Celebrate Japan's Culture At West Hartford Celebration

WEST HARTFORD, CT— The Japan Society of Greater Hartford will host its 11th annual Japan Summer Festival on Saturday, June 13, bringing a day of cultural performances, food, crafts, and family-friendly activities to Blue Back Square.

The free event will take place from noon to 5 p.m. at Webster Walk in Blue Back Square.

Festival attendees can enjoy a variety of Japanese cultural traditions and entertainment, including music performances, Obon dances, calligraphy demonstrations and martial arts exhibitions.

The event will also feature origami, crafts, games and a Japanese marketplace offering food, snacks and specialty goods for purchase.

Organizers said visitors will have opportunities to participate in a Yukata experience, receive face painting and take photos with popular characters Pikachu and Hello Kitty.

One of the festival's featured attractions will be a Taiko drumming performance scheduled for 4:15 p.m.

Additional activities include drawing and origami inside the nearby library, as well as a book-signing event at Barnes & Noble.

The annual festival is organized by the Japan Society of Greater Hartford and is supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston, the Town of West Hartford and other sponsors.

Organizers said the event is intended to celebrate Japanese culture while providing educational and interactive experiences for residents and visitors of all ages.

For more information on the Japan Summer Festival, click on this link.