4/10/2006 HOUSTON -- This year's Japanese Festival
held at Hermann Park in Houston was a huge success. The weather was
perfect bringing Houstonians out to check out the
entertainment, food, and booths. (Houston Japanese Garden in
Hermann Park pictured below) 
Click here for video of Japanese Garden.
Houston Japan Festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Japan with activities that represent traditional entertainment, sport, food and art. The festival expanded into the Japanese garden at Hermann Park. Volunteers transformed the garden into an authentic Japanese village with colorful flags, windsocks, cherry blossoms, and paper lanterns. Entertainment stages provided Japanese music, dance, and performances.
The Kaminari Taiko (Japanese Drummers) put on quite a
performance for the audience. The sound of thunderous drum beats
rocked the festival and drew applause from everyone. Other
entertainment included Judo, Japanese dance, Karate, Dojo, Karaoke,
and more. (pictured below are the Taiko drummers)
Click here for video.
Cultural booths were on hand to show off various Japanese arts and culture. A Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony was performed under the Japanese Garden setting. It was a very unique experience to watch as Japanese ladies in kimonos reenacted the ceremony. (picture shown below)
A Japanese lady in traditional kimono dress plays the Japanese harp.
Houston Budokan group performs Judo (developed from the principles of jujitsu, a weaponless system of self-defense) moves for the audience.
