Back in 2014, I served as the webmaster for JAS. My role was to promote their event on the website, but I was restricted from advertising this cultural festival on their Japanese websites.
For decades, this event took place, such as the high school cafeteria at the Iwakuni base, aimed at showcasing Japanese culture to the American community stationed there. Consequently, many Japanese people were unable to attend.
Since 2017, several events have been organized in partnership with the Iwakuni City Hall, and this cultural festival has become one of those collaborative events. Now, it is open to everyone, including non-members.
Owing to COVID-19 concerns, this event was canceled from 2020 to 2021. However, this event is a traditional one for JAS and has been held for a long time.
The first movie, a digest movie from 2018, is 8 minutes long, which is a bit lengthy.
In this movie, the first scene features three men blowing shell horns, which was an idea by Ms. Misako.
While observing other organizations showcasing the shell horns at the same venue, she borrowed them.
Ms. Misako is the wife of Mr. Bobby, the JAS president. She is a creative thinker, and in other movie scenes where Americans experience Japanese Radio Taiso (radio gymnastic exercises) for the first time was also her idea.
Continuing with the sushi roll scene, the "Making a 7-meter long sushi roll" attraction began in 2015 and quickly became a popular feature of the event.
To be honest, it was only completely successful once, in 2016.
The above video is that.
In other years, some parts of the roll broke.
In the first movie, at the top of this article, you can hear someone in Japanese saying "tekitouni gomakashita ne," which roughly translates to "we somehow managed to cover it up."
Next is the Kendama attraction. Kendama is said to have originated in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
Now, it has gained worldwide popularity, and a world tournament is held. He demonstrated exciting Kendama tricks to the rhythm of the music. Before his performance, he practiced diligently alone for 2 to 3 hours in other places.
Next is a Japanese dance.
It appears to be a classical Japanese dance, but it's actually not.
The performer described it as an Oiran dance.
After making this video, one of the JAS board members suggested changing its name to "Japanese dance".
Because the term "Oiran" is associated with high-class courtesans.
"Mochi pounding," "flower arrangement," "calligraphy," "origami," "tea ceremonies," "Kagura dance," and "Eisa" are annual attractions. Since 2018, Iwakuni City Hall has provided a tea ceremony set.