Dusseldorf Endures Adverse Weather Conditions for 380,000 Japanese Attendees
The 22nd Japan Day, a celebration of Japanese culture and an encounter festival, took place in Düsseldorf on May 24th. With approximately 380,000 visitors in attendance, the event was a resounding success.
Cosplayers came prepared, setting up tents and pavilions to showcase their creative costumes. The festival featured a cosplay competition, with participants vying for the top spot.
Visitors were equipped with umbrellas and waterproof jackets, as the weather changed from dry to rainy during the event. Despite the occasional drizzle, spirits remained high as the festival offered a wide variety of Japanese food at the stalls.
The event was opened by Dr. Stephan Keller, Paul Höller, Takao Hariya, and Yoshitaka Tsunoda, with a traditional sake barrel tapping ceremony. The day was filled with cultural performances, including taiko drumming, traditional dance, and martial arts demonstrations.
On the sports stage, everyone could immerse themselves in the world of Japanese martial arts. The Japanese fireworks display was the grand finale, themed "Explore Japan - A Night Sky Full of Magic".
The festival also featured stalls and stages showcasing traditional Japanese arts, modern pop culture, and sporting activities. One such collaboration was between DoKomi and Japan Day, where participants could sign up for cosplay and karaoke competitions on the pop culture stage.
For those who wish to order pictures from the gallery, an email can be sent with the picture numbers. As a token of appreciation, donations are welcomed for the pictures ordered from the gallery.
The Japanese J-Rock band ReaL performed on the Burgplatz stage as the final program item, bringing the 22nd Japan Day to a memorable close. The event offered a unique blend of tradition and modernity, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in Japanese culture.
Home-and-garden stalls offered a variety of traditional Japanese decorations, ideal for outdoor-living enthusiasts seeking to incorporate elements of Japanese lifestyle into their homes. Festival-goers were invited to attend workshops on ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement, to add a touch of beauty to their homes and gardens.
