The 17th Aki Matsuri and Sake Pavilion in Nevada

On Saturday, October 10, the 17th Aki Matsuri was held at Waterstreet Plaza in Henderson, Nevada by the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (JFAN). Consul General Kotaro Otsuki attended the festival. Ambassador of Japan to the United States of America Hon. Shigeo Yamada also joined, giving remarks to the audience, along with U.S. Representative Dina Titus and other dignitaries.

The festival presented a full day and evening of Japanese cultural programming including traditional dance and music, hands-on workshops of tea and ikebana, martial arts, Japanese food booths, and, especially featured this year, the Taiko Taikai with performances by multiple taiko groups and experts from Nevada and California.

At the Consulate’s booth, information on tourism to Japan, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program, and studying in Japan were provided alongside activities to introduce Japanese language.

As part of the 17th Aki Matsuri, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco partnered with JFAN to hold the Sake Pavillion. This area for sampling Japanese alcoholic beverages while showcasing their appeal with a particular focus on sake. Participants aged 21 and over were provided with a deeper understanding of sake and shochu through sampling a variety of products and conversations with experts, including Chris Johnson, AKA the “Sake Ninja”.