Aki Matsuri: A Celebration of Japanese Culture to be Held at Witte Museum

SPONSORED - The Japan-America Society of San Antonio (JASSA) is pleased to announce that its annual Aki Matsuri will be held on Sunday, October 8th, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Witte Museum!

In Japan, an Aki Matsuri, or fall festival, takes place after the rice harvest to thank the gods for a fruitful harvest, as well as pray for the continued well-being of the community. In the same spirit of thanks, JASSA’s Aki Matsuri aims to celebrate Japanese culture through its theme of Discover Japan. Attendees will be exposed to the many aspects of Japanese culture through specially designed stations, each offering a glimpse of the country’s captivating history, food, and art. We will also host a variety of demonstrations, such as tea ceremony, martial arts, and shakuhachi. Our festival will culminate with a main stage performance by taiko drum master Isaku Kageyama. Mr. Kageyama, a two-time National Odaiko (large drum) champion, with performances in locales from Brazil to the United Emirates, promises to fill our viewers with a sense of awe and a renewed appreciation of the traditional art.
Sating our attendees’ appetites will be a variety of authentic Japanese foods, such as yakisoba (fried buckwheat noodles), takoyaki (fried octopus balls), gyudon (beef bowl), and many others. Our drink offerings will include, tea, Japanese Ramune, and iced coffee. Attendees will also have the option to purchase our commemorative cup, which apart from its delightful appearance, allows for discounted refills on lemonade for the duration of the event.
JASSA would like to extend an invitation to all residents of San Antonio and its surrounding areas to come and explore the beauty of Japan at this year’s Aki Matsuri. We hope that through our festival, our guests will develop a new appreciation and understanding of not only just Japan, but also its unique culture and traditions. Written by Marissa Arellano on behalf of JASSA