Around the world, spring is a symbol for change. It marks the growth and expecting of beautiful flowers and fresh air. Spring is an important time, especially for the Japanese. They consider it the time of youths, love, and growth. This sort of timing makes it appropriate and considerate of Boston’s annual event called the Japan Festival Boston!
Japan Festival Boston is an annual matsuri event that takes place in the Boston Commons. Matsuri is an outside festival that takes place in important times in Japan such as New Years. Last year, Japan Festival Boston had over 60,000 people attend and 100 booths to show off all sorts of Japanese Culture. The booths consist of food attraction, art, games, and even some kendo! Kendo is the traditional martial art of sword fighting and Shinkendo will be performing a live display of traditional swordsmanship. There will be other great shows on stage such as live bands, calligraphy art, and even a stunt action team. Seriously, this is wicked cool and for it to be happening outdoors at Boston Commons makes it even more amazing; the perfect way to start off the spring.
If there is one thing that allows people to experience other culture at an efficient and cool manner, it’s food. Japan Festival Boston is expecting 37 food booths from all over Boston that specializes in Japanese delicacy. There will be booths that sell yakisoba, okonomiyaki, Japanese curry, sweets, and OF COURSE, SUSHI! If you can’t tell, I’m a fan of sushi. So come on down and try out some new food, you never know what you’ll like!
Japan Festival Boston is also having silent auction. This year, they will be raffling off some amazing prizes. The grand prizes are a night’s stay at the Kinugawa Kanaya Hotel, a two-night stays at Kyoto Tokyu Hotel, one-night stay Narita Excel, a two-night stay in Imperial Hotel, and a one-night stay famous hotel in TOKYO! Yes, all the hotel prizes are in Japan, so you have the opportunity to actually go to the land of the rising sun. Other prizes include a year of unlimited ramen at Yume Wo Katare, private jazz concert, Japanese movie festival ticket and dinner with directors, Boston private sailing, Japanese tea ceremony and dinner, China town dinner with the Matsuri committee, a porcelain vase, a platinum vuvu cosmetic set, a private sushi-making lesson with Yoshiko Sullivan, and Hiromi-s Flower arrangement private lesson, just in time for a Mother’s day gift.
Anytime I see major events like this it puts a smile on my face because it draws together all different types of people with the same interests. That, to me, is the importance and what makes culture so valuable. So my message to Japan Festival Boston, I think you're on the right track, so keep it up! If you're in the Boston area, take the train to the Japan Festival Culture in Boston Common, 139 Tremont St. The best part, the admission costs NOTHING! It's a free event and the only things you will have to pay for are merchandise, food, and raffle tickets for some awesome prizes. The event will take place on April 30th, 2017 from 11 A.M. to 6 P.M. The weather is expected to be in the high 50s and partly cloudy, so dress nicely and comfortably! This will be my first time going and I hope to see a record setting attendance! Here's the website if you want to see more and download the official guide for the event: www.japanfestivalbosotn.org. Don't worry, if you can't make it, remember it’s an annual event so there is always next year. I can't wait to see you all there, Enjoy!!!
