Live performances, shopping, food and fun are the highlights of this annual event celebrating Japanese culture
Georgia’s close ties to Japan span decades. The State of Georgia opened its first international office in Tokyo in 1973 to promote trade and tourism. A year later, the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta was established.
Now, Georgia and Japan share a sister state-prefecture relationship and 10 sister city connections. Georgia is also regarded as the center of Japanese business activities in the southeastern United States as over 600 Japanese-affiliated companies have invested over $10.4 billion.
photo from JapanFest 2023
To celebrate this connection, JapanFest Weekend 2024 will be held on September 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September 22 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Gas South Convention Center.
Organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and The Japan-America Society of Georgia, the festival is designed to promote friendship and cultural exchange between the Japanese and American communities in the Southeast.
Live performances
JapanFest 2024 will feature a lineup of performers coming from Japan. Miyabiya Japan is set to showcase the mesmerizing blend of traditional and modernized Kabuki theatre, a performing art proclaimed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Miyabiya Japan Kabuki, photo courtesy of JapanFest
Broadway performer and Rakugo master storyteller, hailed as the “King of Kimono Comedy,” Katsura Sunshine, will bring the laughs, as well as a captivating rendition of classic Japanese tales.
There will also be performances by the Matsuriza Taiko Japanese Drum Troupe and Samurai Sword Soul, as well as sumo, karate, kendo and kyudo martial arts demonstrations.
Food, fun and arts & crafts
On top of that, local Japanese restaurants will offer a tantalizing menu of bento boxes, rice bowls, ramen noodles, sushi, yakisoba, shaved ice and more at the Japanese Food Court and Beer Garden. Cultural exhibits and workshops include calligraphy, Bonsai, Ikebana flower arranging, Kimono fitting, origami, a tea ceremony and more.
photo credit: Pat Fahey
Kids will have a fantastic time experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. At the festival’s Children’s Area, they can make their own Japanese crafts and toys. They can even take part in carrying a traditional Japanese portable shrine at the o-mikoshi parade.
Visitors can also purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including kimono, Japanese tea, dolls, hand-made crafts, anime and manga goods and much from over 100 vendor booths.
photo credit: Joy Rogers, JapanFest
Many of the over 600 Japanese-affiliated companies based in Georgia will display their products at the Japanese Businesses in Georgia (JBiG) exhibition. Interactive exhibits also include the latest in Japanese technology, including automobiles, tractors, electronics, video games and virtual reality.
The details
Join over 20,000 visitors at this year’s JapanFest.
Advanced Tickets: $16 (available until September 20th)
Tickets at the Door: $20
Family & Friends Package: $70 for 4 tickets or $90 for 5 tickets (available at the door)
Children aged 6 and under: FREE
Military personnel and seniors can purchase tickets at a discounted rate of $16 at the door.
Group tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations looking to support the festival and gain a larger presence in the Japanese American community.
JapanFest would not be possible without the help of over 150 volunteers. To fill out a volunteer application, please visit japanfest.org/participate and click on “Volunteer.” For more information, call 404-522-6938 or email: lendon@japanfest.org.
Anna is a contributor to Peachtree Corners Magazine. She graduated with a B.A. in English Composition from Georgia State University and has five years of experience performing multimedia writing, editing, and publishing for automotive, small business, and general assignment media.
The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.
This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.
The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.
Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.
In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.
Meeting details
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners
Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)
It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!
Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.
This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.
All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.
Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.
Sponsorships available
In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.
T-shirt logo contest
Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.
The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.
I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.
Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.
The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:
1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.
2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.
3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.
4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.
These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.
Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.
Here’s what we are doing:
1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.
2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.
3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.
4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.
Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.
Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.
Here are a few ways you can help:
• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.
• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.
• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.
I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.