Kotka Japan Day: Matsuri

KTP and footballer Atomu Tanaka organize Kotka's first Matsuri summer festival at Satama Arena, together with partners. The event is free and open to all ages.

The festival's centerpiece is a traditional Mikoshi shrine donated to Finland in 2019, surrounded by Japanese lanterns and an installation by artist Yoshida Yoshimasa. At the Yatai festival stalls you can buy Takoyaki octopus balls, chocolate bananas, and Japanese lunch buffet. Participation in traditional festival games - fishing for superballs and yoyos - costs 3 € per game.

The stage programme features Atomu Tanaka's performances, Kotka Music School's Ghibli concert and "From Sakura to Super Mario" series, Zuikon Tsugaru Shamisen concert, English Kindergarten's Bon Odori dance performance, and Kotka Fencing Club's Kendo demonstration. There are also open football stations for the family's youngest.

In the workshops you can try Sumi-e painting under the guidance of Takuyo Kawauchi or commission calligraphy from Shodō master Oskar Daitō Hellström. Workshops, games, and stalls are open throughout the day.

Schedule
10:00 Doors open
10:15 Bon Odori dance performance (English Kindergarten)
10:25 Kendo demonstration (Kotka Fencing Club)
10:45 Atomu Tanaka's stage performance, part 1
11:30 Ghibli concert (Kotka Music School)
13:00 Tsugaru Shamisen concert (Zuiko)
14:00 "From Sakura to Super Mario" concert (Kotka Music School)
15:00 Atomu Tanaka's stage performance and football station prize ceremony, part 2
16:00 Event concludes