Once again our Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition (of which I am the Editor and Publicity Chair) sponsored a Springtime festival on March 15, at the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center, 1288 W. River Rd. Over 2000 people attended, though it was a blustery day in March.
Photos below of the various Japanese activities taken by my husband UA Professor Albrecht Classen (Honorary Asian). Except two photos below courtesy of M. Fumie Craig as labeled.
Although mochi pounding is a New Year’s event, we started out as a small Mochitsuki in January, 2014, so we still pound mochi at our March festival.
Mochi preparation by gently pounding the rice in an usu (mortar) with a kine (mallet) by the Pimienta brothers
Subsequently, the mochi pounding commenced until the mochi is soft enough to make into patties to serve. Free samples (with kinako & adjuki beans) were provided to the attendees.
Oyako parent/child class of the Tucson Japanese School (at International School of Tucson) performed on the center stage.
Lovely ikebana arrangements by Ohara School of Ikebana Arizona chapter were in the foyer as guests arrived
Sakura Tea Circle member (Maki Snow) performing tea ceremony in the library. Four tea ceremonies were demonstrated.
Fukuwarai game played in the activity room, with children creating faces on posters. Photo courtesy of M. Fumie Craig of her daughter Stephanie Mariko Rojas and grandson.
On the Center Stage were Odaiko Sonora taiko drummers, one of the co-sponsors
Beautiful traditional dancers of Suzuyuki-Kai on the center stage, performing fan dance
New this year was Shinkage Ryu sword play by Yagyu-kai USA Arizona
New also this year was debut of Tucson Yosakoi Club, founded by Ryan Kenny (in back row on the right)
Many thanks to all the sponsors, volunteers, vendors, food truck owners for making this another successful Tucson Japanese Festival (our 9th). There were long lines as usual at the Takoyaki Balls food truck, along with other Asian-themed food truck offerings. Inside the Tucson Chinese Cultural Center main room was the marketplace with Japanese (and Asian) snacks, crafts, clothing, toys, organizations, books for sale, etc.
Happy Spring in the Year of the Snake, Japanese style. See you at our 10th Tucson Japanese Festival next year.
More info at our website, www.southernazjapan.org.
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