Japanfest 2012 - This Weekend - Saturday, Sept. 15th and Sunday Sept. 16th

It's time for JapanFest! Mom and I went last year, and it was so much fun! I loved trying all of the Japanese foods and looking at Japanese products, as well as all of the cultural events such as martial arts and music. It was awesome! This year, JapanFest Weekend will be held on September 15-16, 2012, from 10 am to 6 pm (Saturday) and 10am to 5pm (Sunday) at the Convention Center at Gwinnett Center (located at 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097).

Here is some more info -

JapanFest, now in its 26th year, is the largest Japanese festival east of Houston and south of Washington, DC, and typically draws crowds exceeding 19,000. Organized by The Japan-America Society of Georgia and The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, JapanFest is designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast.

Tickets are $8. Children age 6 or younger free. Teachers can bring their students to JapanFest for free by applying online at www.japanfest.org. Larger organizations can save money by purchasing advanced ticket packages online.

JapanFest will feature a variety of musical performances sure to suit all ages and interests, including taiko drumming, J-Rock and J-Pop, and classical music.

Dance performances will include both traditional and modern Japanese dance, as well as traditional Okinawan dance. All are invited to join in the spirited Bon dance!

For visitors who have always wanted to try on an authentic Japanese kimono, the Konnichiwa Club will dress attendees from head to toe in the latest kimono from Japan. JapanFest will also feature a variety of exciting workshops on various aspects of Japanese culture.

For fans of martial arts, JapanFest will feature demonstrations of virtually every Japanese martial art in existence, including aikido, karate, kendo, kyudo, and sumo.

Visitors can purchase an amazing array of Japanese goods, including kimono, Japanese tea, dolls, and rice paper. The Japan-America Society of Georgia will have t-shirts and temporary tattoos; the Ginza-dori, organized by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia and named after Tokyo's famous shopping district, will feature Japanese ceramics, traditional Japanese clothing and accessories and fun items such as masks and toys; at the Bazaar on Sunday organized by the Georgia Japanese Language School you will find books and household goods. Traditional Okinawan items will also be available.

Kids will have a fantastic time experiencing Japanese culture firsthand. In our Childrenfs Area, they can make their own Japanese tops, and the Suburban Atlanta Kite Enthusiasts will be on hand to teach them how to make a Japanese kite. The Ginza Dori shopping arcade has tons of games and activities for kids as well, such as ring toss, water yo-yos, Japanese toys, and more! They can even take part in carrying the o-mikoshi, a traditional Japanese portable shrine.

Many of the approximately 460 Japanese companies based in Georgia will display their products in the Made in Georgia exhibition. Interactive exhibits include the latest in Japanese technology, such as automobiles, tractors, and electronics.

JapanFest features the best of Japanese cuisine in Atlanta! Local Japanese restaurants will offer a tantalizing menu of roll sushi, bento boxes, ramen noodles, takoyaki, shaved ice, curry rice, yakisoba, torikaraage, and more!

JapanFest is not possible without the help of over 150 volunteers. To fill out an application, please visit www.japanfest.org.

No pets other than guide dogs are allowed inside the convention center. For more information, call 404-842-0736.