Matsuri Japon – Annual summer festival promoting Japanese culture

Finally, the long-awaited comeback of Matsuri Japan, the Japanese community festival of the year in Montreal! Starting at 11:00am on Saturday, August 13, at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center of Montreal, corner Rousselot and Jarry, come discover the many wonders of Japanese culture: martial arts, traditional dress, typical food, crafts, taiko and dance performances, fun and games for kids, and much more! Stop by the information booth held by the Consulate General of Japan to learn about the JET Programme, the MEXT Scholarships, and other ways to discover Japan -free entry!

Taiko Drumming

Taiko (太鼓) means “drum” in Japanese. Japanese drums are made from hollowed-out logs with both ends capped with cowhide. Traditionally, they have been used to offer prayers to the gods for a good harvest.

Arashi Daiko will exemplify the artistry and spirit of Japanese Taiko drumming by sharing their engaging and dynamic performance.

Bon Odori

Bon Odori (盆踊り), meaning “Bon dance”, is a style of dance performed during O-bon. It is folk entertainment with a history of nearly 600 years. Originally a Nenbutsu folk dance to welcome the spirits of the dead, the style of celebration varies in many aspects from region to region.

Komachi Montreal, the joyful and elegant Japanese folkloric dance group, invites you to join their dance.

Japanese Music

CHURA DUSHI is an epic Montreal-based band created in 2017 that highlights the use of the sansen instrument and Okinawan music.

Aikido

Aikido (合気道) is often translated to “The Way of Harmony of the Spirit”. It is a non-competitive modern Japanese martial art or “gendai budo” that emphasizes harmony and peace.

Judo

Judo (柔道) or “gentle way” has been a recognized Olympic sport since 1964. It is the most widely practiced martial art and the second most practiced sport in the world.

Karate

Karate is an unarmed form of martial arts. The word “karate” (空手) literally means “empty hand”.

Montérégie Aikikai Aikido, Camille Ohan Karate and Shidokan Judo Club will demonstrate various elements of Japan’s martial arts heritage with power and grace.

Workshops

Sake Tasting
Sake (お酒) is an alcoholic beverage made from fermenting rice. Meet Montreal’s premier saké sommelier, Mme. Saké au Québec, and get familiar with the history and wine-making process of sake. All participants must be 18+ as alcohol will be served.

Matcha and Nerikiri Tasting
Matcha (抹茶) is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Wagashi (和菓子) are Japanese sweets or confections, often served with green tea. Workshop participants will learn how matcha is traditionally prepared. They will be able to try 2 types of matcha and a wagashi ‘Nerikiri’ made from white beans provided by Reina Sakao of Sakao Japanese Tea.

Origami
Origami (折り紙) is the art of paper-folding. Its use has inspired various areas of everyday life and has even been implemented in many major modern science projects. Try your hand at paper-folding with the help of an expert that can bring paper to life!

Koinobori
Koinobori (鯉のぼり) are carp-shaped wind-socks that are flown during Children’s day in Japan. Make your own koinobori with the help of our workshop leaders!

Japanese Language
Japanese (日本語) is a language spoken by over 124 million people worldwide and is the 6th most spoken language. Come to our workshop to learn about the beauty of the Japanese language.

Plus – Japanese Food and Drinks, Products and Art available for purchase.

For more information visit: www.facebook.com/MatsuriJaponMontreal