On Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, the J-POP SUMMIT Festival 2015 was held across four locations in San Francisco, including Fort Mason Center.
The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco supported several events at the festival, including SAKE SUMMIT (sake tasting event) at Union Square, and film screenings at the 3rd Japan Film Festival in San Francisco, which will be screening films at New People Cinema in Japantown until August 16, 2015.
1. J-POP SUMMIT Festival Opening Night
On Friday, August 7th, Consul General Jun Yamada attended the opening event for the J-POP SUMMIT Festival 2015, which was held at San Francisco’s Castro Theater. Continuing on the themes of the greeting given by NEW PEOPLE CEO Mr. Seiji Horibuchi, Consul General Yamada commented that many aspects of what is viewed as traditional Japanese culture today were once pop culture at the time of its formation. He also expressed his gratitude for the great efforts of all parties involved in the festival. During the event, Japanese Actor Tadanobu Asano received the 3rd Japan Film Festival of San Francisco’s Honorary Award.
| Date: |
Friday, August 7, 2015 |
| Location: |
Castro Theater (San Francisco) |
2. Japanese Sake Tasting Event: SAKE SUMMIT in Union Square
Last year’s popular sake tasting event received an upgrade this year as SAKE SUMMIT and moved to Union Square. Both local and Japanese sake manufacturers and distributors, with the cooperation of local sake specialist stores, were able to introduce the breadth of and charm of Japanese sake culture with tastings of sake, shochu (distilled liquor), and plum wine. Because of its location in union Square, not only local Bay Area residents but also tourists from all over the world were able to enjoy Japanese sake, some for the first time.
| Date: |
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 9, 2015 |
| Location: |
Union Square (San Francisco) |
3. Japanese Tea Event: MATCHA SUMMIT in Union Square
In conjunction with SAKE SUMMIT, MATCHA SUMMIT was held for the first time to introduce Japanese tea culture. During this event, Japanese tea and confectionery makers introduced their products and attendees were able to participate in the Japanese Tea Ceremony with cooperation from local tea organizations, Urasenke Tankokai (Aug. 8th) and Omotesenke Domonkai (Aug. 9th). Thanks to all of the participating organizations, many visitors were able to experience the charm of healthy Japanese tea.
| Date: |
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 9, 2015 |
| Location: |
Union Square (San Francisco) |
4. Japanese Film Screening: “Vancouver Asahi”@ New People Cinema in San Francisco Japantown
During the 3rd Japan Film Festival of San Francisco, a special screening of “Vancouver Asahi” was held reflecting on the history of Japanese in North America during this, the 70th anniversary since the end of World War Two. About 90 people viewed the film which tells the true story of Japanese Canadians in Vancouver just before the outset of the war and their trials and tribulations as an immigrant community. Prior to the screening, Consul General Yamada remarked on the significance of the film.
The film festival will continue until August 16. The Consulate General of Japan will also be screening the documentary, “Birth of Sake”, depicting the sake brewing practices of a brewery in Japan. The screenings will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16. We welcome all those interested to come and view the screenings.
| Date: |
Saturday, August 8, 2015 |
| Location: |
New People Cinema (San Francisco) |
5. Performances by Teenage Girl Group “Little Glee Monster”
On Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, the Japanese teen girl vocal group, Little Glee Monster, on tour with support by the Japan Foundation, gave performances at Fort Mason Center and Union Square. Audiences were amazed by their talent and gave a healthy round of applause following their performances.
| Date: |
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 9, 2015 |
| Location |
Fort Mason Center and Union Square (San Francisco) |
6. Japan Information Booth
The Consulate staffed its information booth to provide information and distribute materials to the public on Japanese culture, tourism, and the JET Program. Visitors were also able to try their hand at traditional Japanese toys like kendama, and meet the newest staff member of the Consulate General of Japan: Paro, the cuddly therapeutic robotic seal.
| Date: |
Saturday, August 8 - Sunday, August 9, 2015 |
| Location: |
Union Square (San Francisco) |
