Japan Festival 2012 opens August 11-12

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of Philippines-Japan Friendship Month, Japan Festival 2012 will be held two days, from August 11 to August 12 at the Ayala Activity Center Cebu.

On the opening ceremony, the Japanese Ambassador H.E. Toshinao Urabe will come to attend. Also expected to grace the event are Governor Gwendolyn F. Garcia and Mayor Michael Rama.

The most awaited Japanese traditional drum (taiko) by Wako Daiko Drum Club from Japan will be the main event. They shall perform on Saturday, August 11 at 2PM and 5:15PM. on the main stage of Ayala Center Cebu. On the evening of August 11, Wako Daiko will also play at the lobby of Marco Polo Plaza. There will be a repeat performance on Sunday, August 12, 5PM at the Ayala Center Cebu.

The Awa Odori dance which represents Japan will be part of the event. A group of 70 volunteers from Cebu will dance Awa Odori on the spot around the event area. Interested audience is enjoined to participate. Schedule is on August 11 at 5:30PM, Ayala Center Cebu.

One interesting dance will be presented and it's called Yosakoi battle. This art of dancing has been performed in Japan and has become visible in most Japanese festivals. A solo dance presentation of an authentic Japanese traditional dance will be introduced to the audience, too.

Karate demonstration will be featured with the initiative of the Japan Karate Association founder in Cebu, Mr. Masanori Takahashi.

One exciting event will enliven the crowd is the Japan-Philippine Karaoke Competition. Japanese songs for Filipino contestants and Pilipino songs for the exhibit booths for Japanese culture and arts such as Ikebana floral arrangement and Japanese dolls, among others will be displayed at Ayala Activity Center area.

This grand event being held this year is in line with the 5th anniversary since the establishment of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Month. Also, the Japanese Film Festival 2012 Eiga Sai is ongoing until August 12 at the Cinema 4 of Ayala Center Cebu. With strong interest and popular demand for introducing Japanese cultures to the Philippines and as a form of gratitude for the tremendous support given by the Province of Cebu during the tough times of the Great East Japan 2011 Earthquake.

The Province of Cebu, as well, is hosting One Cebu Expo and Pasigarbo sa Sugbo until August 11. The Japan Festival 2012 contributes to the festive atmosphere of Cebu and promotes cultural exchanges between Cebu and Japan.

Events are open to the public, free of charge on a first-come-first-serve basis. See posters and flyers for details.