Over the weekend of September 21-22, 2024, JapanFest transformed the Gas South District in Duluth, just outside of Atlanta, into an exhibition of Japanese culture to honor the 50th anniversary of Japan-Georgia relations. With over 22,000 guests in attendance, this year’s JapanFest Atlanta featured a range of musical and dramatic performances, martial arts demonstrations, and hands-on experiences such as Bonsai making and trying on Kimonos.
In its 37th year of celebrations, JapanFest aims to promote friendship and understanding between the Japanese and American communities in the Southeastern United States.
Highly anticipated performances from Miyabiya, a Japan-based entertainment troupe, displayed traditional Kabuki theater. Katsura Sunshine was another esteemed performer. The Canadian comic, famous for the traditional Rakugo style of comic storytelling, left audiences in stitches with his stand-up routines.
Other performances by local troupes as well as groups from around the country filled the two-day itinerary. From musical showcases of the traditional Shamisen instrument and Taiko drums to martial arts presentations by Georgia-based Kendo and sumo associations, spectators were able to witness an array of talent and displays of Japan’s diverse culture.
Alongside the exciting performances, JapanFest organized an exhibition of numerous local and Japanese-affiliated businesses. Owners and representatives of small businesses sold handmade goods and gifts. Shoppers browsed vendors selling merchandise such as paper lights crafted with Chiyogami paper and customizable origami-inspired jewelry.
Mirroring the exhibition stalls was the food court, offering various authentic cuisine from local Japanese restaurants. Sushi, yakisoba noodles, and wagyu steak were just some of the delicious, stand-out favorites.
Georgia-Japan Ties: From 1973 to 2024
Georgia opened its first international office in Tokyo in 1973 to promote trade and tourism, and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta became operational a year later.
Then, in 1981, JapanFest held its first event following the establishment of formal trade relations between Japan and the state of Georgia.
“JapanFest has been here since the ‘80s,” Trent Tsunafuji of the Japan-America Society of Georgia explained in an interview with East-West Center Young Professional Marissa Harrold. “Seeing how big and impactful, how we’ve been able to make it all the way to Gas South Arena is amazing. It's amazing to see this many people come to JapanFest and really enjoy Japanese culture and learning about Japanese culture, traditions, and all.”
Today, Georgia is regarded as the center of Japanese business activities in the southeastern region of the United States. Japanese companies employ over 36,000 Georgians, and more than 16,000 jobs have been created since 2003 through Japanese greenfield investment in Georgia. The 600+ Japanese-affiliated companies have invested over $10.4 billion into the state.
Continuing Prosperous Relations
JapanFest is a collaborative effort between the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, the Japan-America Society of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.
With a population of 22,000 Japanese Americans in Georgia, this celebration is a tangible example of how the Japan-Georgia relationship has endured over the past five decades.
Modestly tucked away in the upper level of Gas South, the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta invited attendees to write their wishes and messages to Japan in celebration of the 50th anniversary. Those messages were arranged into a great paper mosaic of the Japanese flag. The project is a nod to JapanFest’s appreciation of the friendship between Japan and Georgia.
“[JapanFest Atlanta] is the most important gateway to get to know each other, get to know the local––representatives of the state,” Hiroyuki Kaneda, the Deputy Consul General of Japan to Atlanta, stated to Harrold. “It is a good opportunity to get to know each other as ordinary people.”
Marissa Harrold is a Fall 2024 Young Professional at the East-West Center in Washington. She is a recent graduate from American University’s School of International Service, with a B.A. in International Studies focused on foreign policy in East Asia and the Pacific.