Kizuna Japanese Society Celebrates Japanese Culture at the 7th Annual Spring Festival
On Saturday, April 6, The Kizuna Japanese Society organized its 7th annual Spring Festival to celebrate all that represents Japanese culture. The festival was set up at Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza in Lorenzi Park where eager people filled booths and seats, excited to participate in the festivities.
A combination of art, tea, calligraphy, Taiko, Koto, music, Dana, and martial arts provided newcomers to Japanese culture much to explore.
Kizuna Japanese Society
Per its website, the Kizuna Japanese Society was established in 2011 and is a community-oriented, non-profit volunteer organization. It serves the community by supporting philanthropic activities and services in the Japanese community. They have created a network of people in Las Vegas who are interested in Japanese art, food, and language and in promoting the culture.
The word ‘Kizuna’ refers to the bonds or close relationships between people formed through mutual trust and support. The organization aims to build a multifunctional cultural community center where members and the public can also gather to help people in need, particularly elderly people.
7th Annual Kizuna Spring Festival
Sights and Smells
To provide an enlightening Japanese cultural experience to the public, the festival started at 11 AM. Booths popped up on the outskirts of the stage, with seats neatly available on the field for the performances scheduled. Volunteers handled all the Kizuna cultural booths.
The booths ranged from tea ceremonies, calligraphy, origami, and a kimono experience, where Kizuna offered the experience of wearing a kimono at the festival. There was also an Ikebana workshop and the Kizuna store. All these booths provided an experience of Japanese culture.
Food vendors also offered delicious things to try, attracting hungry people throughout the day. The aromas of the various foods mixed and floated around the festival grounds, making many look around and head toward the long lines or contemplate seconds. The temperature rose as the sun beamed into the park, and drinks became more prominent throughout the festival. People consumed green teas, boba, and other assorted beverages to quench their thirst while walking around and enjoying the festivities.
Vendors of All Kinds
The food vendors present at the festival were Kizuna Kitchen, Tian Beverage, Mochilicious, Kuramoto Ice, 808 Sushi, Boba Haus, Teppan Yakisoba, and ShakeRamen Inc. Food truck.
With the variety of food to enjoy, the vendors provided well for the festivities, making for a perfect day of basking in the sun and enjoying Japanese culture. All these booths and vendors managed their own lines that filled the park with expressions of approval.
The general vendors present at the festival also ranged from a variety of stores, organizations, and groups that service the community. Hobby One Japan was one of the stores present at the event. They offered a plastic mod workshop for anyone wanting to participate. Leading Las Vegas Realty also provided information for those interested.
As for organizations and groups helping the community, Humana Inc. provided information for those in need of health insurance and PPD Development for information on clinical trials. These organizations and businesses provided information and opportunities for those needing aid in certain general affairs.
Another group present at the festival was the Las Vegas Okinawan Club. This non-profit organization offers many ways to explore Okinawa’s culture through food, art, performing arts, language, and taiko drums. Not only did they have a booth at the festival, but some of their members also performed on the stage during the festival.
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The Stage
The festivities also took place on the event stage. Jam-packed with several Japanese musicians, dancers, and comedian groups, the schedule even showcased a ceremony of appreciation held by delegates to celebrate the festival.
Some of the musicians performing included Shoji Kumamoto, who sang the national anthem, Machiko Oshiro, Ninjazz, Tendo Baikoki, Rimiko Paro, the drum sounds of the Okinawa Taiko group, and the Korabo Taiko group.
A comedy body art performance, a first for the festival, was also presented on the stage. The performers, Bicsmalln, uplifted the crowd with laughter and enjoyment with their various poses and imitations of miscellaneous items and celebrities.
During the appreciation ceremony, delegates presented certificates of recognition to the Honorary Council of Japan and the Kizuna Japanese Society. Honorary Council General of Japan and President of the Japanese Festival Association of Nevada, Kathleen Blakely, accepted the certificates along with the Kizuna Japanese Society. The certificates recognized them for spreading soft diplomacy, spreading the culture, and educating people with the help of the Kizuna Society. Congresswoman Dina Titus also attended the festival and presented the certificate herself to the Kizuna Society.
Throughout the day, claps and yells of approval could be heard after each performance. People watched on the side as the seats were filled, and others sat on the grass and marveled at each performer. The atmosphere was nothing but joyful.
Off Stage Performances
Not all performances took place on the stage. Walking out of the festival grounds to the front entrance, one could glimpse what seemed like an impromptu performance of two members of the Kaminari Taiko group banging on two small drums as the dancers danced amongst the people outside the festival. Their dances and colorful uniforms attracted many, who watched in amazement.
#GetinMotion with The Kizuna Japanese Society
The 7th Annual Kizuna Spring Festival saw many people enter the park and enjoy themselves. The weather complimented the uplifting feeling that came with every performance, food, and beverage consumed and interaction throughout the day. Every booth had its line, and groups of people and families scattered inside and outside the festival ground spread Japanese culture everywhere.
The Kizuna Japanese Society organizes the festival every year for the City of Las Vegas. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook and visit their website for more info on the vendors and performers making the festival a rich experience. Also, check the events and organizations they participate in, support, and organize throughout the year.
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