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visit www.JapanFest.org for more information Exhibitor/Vendor & Performer Application (Special Discount for JASG Corporate & Patron Individual Members) |
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan at JapanFest Atlanta 2025, taking place September 20–21 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. This year’s theme, “Taste of Japan,” promises an unforgettable cultural experience—featuring a vibrant celebration of Atlanta’s 20-year sister city relationship with Fukuoka, Japan. With over 20,000 attendees annually, JapanFest Atlanta is one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in the Southeast. The 2025 celebration will showcase traditional and modern Japanese culture through music, dance, martial arts, hands-on workshops, and—of course—mouthwatering cuisine. 20th Anniversary Highlights This milestone year brings a special focus on Fukuoka, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the culture of one of Japan’s most dynamic regions. Engage in interactive exhibits, try your hand at traditional arts, and experience Fukuoka’s vibrant spirit—all without leaving Georgia. Headline performances include:
Full listing of performerances available at www.japanfest.org. Taste Japan Don’t miss the Japanese Food Court & Beer Garden, featuring local Japanese restaurants serving ramen, sushi, yakisoba, bento boxes, and sweet treats like shaved ice. Grab a cold Japanese beer and enjoy your meal while taking in live performances Cultural Experiences - explore Japanese culture through:
Kids can enjoy the Children’s Area, complete with Japanese games and crafts, and even participate in the O-Mikoshi Parade, carrying a traditional portable shrine. Shop, Learn, and Play Browse over 100 vendor booths featuring Japanese fashion, crafts, anime merchandise, toys, and technology. Visit Ginza Dori, our festival street inspired by Tokyo’s famous shopping district, and discover interactive displays from Japanese companies based in Georgia.
For more information, call 404-522-6938 or visit www.japanfest.org.
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Know Before You Go & Tips for Enjoying JapanFest!
- JapanFest has expanded in 2025 with larger space, improved layout and traffic flow, more entrance and exit points, and venue access
- Pre-purchase your JapanFest ticket to save money and avoid longer lines to enter the festival
- Beat the Food Court Rush: The food court at JapanFest is legendary, but so are the lines, especially during lunctime. To avoid long waits, grab your food as soon as you arrive or hold off until after the lunch rush. Don't forget to check out the outdoor food vendors - they often have shorter lines and equally delicious options.
- Pick what performances you want to see and plan accordingly - arrive 15 minutes before the performance to ensure you have a good seat. Check the event schedule for further details on what events and venues are hosted!
- Reserve your spot for hands-on programs as some require reservations to attend! Visit the JapanFest website to learn about the reservation process or sign up as soon as you arrive.
- Visit our Special Fukuoka City Booths: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of our sister city relationship with Fukuoka, join us for hands-on experiences, tasty food vendors, and specialty booths featuring exclusive items from Fukuoka. You won't want to miss it!
- Cosplay and Compete! Show off your cosplay skills at the annual Momocon Cosplay Contest, held at the food court. If you're eager to participate, sign up at the Momocon booth in the Anime area and get ready to wow the crowd with your creativity.
- Win Exciting Prizes! Head to the JBiG Area for a rattle lottery- a fun, Japanese game where colored balls determine your prize. You could win amazing gifts donated by Japanese companies. Also, take a moment to complete a mobile survey near the entrance for a chance to spin the wheel and win Japanese snacks and other goodies.
- Dress in a Kimono: Ever wanted to try on a traditional Japanese kimono? Visit the Konnichiwa Club Room, where you can choose form a variety of authentic kimonos and have one professionally fitted. Vendors also sell yukatas and kimonos on-site, so you can buy one and wear it around the festival for an immersive experience.
- Savor Japanese Beer and Sake: Relax and enjoy a cold Asahi beer at the beer garden, or sample a selection of sakes at the sake area in the food court. Find your favorite and bring a bottle home as a souvenir!
- Dive into the Japanese Festival Experience: The Ginza area recreates the lively atmosphere of a Japanese summer festival. Enjoy cotton candy, shaved ice, mizuame, and try your luck at traditional games like Omikuji (fortune-telling), ring toss, and goldfish scooping.
- Shop for Unique Treasures: This year's handicraft area features 13 unique stores offering one-of-a-kind, handmade goods. From jewelry, keychains, and ceramics to accessories crafted with shibori silk, these items are individually made by skilled artisans. Stock is limited, so be sure to shop early for the best selection.
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ORGANIZERS
Co-organized by JapanFest, Inc., The Japan-America Society of Georgia, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia), and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta.
MISSION
The
mission of JapanFest is to improve understanding and appreciation of
linkages between Japanese and Americans residing in the Southeastern
United States through an annual salute to Japanese culture and
friendship entitled JapanFest. This celebration will promote
multicultural education, encourage social harmony, and ensure the
cultural integrity of JapanFest by providing an appropriate mix of
authentic contemporary and traditional programs on Japanese art and
culture. Activities include a wide variety of performing arts,
demonstrations, hands-on workshops, and exhibitions. These grassroots
efforts are coordinated by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia
and The Japan-America Society of Georgia, and implemented by a host of
community volunteers. JapanFest is committed to organizing a
self-sustaining event, supported in part by non-Japanese Chamber of
Commerce and non-Japan-America Society of Georgia members, and provides
meaningful support to educational endeavors in Georgia. HISTORY
What
is now referred to as "JapanFest" began in 1981 as Japan Week, a
biannual series of Japan-related cultural events organized by the
Consulate-General of Japan that took place around the city of Atlanta.
In 1986, the name was changed to JapanFest, and the Japanese Chamber of
Commerce of Georgia, the Japan America Society of Georgia, and the
Consulate General of Japan organized their own events under the title of
JapanFest. In 1993, the first Picnic and Sports Day was held at Mercer
University. In 1995, Picnic and Sports Day became Japan Day at the
Atlanta Botanical Gardens. In 1996, JapanFest moved to Stone Mountain
Park and became an annual event. In 1997, JapanFest, Inc. was
incorporated as a non-profit corporation. In 2012, JapanFest had over
17,000 attendees, making JapanFest the largest Japanese festival south
of Washington, DC and east of Houston, TX. AWARDSJapanFest was named best festival in Georgia by the Georgia Business Journal, and has been selected as a Top 20 Event by the Southeast Tourism Society in 2003, 2010, 2011, 2018, and 2019, and was a recipient of the Certificate of Commendation from the Japanese Minister of Foreign Affairs in 2004 and 2011 for its contributions to the friendship and goodwill between Japan and the United States. |
The Japan-America Society of Georgia, Inc.
is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote
mutual understanding between the people of Japan and the state of Georgia
Phone: 404-842-1400 Email: Admin@JASGeorgia.org