Flowers and film will be two of the major highlights of Japan Fair 2015, a weekend extravaganza of Japanese food, music and arts to be held Sept. 26-27 at the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC) Plaza in Little Tokyo.
Renowned artist Yasuhiko Fujisawa will travel from Japan to create three large-scale murals consisting entirely of multicolored flower petals. Children and parents attending the fair will be able to participate and assist this master of “infiorata,” a unique technique originating in Italy, as he makes these Japanese-inspired works of art.
Japan Fair 2015 is also proud to host Japan Film Festival 2015, where the hit anime “Yokai Watch” is scheduled to make its Los Angeles premiere. Children attending the screening will get the chance to dance together with “Yokai Watch” costumed character Jibanyan. Manga fans will also enjoy the international premiere of the live-action drama series “Attack on Titan: Hangeki no Noroshi.”
The fair’s main stage will feature taiko, koto and shamisen performances, kendo demonstrations, and a children’s choir, among other entertainers. There will be various food booths, a beer garden, and a sake-tasting area, where experts will be on hand to explain the finer points of Japanese rice wine.
“We decided on ‘Children, Our Future’ as theme of the Japan Fair 2015 because they are the ones who will carry on our culture and traditions here in the U.S.,” stated Yoshio Lee Aoki, president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “We also hope to encourage those who have never been to Japan to visit our wonderful country.”
Japan Fair 2015 will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are only $3 in advance and $5 on the day of the event.
The event is organized jointly by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Orange County Japanese American Association, and JACCC. Funds raised go towards community development initiatives.
For more information, visit www.japanfair.org.