The Japan Day Fall Festival/Akimatsuri was celebrated on October 10th at the Meeting House, in Columbia, MD. Japan Day reflects the strong ties between Maryland and the Japanese community within it, as well as the thriving Sister State partnership of Maryland and Kanagawa Prefecture. This program was organized by Dr. Tomoko Hoogenboom, Chairperson of the Maryland – Kanagawa Sister State Committee, and committee members. With a full agenda of performances, cultural immersion stations, and offerings of delicious Japanese food, the event benefitted all in attendance.

Performances: 

• Kendo & Naginata Demonstration by Maryland Kendo Club
• Ballet by Misako Ballet
• Karate Demonstration
• Japanese Choir 

Remarks:

• Angela Cabellon, Chief Innovation Officer & Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Office of the County Executive
• Christina Poy, Administrative Director, Governor’s Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives

Japanese Culture Stations:

• Flower arrangement
• Tea Ceremony
• Origami/Newspaper folding
• Calligraphy
• Yukata picture
• Maryland–Kanagawa Sister State
• Baltimore–Kawasaki Sister City

Thank you to all that made Japan Day 2021 such a success: