The Consulate-General of Japan at the Calgary Japanese Omatsuri Festival

The Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary was pleased to take part in the Calgary Japanese “Omatsuri” Festival organized by the Calgary Japanese Community Association on Saturday, August 15th at Bowness Community Association. After participating in the cracking open of a sake-barrel ceremony (Kagami-biraki) to officially begin the event, Consul-General Tamura gave an address to the audience. Despite inclement weather in the morning, the afternoon festival-goers enjoyed a cease in the rain, allowing for Omatsuri to draw a great deal of visitors totalling about 4900.
With support from the Japan Foundation, The Consulate-General of Japan in Calgary and Knifewear were extremely pleased to present Master Blacksmith Teruyasu Fujiwara from Japan, who gave an intriguing demonstration of the traditional art of knife-making to a very large crowd outside.
In addition, some of this year’s “My Encounter with Japan” Photo Contest winners’ photos were set up inside, receiving some great comments from onlookers.
Meanwhile, Paro, the therapeutic seal robot from Japan greeted festival-goers with friendly coos, blinks and tail-waggles, as they approached the Consulate-General’s outdoor Japan information booth.
It is no wonder that Omatsuri continues to enjoy an ever-increasing following, being that it is packed with so many exciting programs, interesting demos, delicious food, shopping opportunities, and fun. We all look forward to next year’s celebration of Japanese culture…and hope for sunshine!