When Yume Japanese Gardens opened in Tucson five years ago, Japanese culture here blossomed.Ā
Prior to the opening of the gardens, the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition was formed to unify organizations and individuals with any kind of connection to Japanese culture.Ā
And for the fifth year, they're sharing that culture with our community through the Tucson Japanese Festival on Saturday, Jan. 20.Ā
A mochi pounding and tasting festival originally for the new year (called Mochitsuki), the festival has grown by around 100 visitors each year, said volunteer coordinator K Negley. She likened the Japanese tradition of pounding rice around the new year to making tamales around Christmas.Ā
Guests at the festival can sample mochi (and green tea) for free, or munch on goodies from food vendors on site. Your options include takoyaki balls (the octopus balls you may have sampled at Tucson Meet Yourself), ramen, udon, curry and onigiri (rice balls).
Activities include martial arts, Kendo (like fencing) and calligraphy demonstrations, origami workshops and traditional children's games. You'll also see performers such as Odaiko Sonora drumming and presentations on topics including anime and manga.Ā
"If someone doesn't know anything about Japan and want to learn, they can come look around," Negley said.Ā
If you go
What: Tucson Japanese Festival
When: Saturday, Jan. 20, 1-5 p.m.
Where: Pima Community College downtown campus, 1255 N. Stone Ave.Ā
Cost: $5 per person, cash only. Children 5 and younger are free.Ā
More info: Visit southernazjapan.org or visit the event'sĀ Facebook page.
