Japanese Festival draws crowds in Pretoria
Menlyn Maine Central Square was alive with Japanese culture during the three-day festival.
The Embassy of Japan, together with Menlyn Maine, hosted the Japanese Festival at Menlyn Maine Central Square this past weekend.
The event brought together a vibrant blend of cultural displays, traditional performances, and Japanese pop culture.
Attendees experienced the art of the Japanese tea ceremony, admired bonsai trees, and enjoyed the elegance of ikebana, with arrangements from the Sogetsu, Ohara, and Ikenobo schools.
Those curious about Japanese education learnt about the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme.
The festival also thrilled martial arts enthusiasts with demonstrations of aikido, iaido, judo, karate, kendo, kyudo, Nakamura Ryu battodo, and Ryukyu-kobujutsu.
Pop-culture fans enjoyed Gunpla (Gundam plastic models) and cosplay presentations.
Former South African contestants from the Miss International beauty pageant also discussed the upcoming competition in Japan.
Menlyn Maine marketing director Nicola Keogh said the exhibits also included koi fish, authentic samurai armour, uchikake (wedding kimono), and a mobile library donated from Japan.
She said the embassy’s booth provided interactive experiences such as wish-writing and shodo (Japanese calligraphy).
“A highlight was the Bon Odori, a traditional dance performed in Pretoria for the first time.”
Attendees like Emily Faan said they enjoyed the festival and the food. “This needs to be hosted monthly.”
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