South West’s connection with Pacific neighbour set to shine at this year’s two-week long Japan Festival

A South West celebration of the region’s connection with a northern neighbour is set to shine this September. From Margaret River to Australind, communities across the South West will be taking part in this year’s Japan Festival, kicking off on September 8 and running through to September 21. The festival has grown from a one-day event in Bunbury — born out of the City of Bunbury’s sister-city connection with Setagaya City in Japan — to now include Busselton’s connection with Sugito, and for the first time the Shire of Harvey’s friendship with Japanese city, Moka. The event will see the communities taking part in lantern festivals, sushi trains, anime quizzes and drumming workshops with a program inviting locals and visitors alike to immerse themselves in authentic Japanese culture across the region. Some of the highlights of the program include a Japanese Sundowner at Bunbury Senior High School, Busselton Jetty Sushi Train, the floating lantern festival in Bunbury, Japanese ceramics workshop in Margaret River and Storytime with Japanese books at the Australind Library. Festival director Renee Lee said the South West Japan Festival celebrates cultural exchange and community connection. “Whether you’re five or 95, there’s something special waiting for you to discover, taste or try,” she said. Festival marketing and design manager Lauren Dixon said the event is a great way to bring the community together to learn about a culture filled with colour, vibrancy and tradition. “I’ve loved being able to bring more pop culture events into our program as well, to celebrate all aspects of the country and spread our appeal,” Ms Dixon said. The festival is supported by the City of Bunbury, Your Turn Events, Tourism WA, Royalties for Regions, Simcoa and Studio42 with the full program, ticketed events and free activities listed on the festival’s website — www.southwestjapanfestival.com.au