The 8th Japanese Summer Festival hosted by JETAA Ottawa
The 8th JETAA Summer Festival was held at the Vincent Massey Park on Saturday, August 18th.
The event was organized by the JETAA with the cooperation of the local Japanese Community and cultural organizations to introduce Japanese culture and cuisine. Under sunny skies, many people attended with their families, and the event was a great success that the Japanese hot dogs prepared for 500 people were sold out instantly.
Opening remarks were made by Mr. Alex Svetlovsky, President of JETAA Ottawa, Member of Provincial Parliament Mr. Yasir Naqvi, and Ambassador Ishikawa. Ambassador Ishikawa praised the initiative of the JETAA for organizing the festival, stressing that such events and the JET Programme itself is a valuable opportunity that strengthens the cultural ties between Japan and Canada. In addition, Ambassador Ishikawa expressed his profound gratitude to the JETAA for organizing some charity events that support the reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
A variety of performances were made on the main stage, including: Japanese drums, martial arts, Shamisen, a duet by a former JET participant and a Japanese singer, Japanese folk dance, and a raffle was drawn for Japanese goods. Separate booths were set up for Japanese hot dogs, calligraphy and ink painting workshops, a photo gallery of Japanese landscapes taken by JETAA members, a Bonsai exhibit, and face painting. Many participants enjoyed experiencing Japanese culture alongside JETAA members and volunteers who were dressed in Yukata and Jinbei.
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