JapanFest Returns!
Atlanta, GA -Nothing cements Atlanta's place as a world-class city as much as the sheer number of international businesses with major headquarters in the city. These range from Deutche Telekom to AT&T to Sony Disc Manufacturing to Matsushita Communication.
These last two are reminders of the relatively large presence in Georgia, and Atlanta particularly, of Japanese businesses. Over the past several decades Atlanta has welcomed increasing numbers of Japanese corporations into the state, and for the past sixteen years this association has paid cultural dividends as well.
JapanFest brings Japanese culture, arts and cuisine to Atlanta in settings unique and oddly reminiscent of Japan in its grandeur and simplicity.
JapanFest is the Japanese community's outreach to the people of Georgia and the Southeast. Various aspects of Japanese life, art and culture are explored through a series of workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and performances. And, you can register for the chance to win airline tickets to Japan!
JapanFest brings Japanese culture, arts and cuisine to Atlanta in settings unique and oddly reminiscent of Japan in its grandeur and simplicity.
September 21st and 22nd, Stone Mountain's Events Meadow will take on a breathtakingly new look. The sights, sounds and aromas of Japan will tastefully cover the Meadow, as an authentic Japanese outdoor festival unfolds.
Starting at 11am the JapanFest gate off Old Hugh Howell Road just inside the Park will open. Extending around the gate will be representatives from over 30 of the estimated 360 Japanese firms located in Georgia.
Upon entering the Events Meadow visitors will first see the children's area and the Sumo pavilion. Among the activates available for the kids are Origami lessons, Origami boat races, chopsticks relay races, Japanese puppet-making, Kanji hopscotch, and the fish market toss.
Throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday Sumo wrestling demonstrations will take place. Yes, the Sumo we've all seen on TV and in the movies, only this will feature authentic Sumo wrestlers, and not actors!
Further inside the Meadow visitor will come upon such traditional Japanese activities as Taiko Drum concerts, dance performances, cultural workshops - even Japanese food and beer gardens!
The Workshop Pavilion will have classes on calligraphy, haiku, and, of course, the Japanese Tea Ceremony. These will be led by eminently qualified instructors, and have in years past been considered one of the major highlights of JapanFest.
Martial Arts demonstrations will take place at a stage near the Ginza dori, JapanFest's version of the famed Ginza shopping district in Tokyo. The athletes will take the stage at 11am and perform every hour on the hour until 4pm.
The Atlanta Koi Club hosts the 7th Annual Atlanta Koi Show at the festival, and Atlanta Bonsai Society will display some of their amazing collection of Bonsai trees.
Not all the events take place at Stone Mountain, however. A Japanese Film Festival honoring Ozu Yasujiro is being hosted by Emory University. Three of his films will be shown at the University's White Hall starting September 12th. Call (404) 727-6761 for more information.
Fernbank Science Center Planetarium and the Consulate General of Japan are organizing a program on "Sky Lore of Japan." This program will be offered September 10 & 17 at 8pm, and September 14 & 21 at 11am.
Japan's contributions to Atlanta's economy
are more than matched by the beauty and exotic wonder JapanFest brings
to the city. Add in the scenic splendor of Stone Mountain Park in the full
blaze of fall, and you have an event worthy of the culture it celebrates! 
