Japan Fest a way to share culture
Officials with Osaka, Japan, and the city of Chicago are celebrating the 35th anniversary of their sister-city relationship this summer, which means good news for this weekend's Japan Fest in Arlington Heights.
Coming straight from the city of Osaka will be special activities like a rare performance of Japan's unique brand of comedy, as well as a photo display and tourism information, on top of all of the vibrant activities that make up the popular fest.
Japan Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, at Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road in Arlington Heights. Admission is free.
What started out 27 years ago at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Highland Park moved in recent years to Arlington Heights.
"There are a large number of Japanese companies out here," says Kiyo Shirataki, Japan Fest Committee member, "and people are always asking us about the Japanese culture.
"Japan Fest is an attempt to share our culture with the local community," he adds. "Typically, more than 90 percent of those who attend, are not from Japan." Two stages will feature samples of Japanese music, drums, folk dances and martial arts displays, while the traditional art of Japanese flower arranging and Japanese swords, will take place in the culture exhibition hall.
New this year is the screening of four of the hottest new anime features, including "SteamBoy," "Kiki's Delivery Service," "Naruto" and "InuYasha."
Food remains a top draw at the fest. Consequently, Benihana's Restaurant returns to provide a "Taste of Japan," offering authentic foods, including sushi and chicken teriyaki.
Gifts can be purchased in an expansive Marketplace, which features handmade crafts, cards, and kimonos, as well as Japanese books.
The only event charging admission is the Japanese styled "sit-down comedy," known as rakugo, which takes place at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Forest View's theater. Sponsored by the City of Osaka's Chicago office, tickets are $20.
Shirataki says that outside of its premiere today in Chicago - as part of a yearlong series of commemorative events - the unique brand of Japanese comedy has not been seen before in the Northwest suburbs.
Rakugo dates back 400 years in Japan. In it, the comedian remains on his knees while performing a monologue, that features him using different voices to create other characters, as well as minimal props, all before ending with skillfully delivered punch lines.
Katsaura Kaishi, who is considered to be the 'King of English Rakugo' in Japan, is on a nationwide tour promoting the cultural art form. He will be supported by ensemble members demonstrating musical storytelling, using ancient Japanese stringed instruments.
Japan Festival
Saturday and Sunday at Forest View Education Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights. Admission free, except for the sit-down comedy Saturday night. www.japanfest-chicago.org
SATURDAY
11 a.m. Japanese music, theater stage
11 a.m. Anime movie, "Kiki's Delivery Service" (103 minutes), culture hall
11:20 a.m. Tea ceremony, Field House stage
11:50 a.m. Opening ceremony, Field House stage
Noon Shinobue (Japanese flute), theater stage
12:30 p.m. Japanese archery, Field House stage
1 p.m. Koto music, Spring Valley Koto Ensemble, theater stage
1 p.m. Lecture by Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, culture hall
1:30 p.m. Soran Dance, Field house stage
2 p.m. Japanese music by kids, Tanoshii Japanese class, theater stage
2 p.m. Anime movie, "Naruto" (165 minutes), culture hall
2 p.m. Japanese archery, Field House stage
3 p.m. Japanese folk dance, Indianapolis Minyo Dancers, theater stage
2:30 p.m. Iaido, traditional Japanese swordsmanship, Field House stage
3:30 p.m. Okinawa Taiko & Dances, Field House stage
4 p.m. Anime, "Steam Boy," theater stage
4:30 p.m. Aikido demonstration, Field House stage
7:30 p.m. English Rakugo from Osaka (Japanese sit-down comedy), theater stage, $20 admission fee
SUNDAY
11 a.m. Tea ceremony, Field House stage
11:30 a.m. Koto music, theater stage
11:30 a.m. How to dress in a kimono, culture hall
Noon Japanese archery, Field House stage
12:30 p.m. Japanese music, violin (Midwest Chamber Strings), theater stage
1 p.m. Aikido demonstration, Field House stage
1 p.m. How to dress in a kimono, culture hall
1:30 p.m. Hawaiian and Japanese music, theater stage
2 p.m. Anime movie, "InuYasha" (100 minutes), culture hall
2 p.m. Ju Jutsu demonstration, Field House stage
2:30 p.m. Judo demonstration, theater stage
3 p.m. Japanese dance and music, Field House stage
3:30 p.m. Raffle drawing, Field House stage