Japan Fest coming to Oakville
Published August 31, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Last year, Japanese street food filled the air of Celebration Square. Japanese sake and beer were imbibed under the warm August sun.
Last year, Japanese street food filled the air of Celebration Square. Japanese sake and beer were imbibed under the warm August sun.
More than 92,000 visitors descended on the square for Japan Festival CANADA 2019 (herein ‘Japan Fest’)
This year, Japan Fest will be a virtual experience, bringing Okinawa, kawaii fashion and Japanese directly into peoples’ homes. The Festival will be announcing the winner of the Virtual Talent Competition and giving away an amazing Dream Prize.
In what would have been its fifth year at Celebration Square, Japan Fest adapted to the new normal.
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“I think what differentiate us (Japan Fest) from other Japanese cultural events overseas is our ability to tailor Japanese art, culture, services and products to the specific needs of businesses and cities,” said Terry Wakasa, Japan Fest’s organizer.
The Festival has grown exponentially in the past five years. In 2016, 40,000 visitors attended what was then a one-day event. By 2019, the Festival more than doubled in size and since 2017, the event has been a two-day affair. Last year, Princess Takamado of the Japanese Imperial Family blessed the 905 with her presence, helping commemorate the 90th anniversary of Japan-Canada relations.
Wakasa is adamant on keeping the annual enthusiasm alive. He attributes the success of Japan Fest to the generous support of Japanese and Canadian sponsors and municipalities.
The Festival’s growth is also attributed to Japan’s soft power – the ability of Japanese cuisine, culture and technology to win the hearts and minds of people all over the world. And the sheer size of the Festival attests to the accessibility provided by Mississauga’s proudest public space, Celebration Square.
JOIN VIRTUAL JAPAN FESTIVAL CANADA 2020
The Virtual Japan Festival CANADA 2020 will be going live on:
Saturday, August 29th at 7 pm at www.japanfestivalcanada.com
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