Japanese Fall Festival in San Antonio
2024/10/11
Judge Sakai (third from left), Councilmember Rocha Garcia (second from left), JASSA Vice President Dorsey (leftmost), Consul General Naganuma (right)
JASSA President Kawabe
Bon Odori
Kendo
On October 5th, Consul General Naganuma participated in San Antonio’s Aki Matsuri (“Fall Festival”). Aki Matsuri is an event organized by the Japan-America Society of San Antonio (JASSA) in cooperation with the City of San Antonio and the Japanese Business Association.
The opening ceremony was attended by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and San Antonio City Councilmember Adriana Rocha Garcia. Consul General Naganuma thanked the Japan-America Society of San Antonio, supporting companies, and volunteers for their efforts, and stated that cooperation and people-to-people exchange at the grassroots level, such as that offered by Aki Matsuri, are the foundation of strong Japan-U.S. relations. He then expressed his sincere hope that the event would provide experiences and connections to further strengthen the friendship between the United States and Japan. Over 1,800 people attended the festival, which featured a Bon Odori stage performance set to music associated with San Antonio’s sister city of Kumamoto. Kendo, sumo, and taiko drumming demonstrations were also showcased. Festival booths offered hands-on Japanese cultural activities such as ikebana and bonsai exhibitions, origami, kimono dress-up, and traditional Japanese games such as wanage (ring toss), hanetsuki (Japanese badminton), and kendama (a cup and ball toy). Yakisoba noodles and Japanese curry were also sold, and visitors were able to enjoy Japanese culture.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to support cultural exchange and Japan outreach programs between Japan and Texas.
The opening ceremony was attended by Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai and San Antonio City Councilmember Adriana Rocha Garcia. Consul General Naganuma thanked the Japan-America Society of San Antonio, supporting companies, and volunteers for their efforts, and stated that cooperation and people-to-people exchange at the grassroots level, such as that offered by Aki Matsuri, are the foundation of strong Japan-U.S. relations. He then expressed his sincere hope that the event would provide experiences and connections to further strengthen the friendship between the United States and Japan. Over 1,800 people attended the festival, which featured a Bon Odori stage performance set to music associated with San Antonio’s sister city of Kumamoto. Kendo, sumo, and taiko drumming demonstrations were also showcased. Festival booths offered hands-on Japanese cultural activities such as ikebana and bonsai exhibitions, origami, kimono dress-up, and traditional Japanese games such as wanage (ring toss), hanetsuki (Japanese badminton), and kendama (a cup and ball toy). Yakisoba noodles and Japanese curry were also sold, and visitors were able to enjoy Japanese culture.
The Consulate-General of Japan in Houston will continue to support cultural exchange and Japan outreach programs between Japan and Texas.
Student Volunteer
JET Program Booth