Japanese festivals in Australia, a throwback to the matsuri in Sydney in 2006

In 2006, celebrations including the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation led to a larger-scale Japanese festival being held in Sydney. We spoke to Kazuko Chalker and Yushiro Mizukoshi of the Japan Club of Sydney (JCS) about the event, which featured guests from Japan and approximately 300 children participating in Yosakoi Soran dances.

Matsuri Japan Festival held at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour in 2006 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Top left: Yoshino Kimura, Japanese actress designated as the Goodwill Ambassador for Japanese Tourism. Bottom left: Kazuko Chalker (centre) and Yushiro Mizukoshi (back right) from the Japan Club of Sydney. Right: Children dancing Japanese Yosakoi Soran.

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Japanese festivals in Australia, a throwback to the matsuri in Sydney in 2006

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Japanese festivals are now held not only in major cities but across Australia.

Artist Ken Done at a Japanese festival in 2006. Credit: Japan Club of Sydney

Japanese festival held at Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour, Sydney in 2006. Kay Tang was leading Japanese folk dance. Credit: Japan Club of Sydney

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