Japan Fest to feature cultural activities

The Japan Club of New Orleans and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville, Tenn., has joined with the New Orleans Museum of Art and will present the 2009 Japan Fest on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the museum.

The event is supported by the participation of the regional Japanese groups, including Zen-Noh Grain, IHI Steel, Continental Airlines, CMP Marine Paints and other organizations.

The Kaminari Taiko of Houston will open the festival, playing the Japanese big drum at the steps of the museum at 10 a.m. Throughout the day, visitors can explore many facets of Japanese culture through the demonstrations, performances and exhibits.

The displays of calligraphy, origami, ikebana, bonsai as well as other arts and crafts will be presented by the Japan Club of New Orleans, the Japanese Weekend School of New Orleans, Ikebana International New Orleans Chapter and the Bonsai Club of New Orleans.

Many performances will also be presented including martial arts demonstrations. Also on the stage will also be several Japanese dance groups including the Kozakura Dance Troupe and the Japanese Weekend School. A solo dance will be presented by Midori Mochizuki of Takahama Ryu Mitsujuroku Dance Academy.

There will also be a violin presentation by the Greater New Orleans Suzuki Forum and a tea ceremony by the Japanese Tea Club.

There will be several informational booths including one by the Hokubei Nikkei News and the Summer Study Abroad Program to Japan sponsored by the University of New Orleans.

Other presenters include the New Orleans Zen Temple, the Crane's Go Club, the New Orleans Haiku Society, and the Louisiana State Museum.

Tours of NOMA's Japanese painting and ceramics collections will be conducted.

In the meadow adjacent to the museum, Japanese and American food will be available, as well as hands-on activities for adults and children.

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