The Japan Festival of Houston, hosted by the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH), held their 32nd Annual festival this year in Hermann Park, near downtown Houston.
The festival ran from Sept. 6-7, both days lasting through 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and was free admission for all. Attendees arrived as early as 30 minutes before, with lines forming outside of popular food stalls prior to opening.
At the festival, attendees were greeted by a wide variety of vendors offering an equally wide variety of products and services, ranging from traditional dishes, snack foods, local handmade items, sake tastings, gachapon machines, and more.
Offerings of handmade items included anime-themed crocheted creations, Japanese inspired jewelry and accessories, and handcrafted stationery.
In addition to traditional dishes, such as okonomiyaki and takoyaki, more fusion-based dishes, like wagyu hotdogs and specialty drinks, were also served.
Local Japanese restaurants also had their own stands at the festival. Izakaya Wa, one such restaurant, was present and selling a selection of staple items, including their curry and yakisoba.
Alongside these vendors were ongoing traditional festival activities, including Kingyo Sukui (Goldfish scooping), Yo-yo Tsuri (Japanese water balloon yo-yos), Garapon Lottery, and a few other activities for families to enjoy. Attendees were able to purchase tickets to play and participate in these games at the entrance closest to the main parking lot.
The festival also offered unique personal experiences, such as a meet and greet with JAXA astronaut, Ayu Yoneda, in which attendees were able to receive the astronaut’s signature as well as snag a photo with them.
There were multiple different shows hosted at the festival, including Kendama contests, martial arts displays, Taiko drumming, and live musical performances.
This year’s performing headliner was the all-female production, Takarazuka OG Show [Forever], with their two evening performances at the Miller Outdoor Theater commemorating the troupe’s 110th anniversary.
To learn more about the JASH, as well as stay up-to-date on any future events, you can visit their website.
