Consul General Murabayashi Joins “Japan Festival Houston 2023”
2023/5/15
On May 6th and 7th, Consul General Murabayashi and his wife attended the Japan Festival held at Hermann Park in Houston.
The festival is the largest Japan-related event in Texas (and in the southern United States). Hosted by Japan Festival Inc., the celebration is held annually at Hermann Park – home of Houston’s Japanese Garden. This was the first time in four years that the event could be held after going on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. As the part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Chiba-Houston Sister City relationship, a visiting delegation from Chiba City took part in the festivities.
At the opening ceremony, Consul General Murabayashi, Mr. Nishi (Director of the Office of the Mayor, Chiba City), and Mr. Hayasaka, (President of the Japanese Business Association of Houston), delivered opening remarks. Consul General Murabayashi expressed timely congratulations for the 30th anniversary of the Japan Festival. He also pointed out the importance of this year's Festival as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden’s opening and the 50th anniversary of the Chiba-Houston Sister City relationship, both of which occurred in 2022.
Many visitors came to enjoy the Japanese cultural experiences and hands-on activities presented by various Japan-related organizations, as well as Japanese food such as takoyaki, ramen, and wagashi (Japanese sweets). The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston’s exhibit allowed visitors to learn about and make teru teru bōzu (sunshine monks), and try on Japanese festival attire. On the presentation stages, attendees saw performances of traditional Japanese music and martial arts, including Okinawan Eisa drumming and traditional Japanese dance performed by high school students from Chiba City. They also enjoyed exhibitions and demonstrations of ikebana (flower arrangement), sadō (tea ceremony) and bonsai gardening.
The festival is the largest Japan-related event in Texas (and in the southern United States). Hosted by Japan Festival Inc., the celebration is held annually at Hermann Park – home of Houston’s Japanese Garden. This was the first time in four years that the event could be held after going on hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic. As the part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Chiba-Houston Sister City relationship, a visiting delegation from Chiba City took part in the festivities.
At the opening ceremony, Consul General Murabayashi, Mr. Nishi (Director of the Office of the Mayor, Chiba City), and Mr. Hayasaka, (President of the Japanese Business Association of Houston), delivered opening remarks. Consul General Murabayashi expressed timely congratulations for the 30th anniversary of the Japan Festival. He also pointed out the importance of this year's Festival as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden’s opening and the 50th anniversary of the Chiba-Houston Sister City relationship, both of which occurred in 2022.
Many visitors came to enjoy the Japanese cultural experiences and hands-on activities presented by various Japan-related organizations, as well as Japanese food such as takoyaki, ramen, and wagashi (Japanese sweets). The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston’s exhibit allowed visitors to learn about and make teru teru bōzu (sunshine monks), and try on Japanese festival attire. On the presentation stages, attendees saw performances of traditional Japanese music and martial arts, including Okinawan Eisa drumming and traditional Japanese dance performed by high school students from Chiba City. They also enjoyed exhibitions and demonstrations of ikebana (flower arrangement), sadō (tea ceremony) and bonsai gardening.
On May 5th, the day before the Japan Festival, the Chiba city delegation visited the Consulate General of Japan in Houston to meet Consul General Murabayashi. This was followed by a visit to the Houston City Hall with Consul General Murabayashi during which Mayor Turner also greeted the delegation.