Article by Keen Lee
Photo by Francis Latif and Vincent Shihchieh Wei
From Friday, November 9th to Sunday, November 11th, the American Dream Japanese Network, a non-profit organization, held the 10th year anniversary of Japan Arts Matsuri at the Theater for the New City on 155 First Avenue, between 9th and 10th Streets.
Following the devastating attack of 9/11 in 2001, American Dream Japanese Network (JaNet) was created to bring a positive outlook and unite the Japanese community. Many prominent members of the Japanese community lost their lives working in the World Trade Center that day.In 2002, JaNet hosted the “Igyoshu Kouryuukai (Name Card Exchange Party for Different Professions)” to promote communications between people working in different fields of profession. By December 2010, JaNet has successfully hosted 90 parties and has been operating as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO) since 2007.
The Japan Arts Matsuri of 2012 was co-Presented by Faune Dance Troupe, Noon Tan Music & Entertainment, which was supported by Consulate-General of Japan in New York. The sponsors of the event were Amnet NY, T.I.C. Restaurant Group, Asian Society of Arts, Jane Orgel, P. C., The Kitano NY, Absolute Piano, Karaoke Champ, wuhao newyork, Nishimoto Trading, Asahi Beer USA, Sapporo USA, Kirin Brewery of America, Tarzian West, and SUSHIANN. The media Sponsor was Shukan NY Seikastu, and the MC were Yoshi Amao and Saori Goda.
The special events included Wadaiko by So Daiko, Kimono Show by Arte Group and “YUZURU – Drama” Choreographed by Zen Hirano. Yosakoi Dance Project 10tecomai, and Taiko Masala gave powerful performances letting audience wanting more. We also enjoyed some of special performance by our friends including Rich Kameda’s magic and Tokyo Circus’ fun comedy acts.
This year marked the tenth anniversary of the Japan Arts Matsuri, a three-day extravaganza showcasing the wealth of talented performers found in New York’s Japanese community. We totally enjoyed all the acts and absolutely loved those yummy eats and our favorite Japanese beer, Asahi Beer!
Japan Block Fair organizer Todo Todoroki and his wife
For the list of performance, please visit: japanesenetwork.org/activities/japan–arts–matsuri
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Much thanks for showing support for this wonderful event.!!! Hope next year will be even greater!