Consul-General Takeuchi Attended the 13th Annual Nihon Matsuri (Japan Festival) in Salt Lake City, Utah (April 27, 2019)

On Saturday, April 27th, Consul General Takeuchi attended the 13th Annual Nihon Matsuri (Japan Festival) held at the old Japantown in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.

Giving opening remarks, Consul General Takeuchi delivered a message that the festival is a great symbol of the friendship between Utah and Japan, and the hope that strong relations and mutual understanding will further strengthen in the future. Special guests attending the opening ceremony also included Utah State Senator Jani Iwamoto, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson, and Salt Lake City Council chairman Charlie Luke.

Nihon Matsuri festival highlights included traditional arts performances of Japanese taiko drums, martial arts demonstrations, a tea ceremony demonstration, and the numerous Japanese food stalls. There were also several special exhibits introducing Japanese-American history during WWII, with displays by the Japanese American National Museum from Los Angeles, California, and the Topaz Museum from Delta, Utah. Approximately 8,000 people gathered to enjoy the Nihon Matsuri on Saturday.