On Wednesday, August 4, the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco will host an online webinar, "What Makes a Matsuri? – Exploring the Festivals of Japan." Presenters will share their knowledge on a variety of Japanese festivals to show what connects these festivals and what makes each one unique. Learn about future ideas for trips, or just escape to the wonder of Japanese matsuri (festivals) for the evening.

Program Details:
Date: Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Free (Registration required: http://matsuri-webinar.eventbrite.com/ )
Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/208618717857521/
This program will be held live on Zoom Webinar.

Please join through an up-to-date Zoom client on your computer or mobile device for best experience.

About the Presenters:

Dr. Michael Dylan Foster is a professor of Japanese folklore and the Chair of the East Asian Languages and Cultures (EALC) department of UC Davis. As a part of his research into Japanese cultural traditions, he has visited and documented festivals across Japan of all sizes and variety. He will discuss what the characteristics are of Japanese festivals, what connects them, and what makes some of them quite unique.

Mr. Scott Parks, originally from Sacramento, served as a Coordinator for International Relations at Kochi City Hall in Kochi Prefecture from 2013-2016, where he learned the Yosakoi dance and has attended, often participating in, Kochi's annual Yosakoi Festival every year from 2013-2019.

Ms. Amy Russo taught English in a Japanese High School in Gunma Prefecture from 2010-2015. She will speak on Gunma's whimsical Heso (Bellybutton) Festival.

Mr. Tomohisa Mori was born in Aichi Prefecture, Japan and serves on the Executive Committee of the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. He will reflect on the social impact of Japanese festivals to a Japanese person and speak on how some of the traditions and elements are represented in Northern California Japanese festivals.