The 12th Natsu Matsuri

On July 10th, the 12th annual Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) was held by JETAA Ottawa at Marion Dewar Plaza, Ottawa City Hall.

In his remarks, Ambassador Monji referred the contribution that JET (the Japan Exchange and Teaching) Programme, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, makes to the promotion of Japan-Canada relationships. City of Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson also made remarks and thanked JETAA Ottawa and the Japan-related groups for organizing this event and helping the exchange between Ottawa citizens and the Japanese community.

During Natsu Matsuri, more than 1200 people gathered and enjoyed performances by Taiko (Japanese drums) groups, Japanese dances and demonstrations of Japanese martial arts as well as many booths. The Embassy also ran an information booth for people interested in the JET Programme and working holiday visas, and a booth to introduce Mugi-cha (barley tea), Kirigami (Japanese paper cutting) and tourism in Japan.

Ambassador Monji making remarks	Mayor Jim Watson making remarks

JETAA Ottawa president Ms. Janelle Weibelzahl making remarks	Ambassador and Mrs. Monji, Mayor Watson and JETAA Ottawa executives

People visiting booths	Embassy booth

Mayor Watson visiting Embassy booth	Kumamoto Fundraising booth

Japanese high school volunteers helping serving Japanese hotdogs and fried noodles	Mayor Watson and Ambassador and Mrs. Monji tasting Japanese style hotdogs

Performance by Oto-Wa Taiko	Demonstration by Hayabusa Ninjutu	Japanese dance by Emi no Kai
Demonstration by Takahashi Dojo	Performance by Dagaku	Performance by Suzume Dance
Bon-odori dance by Minyokai	Demonstration by Tateyama Iaido & Kendojo	Audience