JapanFest

Duluth, GA -
JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 19-20, 2009, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Convention Center at Gwinnett Center (located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097).

JapanFest

September 19-20, 2009

Where: Convention Center at Gwinnett Center

Website: JapanFest.org

JapanFest, now in its 23rd year, is the largest Japanese festival east of Houston and south of Washington, DC, and typically draws crowds exceeding 18,500. Organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan, JapanFest is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast.

Tickets are $8, children age 6 or younger free. Teachers can bring their students to JapanFest for free by applying online. Larger organizations can save money by purchasing advanced ticket packages online.

The theme of this year's festival is Cool Japan. "Cool Japan" is a term that describes the growing international interest in Japanese culture, especially in the realms of fashion, anime, music, cuisine, and technology. JapanFest 2009 will explore these aspects of modern Japanese pop culture through a modern kimono fashion show, anime screenings, fun Japanese foods such as shaved ice and plenty of sushi, a Japanese car show, the latest products manufactured right here in Georgia by Japanese companies, and more!

As always, JapanFest will feature a spectacular variety of musical performances, martial arts demonstrations, workshops, bonsai, ikebana, and more. All are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance. Chick the website for updates.

Visitors can purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including books, kimono, Japanese tea, dolls, and rice paper. The Japan-America Society of Georgia will have t-shirts and temporary tattoos; the Ginza-dori, organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and named after Tokyo's famous shopping district, will feature Japanese ceramics, traditional Japanese clothing and accessories and fun items such as masks and toys; at the Bazaar on Sunday organized by the Georgia Japanese Language School you will find books and household goods.

For more information, visit japanfest.org.