Just in one place and once a year you will find Taiko drum concerts, dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, cultural workshops, tea ceremony, kimono, calligraphy, amazing Japanese food and exotic drinks, bonsai trees, and contemporary and traditional music, all in one roof. Yes, I’m talking about The Japan Fest!

The Japan Fest 2011

For the last 3 years, we go as family to this event. Japan Fest is a large Japanese event held every September in Atlanta, GA. It is organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and the Consulate General of Japan.

I feel It’s getting better with the years! Japanfest 2011’s big draws were the events and the exhibitions. The exhibition hall was littered with vendors and sponsors selling and promoting. One of my favorite exhibitions was a Photography Gallery detailing the aftermath of the disaster and the progress that has been made on reconstruction, we got to listen to lectures by those who have volunteered and otherwise contributed to reconstruction efforts, and special merchandise was sold for fundraising efforts.

My second favorite, the food court! They exhibited various Japanese restaurants; I tried some delicious okonomiyaki by Kotobuki for just $3, the best Thai Tea by Suno Dessert and off course Suchi.

More than 10,000 people visited the event, yet JapanFest was a very peaceful and organized show. We photographed many activities and exhibitions but, for time sake, I am sharing just a few.