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Community Invited to Japanese Festival in Western Montana Events March 22-23

March 12, 2024

The University of Montana Western and the Dillon Public Library would like to invite the community to celebrate the Second Annual Japanese Festival in Western Montana with a series of events to be held March 22 and 23, 2024.

Events and activities for all ages will take place throughout the city of Dillon including the University of Montana Western, Dillon Public Library, and many local businesses.

This year, even more exciting events and workshops have been added. Nao Fukumoto, Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, who came to Dillon last August, will help bring this event to life! Visit tinyurl.com/JFWM2024 to view the complete schedule of events.

Festival event topics will include:

  • Welcome Activities
  • Japanese Doll, Cultural Display, and Crafts Table
  • Furoshiki Workshop (Japanese Cloth Wrapping Techniques)
  • Kamishibai (Traditional Japanese Storytelling)
  • Sushi Sampling 
  • Shinobue Workshop (Japanese Flute)
  • Saito Family and Japanese History Exhibit
  • Soran Bushi Dance Performance
  • Taiko Workshop (Japanese Drum)
  • Family Movie Night- Spirited Away
  • Sake Tasting
  • Samurai Undressed Demonstration
  • Sado (Tea Ceremony) 
  • Aikido Workshop (Japanese Martial Art)
  • Japanese Jewelry Making
  • Ikebana Workshop (Japanese Flower Arrangement )
  • Bonsai Demonstration
  • Kumamoto Sister State Presentation
  • Work in Japan with the JET Program
  • Calligraphy, Japanese Toys, and Games
  • Japanese Art Exhibit
  • Miya Hannan Artist Presentation & Closing Reception: “Deep Echoes”

Thank you to the generous sponsors and contributors who have helped make this event possible. For more information, please call 406-683-4544. Event passports will be available for pickup starting March 18 at the Dillon Public Library.

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