Craving a Japanese getaway but can’t take the time off? Then head down to the Thebarton Community Centre this Sunday for Adelaide’s biggest Japanese Festival.
Every year on the 5th of May, Japan takes a day to celebrate the health and futures of their children. Around the country families fly koinobori, carp streamers, for each child in their house.
To honour the long-standing connection between Australia and Japan, the Japanese-Australian Friendship Association (JAFA) has been holding their own annual Kodomo No Hi, or Children’s Day Festival, right here in Adelaide since 1995.
Purposely run to be as family-friendly as possible, it aims to not just celebrate the connections between the two countries but to be a fun event for all ages.
Originally JAFA’s Kodomo No Hi started as an important way for Japanese people to show that they are part of the community.
Since then, it has grown to be not just a showcase of the local Japanese community, but a city-wide collaboration of local businesses and artists.
“Community is at the central focus,” festival committee member Anna Ngov says, “it is a place for people of all backgrounds to come together.”
Stalls selling Japanese food are some of the most popular. Crispy kaarage chicken, the sweet and savoury noodle dish yakisoba and other styles of Japanese street food will have you salivating.
Across the stage, there is a mix of traditional and modern Japanese musicians, dancers from across many different styles and of course, a range of exciting martial arts demonstrations.
If getting hands-on is more your style, then try your hand at origami and other traditional Japanese crafts.
Other attractions include kimono dressing, games and even a Maid Café!
To truly keep it a family-friendly affair, costs of entry are minimal and unlike most festivals, food stalls are as inexpensive as possible.
Entry is only $5 per person but $10 for a family (maximum of four with at least one child) and with a range of free activities aimed at children, it’s the perfect day out for the whole family.
The event is also not-for-profit, with any money raised donated to the Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts, supporting communities around the world impacted by natural disasters.
Over the years, Kodomo No Hi has raised between $45,000 and $50,000, donating to places like Nepal, following the 2015 earthquake; Ecuador, following the 2016 earthquake; and Australia, following the 2020 bushfires and 2022 floods.
This year, they are raising money for the Red Cross to aid in support of its humanitarian response to the February earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
Whether you have a keen interest in Japanese culture or are just looking for a fun day out for the family, the Kodomo No Hi Festival is a great opportunity to support get out and support the local community.
Get down nice and early to catch all the action. Tickets are only available on entry.
For more information, head to their website.
When: 11am to 4pm on Sunday, May 7th
Where: Thebarton Community Centre, Corner South Rd & Ashwin Pde, Torrensville (opposite Brickworks Market)
Price: $5 per person, $10 per family (4 individuals maximum; adults must be accompanied by a child)
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