2024 SFC Fall Festival Event (Japanese Bon Odori Dances, Origami, Crafts, Taiko, Martial Arts..) Westport LibraryNEW

Join us for a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture at the FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This outdoor event, held on Jesup Green outside the Westport Library in Westport, CT, offers a wide range of activities for all ages. From traditional Japanese Bon Odori dances to martial arts demonstrations, taiko drumming, and hands-on cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone. New this year, participate in Radio Taiso, a gentle fitness routine widely practiced in Japan.

Bring the whole family for an afternoon filled with cultural performances, crafts, games, delicious food, and more!

Festival Date
September 8, 2024

Festival Time
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

New this Year
We are adding a demonstration of Radio Taiso, which all are invited to join.  This gentle fitness routine. set to music, is widely practiced in Japan. It was first introduced nearly a century ago and remains a staple of daily life with 6:30 AM broadcasts on TV and radio. Taking just three minutes to perform, they are designed to be suitable for all ages.  See a teaching video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMOBmeESO4A

Japanese Bon dances
We invite you to join us in Japanese Bon dances, which will be led by Bon-Dan NYC.  Bon-Dan NYC is  a dance group for Bon-Odori, traditional Japanese folk dance, established in 2019 based in New York City. Our folk dances are easy.  Check out these links:

• TANKO-BUSHI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0Ni_uUAPBg
• HANAGASA-ONDO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pruHDou7e9s
• AWA ODORI (Choreography and original music by Takarabune):
 • Facing forward:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ANczoJJhPIPxM-LBkqWrmJ-XPxTtdn28
 • In a circle:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1O6nxaYUj6OhUcJ-PzbnLfpRUlyduaQTl 
• AIUE ONDO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Udo7b5bTdwI&t=28s 
• TOKYO ONDO:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbyeBSjebc4 

The festival will also feature:
• Japanese bon odori dances
• NY Taiko Aikokai 
• Martial Arts demo by Aikido of Norwalk
• Seiza Meditation
• Origami crafts
• Water yo-yo game
• Japanese language table
• Japanese Game of GO 
• Tenugui by Tenugui Arts
• Vintage kimonos by SoNo Kimono
• Japanese crafts by Obi Obi
• Japanese ceramics by Namiko Kato
• Origami jewelry by SakurayaOrigami, 
• Crystal and Stone Jewelry by Healing Art Miala, 
• Inawaratei spice mixes  
• HARUKI Ramen & Izakaya
And MORE!