Highlights from the 2023 JapanFest [PHOTOS]

JapanFest, now in its 36th year, draws on average 25,000 visitors and celebrates the cultural exchange between Japanese Americans and their local communities.

The festival was organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Japan-America Society of Georgia and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, Georgia. The festival is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. 

What you see at JapanFest is what you can experience firsthand. This year’s theme, “Experience Japan,” was all about immersion into Japanese traditions, natural beauty and pop culture. 

Activities included Samurai presentations, a build-your-own bonsai station, tea ceremonies, karate demonstrations, shamisen and koto performances and a pop culture fashion show.

Japan is internationally renowned for its performing arts, visual arts and martial arts, and JapanFest had them all.

The festival featured a variety of musical performances, including Matsuriza taiko drumming, a performance mixing traditional Japanese folk music with modern jazz and classical music. There were also traditional dance performances from the Hanagasa Ondo Group.

A Buddhist monk traveling from Hyogo, Japan, introduced participants to the “Zen Room” and taught them how to balance body and spirit. 

Kids of all ages enjoyed the Children’s Area, which had a variety of crafts and activities. 

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

A traditional Japanese festival atmosphere was created at Ginza Street, complete with authentic games, toy shops and festival snacks.  

From street food such as yakisoba, takoyaki and ramen to desserts from matcha swiss roll to Hokkaido vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, there was no shortage of delectable delicacies at JapanFest 2023.

Photo gallery thanks to Bruce Johnson.