User:Kaila07/sandbox

= Japanese Festival = The Japanese festival is one of the most important festivals for the Japanese Americans living here in the US, and still wanting to be in touch with their culture. For the venue it’s at the Hermann Park, located in Houston Texas. This event is one of the biggest Japanese festivals located in the United States, hosted by the Japan America Society of Houston. The festival unfortunately was not going on in 2021 or 2022 due to the Coronavirus, but in 2023 they were able to continue it this past May with over 15,000 people attending. Organizers of the Japanese festival give a huge thanks to the sponsors with their help for making this event come to life once again, around 50 vendors were able to be at the festival.

What does this festival mean to the Japanese people?
The objective of the annual festival that takes place in Houston is to educate and promote the wealthy cultural heritage of Japan. Celebrated by both the Japanese and the Japanese American communities, everyone comes to show off the traditions of the Japanese Cultures. The festival also shows the alliance between Japan and the United States. A chef who goes by the name Naoki Yoshida started the festival in 2021, although it didn't happen during that time, that was the plan for it to. Yoshida and a business partner wanted to do something to help the Asian culture, he originally wanted a small appreciative gathering in the parking lot of his restaurant. Not too much later it become a national event.

What goes on?
Participants joining the festival are able to wear whatever one desires of course, but wearing traditional clothing will allow you to gain the full experience. Men wear jinbei's while the women wear yukatas, both genders can complete their outfit with wooden shoes called geta and a bagged named a Kin-Chaku. There is not expected to do too much at the festival just enjoy the presences of the cultural. There are a few traditional dances as well that happen throughout the festival. They celebrate with fireworks, fun games, and a lot of food. The festival is surrounded by traditional food like yakisoba, Takoyaki, and okonomiyaki which a lot of people enjoy.

City of Houston
During the month of June, it is usually very hot and humid in Houston. There are some other things to check out as well while in town. Such as the menil collection that seems to be a teahouse in the area as well. Houston has many museums to choose from. There are not many other Japanese cultural events in Houston but of course there is some authentic Japanese restaurants.