What you see at JapanFest is what you can experience firsthand, literally. This year’s theme, "Experience Japan," is all about immersing yourself in our traditions, natural beauty, and pop culture.  

 

Learn to be a Samurai like you see on the stage? Yes, work up a sweat.

Learn how to make your own Bonsai? Yes, get your hands dirty.

Be a part of the tea ceremony and taste the Matcha green tea? Yes, test your taste buds and your etiquette.

Break a pile of tiles with your bare hand like Karate Master? Yes, feel the power in you.

Learn to play the beautiful tune of the shamisen and Koto? Yes, let your creativity flow.

Fashionistas can enjoy a pop culture fashion show or experience the traditional kimono themselves.

 

Japan is internationally renowned for its performing arts, visual arts, and martial arts. At JapanFest, you can dive into them all.

 

JapanFest will feature a variety of musical performances, including the always popular Matsuriza taiko drumming, a performance mixing traditional Japanese folk music with modern jazz and classical music. There will also be traditional dance performances. Watch the stage of the Hanagasa Ondo Group and learn how to dance. All are invited to join the spirited Obon dance and show off what you have learned.

 

Need to escape from crowds and have a quiet time for a bit? Try our new feature, “Zen Room.” A Buddhist monk traveling from Hyogo, Japan, will introduce you to a world of Zen and teach you how to balance your body and spirit.

 

Many of the 550 Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the Japanese Businesses in Georgia exhibition (JBiG). Interactive exhibits include the latest Japanese technology, such as automobiles, tractors, and electronics.

 

For the younger set, there is a Children’s Area with a variety of crafts and activities. At Ginza Street, we recreate the traditional Japanese festival atmosphere with authentic games, toy shops, and festival snacks.

 

The Japanese cultural immersion extends to your stomach as well. There will be plenty of cuisines, from street food such as Yakisoba, Takoyaki, and Ramen to desserts from Matcha Swiss Roll to Hokkaido Vanilla and Chocolate Cupcakes which you can show off on your social media page.

 

JapanFest, now in its 36th year, typically draws 25,000 visitors. Organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and the Japan America Society of Georgia and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, the festival is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast.

 

Purchase tickets in advance from the website and skip the lines! Tickets are

$13 (Before July 31st), $16 (August 1st to 15th), $20 (at the door.) Children age 6 or younger are 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 would not be possible without the help of over 150 volunteers. To fill out an application, please visit https://www.japanfest.org/participate and click on “Volunteer”.

 

For more information, call 404-522-6938.

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