WESTPORT–The public is invited to the annual Japanese Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 4 p.m. on Jesup Green, 20 Jesup Road, Westport CT. 

The family-friendly festival is sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County. It will feature taiko drum performances, brief live plays of two Japanese folktales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional Bon dancing, amidst an array of Japanese-related activities. 

Bon or Obon is a major annual festival that welcomes the spirits of ancestors. Though originating as a religious occasion, it is now widely celebrated as a time for family reunions, marked by regional folk dances. 

Dance

The public is invited to join in dancing Tanko Bushi (Coal Miner’s Dance), Hanagasa Ondo (“Flower Hat” Dance), a more modern Japanese pop song Dancing Hero, the well-known Japanese dance Tokyo Ondo and a version of Awa Odori choreographed by the professional dance troupe, Takarabune.  

Stick fighting

New this year is a demonstration of the martial art  Shintō Musō-ryū (SMR), by Pound Ridge Jodo. SMR is a Jodo style of stick fighting. The technical purpose of the art is to learn how to defeat a swordsman in combat using the jō, with an emphasis on proper combative distance, timing and concentration.

Calligraphy

Yumi McCarthy, who teaches Japanese for Connecticut State Community College, will demonstrate calligraphy and write attendees’ names in Japanese. 

Fitness for all

We will again show Radio Taiso, and all are invited to join.  This gentle fitness routine is set to music and is widely practiced in Japan. It was first introduced nearly a century ago and remains a staple of daily life with 6:30 a.m. broadcasts on TV and radio. Taking just three minutes to perform, they are designed to be suitable for all ages. 

There will be a Japanese mini-market featuring: 

• Japanese tenugui (hand-dyed, traditional Japanese hand towels) by Wuhao NY
• Crystal and Stone Jewelry by Healing Art Miala
• Inawaratei spice mixes and consulting/private chef service
• Japanese ceramics by Namiko Kato, Yoko Hirotagawa, and Aki Miyajima
• Origami jewelry by SakurayaOrigami
• Vintage kimono by SonoKimono
• Japanese crafts by “Obi Obi”
• Japanese Kanji books with author Lindsay Jimenez. 

In case of rain, the festival will be held Sunday, Sept. 7. 

Check Facebook or the website for announcements.

Sponsored by Maruichi of Stamford, Penguin Environmental Design, Aikido of Norwalk, Walter Stewart’s Market, and SonoKimono.