest Japanese festival east of Houston and south of Washington, DC, and typically draws crowds exceeding 18,500. Organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG), The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia (JCCG), and the Consulate General of Japan (CGJ), JapanFest Weekend is the highlight of a month-long series of events designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast.

Tickets are $8, children age 6 or younger free. Tickets are available at the door; cash only please.. Save money by ordering advance ticket packages online.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended last year's festival for your tremendous support as we transitioned to our new venue. It was a learning experience for all involved, and we are working very hard to make improvements to all areas of the festival. Thus, this year's JapanFest will feature extended hours, new and improved layout, expanded food court, two entrances and ticket booths, and outdoor seating. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please feel free to email us anytime.

JapanFest 2008 will explore the fascinating culture and history of the Heian Period (794-1185), with particular attention paid to The Tale of Genji as we celebrate the millennium anniversary of what is considered to be the worldfs first novel. Written by a noblewoman named Murasaki Shikibu in the early eleventh century, The Tale of Genji delves into the life and culture of the Japanese imperial court. Professor Junco Pollack of Georgia State University, Professor Yuki Takatori of Georgia State University, Professor Robert Steen of Oglethorpe University and Professor Douglas Reynolds of Georgia State University will present lectures on the history, culture, fashion, and language of this fascinating period at JapanFest 2008 .

This yearfs festival will feature a spectacular variety of performances showcasing a full range of Japanese performing arts. Fujiyama Roll and the Tomi Isobe Blues Band will rock the house with their fusions of rock and blues, while Madoca will present her blend of jazz, fusion, and funk. Matsuriza and Chambers County Taiko will shake things up with taiko drumming, and Lisa Furukawa will soothe your soul with her unique fusion of folk, pop, electronica, and classical music. Hiko no Kai and International Mai no Kai will present graceful classical Japanese and Okinawan dance, while young gymnasts from Golden Ribbon Rhythmic Gymnastics will show off their amazing flexibility. The Nebula Dance Theater will perform jazz, modern dance and ballet sell to Japanese music. And all are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance! There is truly something for everyone at JapanFest!

For fans of martial arts, JapanFest 2008 will feature demonstrations of virtually every Japanese martial art in existence. Aikido Center of Atlanta and Aikido School of Athens will demonstrate this art of using an attackerfs own strength against him to defend oneself. Atlanta Bujinkan Dojo will showcase the art of ninjutsu, the gclandestine way.h The Georgia Sumo Association will host the 4th Annual Georgia Sumo Open, and Ju Kido Kai Ryu School of Modern Vee Jitsu JuJitsu will demonstrate the practicality and simplicity of jujitsu. Miki Judo Club will demonstrate the elements of the gGentle Way,h while Trammell Fitness and Martial Arts, U.S. Taido Association, Inc., and World Oyama Karate will teach you the techniques behind the art of karate.

Visitors can purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including books, kimono, Japanese tea, dolls, and rice paper. The Japan-America Society of Georgia will have t-shirts and temporary tattoos; 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, organized by the Georgia Japanese Language School you will find books and household goods.

The first 2,000 children visiting JapanFest will receive a free Japanese toy. Toys include tops, marbles, menko (card game), bamboo helicopters, and several other traditional Japanese trinkets. Children can also attend kite-making workshops, learn origami and join in fun games.

Many of the Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the Made in Georgia exhibition. 2007 participants include Hoshizaki America, Inc., JETRO, Kubota Manufacturing of America Corporation, Murata Electronics North America, Inc., RHYTHM USA, Inc., Seigakuin Atlanta International School, Symbiosis International, Inc., TDK Components USA Inc., TOTO U.S.A. Inc, Yamaha Motor Mfg. Corp. of America and Yanmar America Corporation.

JapanFest 2008 will feature several contests open to the public. The first ever JapanFest Academic Poster Contest will give college undergraduates and graduates the opportunity to visually present their academic research on Japan. We are also seeking submissions of digital photos for the JapanFest Travel Photo Contest. Students in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit their original drawings incorporating the theme of gKimono and the Japanese Peopleh to the JapanFest Poster Contest, and all Georgia residents are encouraged to submit their online video on the theme gJapan and Meh to the JapanFest YouTube Video Contest.

JapanFest is made possible by generous corporate sponsorship and the hard work of many community volunteers. Thank you to this year's sponsors: Alston & Bird LLP, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Banta Immigration Law, The Coca-Cola Company, Delta Air Lines, Inc., Elesys North America, Inc., Georgia Council for the Arts, Henri and Tomoye Takahashi Charitable Foundation, Law Office of James C. Nolan, Machida Family in Memory of Shigenobu (Sam) Machida, Sapporo USA, Shimizu North America, Suzuki Manufacturing of America Corporation, Symbiosis International, Inc., The Southern Arts Federation, Toyo Tire NA Inc., WSB-TV.

JapanFest is not possible without the help of over 100 volunteers. To volunteer, please fill out an application.

If you are a teacher and would like to bring your students to JapanFest for free, please apply online.

No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center.

For more information, call 404-842-0736.