No passport required! The Oita Japan Festival returns to the Long Center on Aug. 30, bringing a full day of Japanese music, dance, fashion, martial arts, family activities and more to Austin while celebrating a sister-city relationship more than three decades in the making.
Juliann Krute , a representative from the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee, and Ritsuko Kataoka, and Kimono expert, joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott with a preview of the festival, including a live kimono demonstration and a look at the performances and cultural experiences planned throughout the day.
Juliann Krute , a representative from the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee, and Ritsuko Kataoka, and Kimono expert, joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott with a preview of the festival, including a live kimono demonstration and a look at the performances and cultural experiences planned throughout the day.
Celebrating Austin’s Connection to Japan
Austin currently has 14 sister cities around the world, relationships designed to create meaningful connections between people and cultures.
Austin’s relationship with Oita, Japan, has lasted 36 years and includes programs and exchanges throughout the year.
“Sister cities in general were created so that we can get to know people from other countries on a person-to-person level,” Juliann said.
The annual Japan Festival brings that relationship home, giving Central Texans an opportunity to experience Japanese culture without leaving Austin.
“Once a year, we like to have this big festival so everyone can celebrate not only our relationship, but also the culture of Japan,” Juliann said.
Oita Japan Festival returns to the Long Center for a passport-free sister city celebration
The Long Center Transforms for a Day
The festival will utilize spaces throughout the Long Center, with multiple performances, demonstrations, presentations and activities happening throughout the day.
Music will include Austin-based Japanese American performers Maru Haru and Sho Humphries, along with Japanese idol performances from A-Wake, Love Notes Chorus, and Princess Shae.
Guests can also experience traditional dance, Okinawan dance and kimono dressing.
Martial arts will have a major presence, too, with demonstrations including kendo, judo, and karate.
“We’re so blessed to have so many Japanese organizations within the city of Austin that we can draw in every year,” Juliann said.
Oita Japan Festival returns to the Long Center for a passport-free sister city celebration
Learn, Play and Experience Japan
The festival goes beyond performances with presentations covering topics ranging from travel and doing business in Japan to raising koi at home.
Families can also visit Experience Japan, an area filled with Japanese arts, crafts, games and other hands-on activities for children.
Organizers hope visitors leave with more than just a fun day out.
“We hope that you can walk away having had a little bit of Japan touch your heart and maybe touch Austin and bring that connection to life in a way that everyone can feel,” Juliann said.
Oita Japan Festival returns to the Long Center for a passport-free sister city celebration
A Closer Look at Kimono
Ritsuko Kataoka gave We Are Austin a demonstration of how an obi, the long sash worn with a kimono, is tied.
While the process can look intimidating to someone who didn’t grow up wearing the traditional garment, the demonstration showed how quickly an elaborate bow can come together with practice.
“This is still part of everyday Japanese culture today,” Juliann said. “You will walk around the major cities in Japan and see people in kimono every single day.”
Juliann Krute , a representative from the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee, and Ritsuko Kataoka, and Kimono expert, joined We Are Austin’s Trevor Scott with a preview of the festival, including a live kimono demonstration and a look at the performances and cultural experiences planned throughout the day.
The Japan Festival takes place Sunday, Aug. 30, at the Long Center, with a full day of opportunities to eat, listen, learn and experience the culture and community connecting Austin with Japan.
Oita Japan Festival returns to the Long Center for a passport-free sister city celebration