Did you know? Arizona has been hosting the Japanese Matsuri for almost 25 years now!
Matsuri is 'festival' in Japanese, so it would be semantically wrong to dub the festival as 'the Matsuri festival.' The Matsuri of Arizona is a very extensive festival to celebrate the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun in American Soil. And what a very extensive festival it is.
They have tons, and I mean, TONS of events. They have the famous Kyo Rei Taiko Kai, or the beating of the Japanese drums. The ondo, or the japanese folk dance in the streets. There is also the modern "J-Rock" fest, more drums and music and even hands-on demos for the interested tourist. Very exotic and very nice to look at. It's an explosion of music and dancing for the whole day.
There's also the Budokai, japanese for martial arts tournament. It is a highly interesting competition open for all forms of martial arts. There are displays of katana drawing (shinkendo), spear play (naginata jutsu), and fencing (kendo). In time, by the next few years, they could include other forms of weaponry like the Japanese bow, or those cool ninja stars and sickle-chains. I have always wondered about those ever since I was a kid.
For the kids, there is the cosplay (kosupure) or costume play, held by the local comics organization. While the older folks can have a hand with the weapons, the kids can do well with their favorite anime characters coming to life (made by fans, for fans).
The event lasts for two days, but each hour is packed with enough culture to make you go Japanese. It's highly organized, and the publicity is good. Tourists in Arizona are advised to join in the festivities, if not for the sights and then at least for the sounds. I'm sure everyone will love it.
Matsuri is 'festival' in Japanese, so it would be semantically wrong to dub the festival as 'the Matsuri festival.' The Matsuri of Arizona is a very extensive festival to celebrate the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun in American Soil. And what a very extensive festival it is.
They have tons, and I mean, TONS of events. They have the famous Kyo Rei Taiko Kai, or the beating of the Japanese drums. The ondo, or the japanese folk dance in the streets. There is also the modern "J-Rock" fest, more drums and music and even hands-on demos for the interested tourist. Very exotic and very nice to look at. It's an explosion of music and dancing for the whole day.
There's also the Budokai, japanese for martial arts tournament. It is a highly interesting competition open for all forms of martial arts. There are displays of katana drawing (shinkendo), spear play (naginata jutsu), and fencing (kendo). In time, by the next few years, they could include other forms of weaponry like the Japanese bow, or those cool ninja stars and sickle-chains. I have always wondered about those ever since I was a kid.
For the kids, there is the cosplay (kosupure) or costume play, held by the local comics organization. While the older folks can have a hand with the weapons, the kids can do well with their favorite anime characters coming to life (made by fans, for fans).
The event lasts for two days, but each hour is packed with enough culture to make you go Japanese. It's highly organized, and the publicity is good. Tourists in Arizona are advised to join in the festivities, if not for the sights and then at least for the sounds. I'm sure everyone will love it.
About the Author:
Ian Kleine has his eye out for festivals in Arizona. Good thing he has Arizona Craft Shows to keep him updated. Visit Arizona Craft Fairs and be in with the shows and festivals, in and out.
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