2018 Natsu Matsuri - Japan Festival
2018/7/27
On July 22nd, the 14th Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) was held by JETAA Ottawa at Ottawa City Hall. An estimated 1,400 people came to enjoy this annual event throughout the day.
In his remarks, Minister Akio Isomata spoke about the importance of the JET Programme (the Japan Exchange and Teaching) and the contribution that participants and JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) Ottawa members make towards Japan-Canada relations. He tied the success of programs such as JET to the recent rise in tourism between the two countries.
Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor also made remarks, pointing out the vibrant Japanese community that exists in Ottawa, and the importance of cultural events such as Natsu Matsuri for celebrating this diversity. He also congratulated the JET Programme on its success in connecting people from both countries, and noted the celebration coincides with the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations.
During the event, participants enjoyed performances of traditional dance and music, as well as martial arts and craftsmanship. There were also many Japan-related booths introducing Bonsai, Japanese knife forging, animation, tea, origami and calligraphy.
The Embassy ran booths serving yakisoba (Japanese Stir Fried Noodles) and facilitated cultural activities such as wood-block prints based on the ukiyo-e technique, among others. In addition they promoted tourism in Japan, the JET Programme, Japanese government scholarships (MEXT), and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
In his remarks, Minister Akio Isomata spoke about the importance of the JET Programme (the Japan Exchange and Teaching) and the contribution that participants and JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) Ottawa members make towards Japan-Canada relations. He tied the success of programs such as JET to the recent rise in tourism between the two countries.
Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor also made remarks, pointing out the vibrant Japanese community that exists in Ottawa, and the importance of cultural events such as Natsu Matsuri for celebrating this diversity. He also congratulated the JET Programme on its success in connecting people from both countries, and noted the celebration coincides with the 90th Anniversary of Japan-Canada diplomatic relations.
During the event, participants enjoyed performances of traditional dance and music, as well as martial arts and craftsmanship. There were also many Japan-related booths introducing Bonsai, Japanese knife forging, animation, tea, origami and calligraphy.
The Embassy ran booths serving yakisoba (Japanese Stir Fried Noodles) and facilitated cultural activities such as wood-block prints based on the ukiyo-e technique, among others. In addition they promoted tourism in Japan, the JET Programme, Japanese government scholarships (MEXT), and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).
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| A guest making wood-block prints | The Embassy of Japan cooking yakisoba | The audience watching a kendo demonstration |
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| The audience watching traditional Japanese dance | Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor giving remarks | Minister Akio Isomata giving remarks |
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| Minister Akio Isomata, Deputy Mayor Mark Taylor, and President of JETAA Ottawa Brandon Wallace | The Audience watching a taiko performance | Embassy cultural activities |
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| Japanese knife forging demonstration by KnifeWear Ottawa | Guests trying on kimono |
The audience watching an aikido demonstration |
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The audience listening to the shamisen |
People enjoying Natsu Matsuri |