“The local Japanese community is excited to bring special cultural activities to this event. We also realised that many Gisborne locals have connections with Japan. We want to provide a safe, friendly space for all in the community to mutually share their knowledge and experiences,” Akiko said.
The event will consist of three areas: workshops, performances, and food.
The workshops include a tea ceremony, origami, yukata costume experience, Japanese calligraphy, language exchange, Tanabata wishing tree, and a kids’ sushi-making experience.
The performance area will feature Japanese Taiko drum performances and public workshops by Narukami Taiko of Wellington, judo demonstrations and public workshops by Gisborne Judo Club, Bon-odori Japanese folkdance, and Japanese songs by local musicians, with emcee, Walter Walsh The Wiz.
Yoko Sushi will provide the community with their popular range from the shop, as well as new tastes of Japan.
Alongside them will be Japanese sweets presented by the Japanese community members.
Gisborne District Sister City (GDSC) supports the event with their booth exhibiting Bonsai (miniaturised trees) and Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), along with examples of their Sister City and Sister Port connections.
“Enjoy hands-on action or a crafty takeaway? Find out what a sister city is all about at our booth in Treble Court,” said GDSC secretary Jan Calder.
Celebration of different cultures encouraged
President of TMC Dr Arish Naresh said he was thrilled to bring together the inaugural Japan Day festival.
“We hope it will be the first of many as we celebrate cultures and festivals to create better awareness and appreciation of diversity in our region. After the impact of Covid-19 and Cyclone Gabrielle, it is important we hold events to build social cohesion and reduce social isolation for migrant whānau and wider Tairāwhiti residents.
“We are willing to support other ethnic groups to bring their cultural events by sharing the strategies we have learned through this event organisation.”
Chief founder of TCFE Li Dan said he hoped this event might trigger a conversation about the possibilities of what ethnic communities may be able to do to strengthen community connectedness.
Akiko said: “We take a people-focused approach to culture.
“I was thrilled by how the event idea has evolved so far with the local community’s input. It is about the people we have in Gisborne.
“Come along to have fun and connect with us.”
The event will also be great for families with young children with kid-friendly activities, workshops and food.
Gisborne Japan Day is on at Treble Court on Saturday, October 28. It starts at 10am with an opening whakatau at 9.45am, and runs to 1.30pm. Entry is free. All community members are welcome.
The event is not for profit, with funding support from Gisborne District Creative Communities Scheme Festival Funding, Trust Tairāwhiti, Ethnic Communities fund, and Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC).
