Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival) in Albuquerque, NM (September 24, 2023)

On Sunday, September 24, the New Mexico Japanese-American Citizens League hosted this year’s Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival) at the Expo New Mexico in the Villa Hispana Pavilion in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Aki Matsuri has been an annual event for over 40 years. With each year featuring a different theme, this year’s theme was Ta-ke (Bamboo): The Way of Strength and Resilience. The festival was an all-day event showcasing Bon Odori (Japanese folk dance), various Japanese cultural exhibits, musical performances, martial arts demonstrations, and Japanese food and drink booths.

The Consulate-General of Japan was invited, and Deputy Consul-General AZECHI Isamu attended and gave the opening remarks. Mr. Davis Begay, Honorary Consul of Japan in Albuquerque, was also in attendance.