The mission of JapanFest is to improve understanding and appreciation of linkages between Japanese and Americans residing in the Southeastern United States through an annual salute to Japanese culture and friendship entitled JapanFest.
This celebration will promote multicultural education, encourage social harmony, and ensure the cultural integrity of JapanFest by providing an appropriate mix of authentic contemporary and traditional programs on Japanese art and culture.
What is now referred to as "JapanFest" began in 1981 as Japan Week, a biannual series of Japan-related cultural events organized by the Consulate General of Japan that took place around the city of Atlanta. In 1986, the name was changed to JapanFest, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, the Japan America Society of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan organized their own events under the title of JapanFest.
With annual crowds exceeding 17,000, JapanFest marks its 25th year as the largest Japanese cultural festival in the Southeast.
Above JapanfFest Atlanta celebrates its 25th Anniversary at the Gwinnett Center Convention Center.
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Rise Up ! Japan
@ JapanFest Inc. / Photography by Richard O'Kelley
Yosakoi is a style of dance that originated in the city of Kochi Japan in 1954. Yosakoi is a modern rendition of a traditional summer dance, Awa Odori. Yosakoi-style dancing has spread throughout Japan. This style of dance is highly energetic, combining modern music with traditional Japanese dance movements.
The costumes used by yosakoi teams vary widely. Happi coats and yukata are the most predominant. Typically, all team members wear similar costumes and colors.
One defining aspects of yosakoi dance is the use of small wooden clappers called naruko. Naruko were originally used in Kochi to scare birds away from the rice fields. Modern yosakoi groups create their own naruko, choosing colors that match their costumes.
