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Editor’s note: This article was contributed by Yoshi Domoto, executive director of the Japan-America Society of Georgia (JASG), as part of the organization’s partnership with Global Atlanta. JapanFest 2024 is organized by JASG and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia with support from the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.

This year’s JapanFest, scheduled for Sept. 21-22, is a particularly special one as we celebrate 50 years of Georgia–Japan connections, a milestone in the history of collaboration between Georgia and Japan.

Since the Consulate General of Japan opened in Atlanta in 1974, Japan has become one of the state’s most significant economic partners. Today, more than 40,000 Georgians are employed by Japanese-owned businesses across the state, from technology to manufacturing and beyond.

These companies, through their investments and community engagement, have helped shape Georgia’s economy and culture, contributing to the strength of our local communities. JapanFest is a reflection of this thriving relationship.

Why JapanFest Matters

JapanFest has been the marquee event for Georgia’s Japanese community since it first began in 1986. What started as a small gathering to celebrate Japanese culture has grown into the largest Japanese festival in the Southeast United States, drawing over 20,000 visitors annually.

JapanFest the one time of year when we come together to celebrate Japan right here in Atlanta. For many, it is akin to celebrating the holidays—our own cultural New Year’s Eve.

JapanFest offers attendees the chance to experience authentic Japanese culture without leaving Georgia. From traditional music and performances to food and crafts, everything at the festival has a connection to Japan. This year’s festival promises to be even more dynamic, with new performers and interactive experiences.

Headlining Acts and Experiences

One of the highlights of JapanFest 2024 will be an authentic Kabuki theater group traveling all the way from Japan. We’ve designed workshops to give American audiences a deeper understanding of the art of Kabuki, a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries.

Another performance features Rakugo comedian Katsura Sunshine, whose unique style of Japanese storytelling has garnered acclaim on Broadway. Additionally, a vibrant taiko drum group and a shamisen (Japanese banjo) duet will entertain audiences.

For those seeking hands-on experiences, our virtual reality (VR) area will offer immersive games, and attendees can try on traditional Japanese kimonos or sample Japanese food at the festival.

A Celebration Supported by Corporate Partners

JapanFest thrives through the support of the local community and our valued sponsors, including Japanese businesses that have made Georgia their home. Companies like Marukan Vinegar (U.S.A.) Inc., headquartered in Griffin, Georgia, play a critical role in making the festival possible.

Marukan, known for its premium rice vinegar, exemplifies the deep ties between Japanese heritage and Georgia’s flourishing food industry. Marukan’s U.S. operations are located in Georgia to take advantage of the state’s supportive business environment, skilled workforce and robust logistics.

Marukan will offer tastings and product demos at JapanFest, allowing attendees to sample the company’s authentic Japanese flavors.

“Sponsoring JapanFest allows us to share with the community Marukan’s traditional Japanese method in our brewing processes developed by over three centuries,” said company representative Mariell Cereno. “Our emphasis on maintaining quality and premium taste reflects the high standards set by Marukan’s Japanese heritage.”

Kinokuniya, another JapanFest sponsor, is one of the largest Japanese bookstore chains in the world, and their Atlanta store has become a local hub for Japanese culture.

“We believe bookstores should be cultural centers, not just retail spaces. Sponsoring JapanFest supports our mission to promote Japanese culture and aligns with our value of kaizen (continuous improvement), as we aim to enhance cultural experiences for the community,” said Store Manager Hirokazu Hisamune.

In addition to showcasing Japanese cultural items like traditional washi posters at JapanFest, Kinokuniya will be offering exclusive products, including Pokémon, Sanrio, Sonny Angel and Smiski character merchandise.

Longstanding Georgia investor Toyo Tires is another key supporting partner.

As a returning sponsor of JapanFest, Toyo Tires believes the event promotes cross-border goodwill and strengthens ties between Japan and the local community in which the company operates. Based in White, Ga., Toyo manufactures tires for both original equipment and aftermarket markets, and its U.S. operations reflect the company’s commitment to innovation, quality and sustainability, guided by Japanese business principles.

Toyo’s involvement at JapanFest 2024 extends beyond sponsorship. Company employees Jim Whitcomb and Patrick Lenz hold board positions at The Japan-America Society of Georgia, helping to strengthen cultural and business ties between Japan and Georgia. Toyo’s support of the festival is a natural extension of the company’s active engagement and strong belief in community.

Join the Celebration and Get Involved

JapanFest relies heavily on grassroots support. While we use traditional media outlets, radio segments and ads to promote the event, the most effective way remains word of mouth.

We invite the business community to spread the word and to join us this year as attendees. We hope you will consider participating next year as volunteers or vendors.

As we celebrate 50 years of partnership between Georgia and Japan, JapanFest 2024 is an opportunity to experience the richness of Japanese culture and the strong, enduring ties between our communities.

Whether you’re attending for the food, the performances or to learn more about Japanese businesses in Georgia, we look forward to welcoming you.

The festival will take place 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday, Sept. 21 and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday, Sept. 22 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth.

Purchase discounted advanced tickets until Sept. 20 at https://www.japanfest.org/ or full price at the door.

To volunteer or to be one of the Japanese Businesses in Georgia (JBiG) vendors at next year’s event, please visit www.japanfest.org/participate.