Story posted Thursday, June 18, 2009
All Things Japan Take Center Stage At Fest
Archery pros Yasuo Ito and Hoon Kim demonstrate traditional technique during Saturday's Japan Fest in Arlington Hts. (Tom Robb/The Journal)
Between 7,000 and 8,000 people flocked to Forest View Educational Center in Arlington Hts. last weekend to take in the sights, sounds and tastes of all things Japanese at the 28th Annual Japan Festival.
In addition to vendors selling and displaying everything from coy fish to Japanese calligraphy, traditional performances and demonstrations of Japanese culture delighted the crowds.
A highlight of the event was a demonstration by Kanjuro Shibata, who traveled all the way from Kyoto, Japan, to demonstrate bow making. Shibata is bow maker to the emperor of Japan, a title passed down through 21 generations in his family since the 1800's. The Shibata family has been making bows continuously passing down techniques and traditions since the year 1534.
Saturday at Forest View, Shibata crafted a bow from a single large piece of bamboo.
Other traditions were shown on four stages. Visitors watched a traditional tea ceremony, traditional dances and musical presentations using traditional instruments as well as martial arts and archery demonstrations.
The Japanese Consulate had a table at the event and the Consul General of Japan wrote a welcoming message in the program, as did Arlington Hts. Mayor Arlene Mulder. Arlington Hts. Trustee Thomas Glasgow represented the village in opening ceremonies.
This year's theme looked back on comparing the Tokyo of today with the city of Edo, Tokyo's former name, 400 years ago.
Four years ago the festival moved to Arlington Hts. from its former home at the Chicago Botanic Gardens in Glencoe.
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