Torrance Bunka Sai Japanese Cultural Festival

[I am writing about a visit to the 35th Annual Bunka Sai, the Japanese cultural festival that was held on April 21-22, 2007, in Torrance]

I attended both days, as I am a member of the sponsoring organization, the Torrance Sister City Association. The proceeds of the festival are used to fund the Torrance Sister City Student Cultural Exchange Program, which offers a group of Torrance students the opportunity to spend 3 weeks in the Torrance sister city of Kashiwa with host families. In turn, students from Kashiwa spend 3 weeks here in Torrance the following month (August). It is probably one of the most successful student exchange programs around, as I know other communities inquire about it when their exchange programs flounder. It is because of my association with the Torrance Sister City Assn that I wish that there was a similar one for a Chinese city and Palos Verdes, perhaps.

The emphasis is on cultural exhibits and performances. Outside, there are many food booths for all and games for small children; inside is a stage with a seating area, and throughout both days, there are groups that perform. There was Aikido, Kendo, Naginata, and Judo (martial arts); music such as Taiko, shakuhachi, vocal groups; a tea ceremony, Japanese dancing; Japanese calligraphy; Japanese poetry recitation. At the indoor exhibits there was origami, sumie (brush painting), doll making, flower arrangement, and bonsai (plants). There are booths that sell Japanese craft items and clothing.

What did I learn? I learned how to fry Okinawa dango (my first time) as I had a shift there. It is probably one of the most popular booths (Japanese donut). I worked in the teriyaki booth and learned that shouting out to passing attendees does generate new business. It is typically done in Japan by store vendors, so I guess it was a cultural characteristic. I am involved with the Japanese dance group that performs each year (for the past 30 years), so I narrate the 20 minute program and try to introduce the art of Japanese dancing to the audience, some of whom may be seeing Japanese dance for the first time.
Next year's festival is scheduled for April 26-27, 2008. [Edit by="awilloughby on Jul 2, 1:56:00 PM"][/Edit]