29th Annual Bon Odori Festival in Charlotte, NC (August 3, 2013)
On August 3rd, the Japanese Association of Charlotte, NC held its 29th Annual Bon Odori Festival at the Wells Fargo Atrium.
Bon Odori Festival
Children's Performance
The Wells Fargo Atrium, located in the heart of downtown Charlotte, was the venue for many of the indoor activities of the festival. Participants were able to experience Japanese culture through tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and calligraphy demonstrations. The outdoor activities featured traditional Japanese festival games for children such as kingyo sukui, yo-yo tsuri, and wanage.
Former pro-wrestler The Destroyer
Children playing traditional Japanese festival games
Consul General Sunaga gave the opening speech. In addition, representatives from the consulate were able to offer consular services as well as provide pamphlets, handouts, flyers and other information on Japanese culture. Charlotte’s Mayor Ms. Patsy Kinsey was also in attendance at this year’s festival along with The Destroyer, a former pro-wrestler popular in Japan during the 1970’s. Local Japanese restaurants provided Japanese style lunch boxes for purchase, with the proceeds contributing to the growth of Japanese education programs in the Charlotte area.
Shopping bazaar
Japanese Cultural display presented by the Consulate
CG Sunaga giving the opening speech