Arlington Hts. Japan Fest continues Sunday

The cross-cultural attention that Jay Shimotake wants for the Japan Festival in Arlington Heights was evident Saturday, and the annual event being held for the 30th time continues today.

Shimotake, a member of the festival committee’s executive committee, wants Americans to know that products from northern Japan are safe following last year’s tsunami and damage to area nuclear power plants. Things are much better in Japan this year, he said.

Last year, the Mid America Japanese Club held a more subdued fundraiser rather than the exuberant festival the club hosts each year at Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.

This year, exuberance is back.

Brent Harmon of Chicago, who was led to Japanese archery from his own western archery, served as the assistant to Yasuo Ito, who performed reisha, or the formal ceremonial shooting in the opening ceremony. Firing the arrow is considered cleansing, Ito said.

Marian Krasnesky of Mount Prospect, who has been to the festival before, invited her friend, Peggy Baggett. The two were there for the entertainment, to see the bonsai and flower arranging exhibits and, of course, for the food.

The festival, which has free admission, is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.

Visit Japan-festchicago.org for more information.