Japanese Summer Matsuri Comes to Yonge & Dundas Square
Photo by Sadaf Taqvi
This year has set a record-high demand for Japanese culture in Toronto, from the Japanese Film Festival to the Ramen Invasion. So it’s no wonder that Toronto was ready to take it to the next step with the 1st Japanese Summer Matsuri at Yonge and Dundas Square on Sunday, July 28.
Or so they say…
Photo by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography
It may not be well known, but every year the JCCC holds a summer festival, amongst many of their festivals and Japanese Community events. The JCCC being in such a remote location, though, it doesn’t quite receive huge publicity in the local Torontonian circuits.
Photo by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography
The Kurakake Matsuri, on the other hand, being at Yonge and Dundas received an amazing turnout and was very successful in bringing the local community out to participate and learn about Japanese culture. It may have not been the first festival, but it was the first Japanese festival in Toronto to really be known.
Photo by Sadaf Taqvi
Comparing this Matsuri to the many festivals in Japan, most of the bases were covered. It didn’t quite capture the same energy levels, but it was definitely the most Japanese festival you could hope to attend.
Photo by Sadaf Taqvi
There was delicious Matsuri food, such as Takoyaki, So-men, Taco Rice, Karage and Kaki-gori. And the never-ending 20-minute lines were proof that Japanese food was in high-demand.
Photo by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography
There was an amazing stage line-up with acts from local Japanese artists performing from Taiko, Shamisen-Flamenco, Kendo, Soran Dances and even a Yukata Fashion show.
There was an assortment of booths set up in the square, providing services such as Massages, Henna Tattoos, Shoudo Calligraphy, Take a photo with a Geisha, and a Maiko-san make-up studio.
Photo by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography
As for JETAA, we also had a booth in the center alongside the Japanese Consulate. We talked to hundreds of people throughout the day about the JET Programme handing out information and swanky souvenir pins.
Photo by Nicholas Jones, Bokeh Photography
As the day progressed, though, it turned into a highly competitive atmosphere for Wasabi Pea chopstick racing. Many initially skeptical passerby’s tried their skills with chopsticks and were surprised by how unseemingly difficult the game actually was.
Photo by Sadaf Taqvi
As it brought out many smiles, it also brought around many enquiries about the JET Programme and the purpose of JETAA, which we were more than happy to answer.
Photo by Sadaf Taqvi
It may have been the first festival, but it more than likely will not to be the last as it was a smashing success with great potential for future summers to come.
Text by Judy Cerovski