When I tell you that I miss Japanese omatsuri (festivals), I am really shouting it from the depths of my soul. And now that I’m finding out that they exist in and outside of Chicago, and that I don’t have to say goodbye to one of my favorite Japan activities?! The aggressive excitement is real.

I recently volunteered at the Anderson Japanese Gardens that hosted the 2024 Japanese Summer Festival in late July. There were taiko drums, gigantic shodo, a candy man who pranked the audience while making candy, the crowd getting Awa Odori lessons, Aikido demos, and way more over the 2-day event inside the most beautiful Japanese garden. I was starstruck. While leading the Japanese-name writing event, I heard many wonderful stories from festival goers of all ages of their interest in the culture, past adventures to Japan, and aspirations to travel there someday. I'd say the 2-hour drive from Chicago is worth it to see the garden, and I’m definitely going to this festival again next year!

- JETAA Chicago Philanthropy Lead Sara Brown