Japan Festival

Attending Japan Fest with family and friends has become an annual tradition for us, celebrating Japanese culture through various art forms, performances, cuisine, and more. However, this year's crowd seemed smaller due to the concurrent Taylor Swift concert in the city. We eagerly anticipate Kaminari Taiko's performance, marking the festival's commencement. Notably, the Japanese Weekend School presented a delightful show featuring students aged 2-12, dressed in traditional komodos. Museum admission tickets were priced at $10, granting access to a fashion show, cosplay contests, and demonstrations by the Montoya Dance Group and Karate Association. Food and beverages were available for purchase outside the Besthoff Sculpture Garden's main gate.

Japan Fest is one of those things that I've meant to go to for years...and just somehow never make it out there. It is sponsored by the Japan Society of New Orleans and takes place in and around NOMA.I got there mid afternoon and the crowds were big but not unmanageable. There were demonstrations on the front steps by a variety of groups (drummers, aikido, dance). Costuming was encouraged and some of these were *great* and others were...let's dress like a pirate but that's OK too. There were folks discussing how to write a haiku and demonstrating (and selling) calligraphy and art. Plus beaucoup Japanese goods for sale. I wish there had been more food (only Cafe NOMA and 1 food truck outside). But the admission price of $5 (free for NOMA members) was good and worth the price for the people watching.

Check out the performances of Kaminari Taiko Drumming and take a tour in the botanical gardens with the Japanese Garden Foundation. Lacking in food vendor options (sushi Burger? Mochi ice cream?), this festival excels by offering a variety of cultural options: fashion, dance, martial artistry, design and academics. The purveyors and performers are enthusiastic and friendly, especially the Japan Society at UNO (learn how to teach English abroad!). This is an annual must-experience!!