What will be happening at Matsuri?

👘Come and join Matsuri Brisbane 2025👘 https://www.matsuribrisbane.com/free-tickets

Date: Saturday, September 6th, 2025

Time:

11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (AEST)/ Bon Odori 4:30-5:00

Location:

Whites Hill State College

138 Burn Street, Camp Hill QLD 4152, Australia

Bon Odori at Matsuri Brisbane

Performance Activities

You can enjoy Japanese entertainment such as drums, Awaodori (dance from Tokushima), Yosakoi, Jpop band, Idols and martial arts demonstrations such as Aikido, Karate, Swordsmanship and more!

We are hosting Bon Odori at the end of Matsuri from 4:30pm, please come to join Bon dance (Japanese Disco) with us! You will feel being part of the community.

Activities

You can also enjoy and experience Japanese traditional toys such as

Kendama, Koma. Kids activities such as super ball scoop, water balloons etc.

Stalls/ Bars

Food, drinks and desserts are the most important items for Matsuri. You will find all kinds of goodies. You will also find Japanese crafts, books handmade accessories etc. Introduction of soroban Japanese abacus, go and Japanese tourism information etc. A special licensed bar will also be there where you can enjoy Japanese beverages.

Cultural display & workshops

Make sure to book Ikebana, calligraphy, Tea ceremony workshops etc... More about Matsuri in general.... 🌸 What is Natsu matsuri? Japanese summer festivals are fun events held every year in the summer.　It's called Natsu （Summer) Matsuri (Festival). Each region has its own unique features, and many people gather to enjoy them.

🎋 The Purposes of Summer Festivals • Gratitude and prayers to nature: Japan is an agricultural country, and summer festivals are traditionally held to pray for a good harvest.

• Honoring ancestors: Festivals held during Obon also serve as a way to remember and honor those who have passed away.

• Community bonds: Through festivals, people in the community gather and strengthen their connections.

💃 Bon Odori Bon Odori is a traditional dance often seen at Japanese summer festival. It is held throughout Japan, and the dance style and music differ from region to region.

🕺 Features of Bon Odori

• Simple steps: The dance steps are easy, so anyone can join in. For example, raising your right hand or stepping out with your left foot—simple moves to remember.

• Local music: People dance to the music unique to each region and modern music.

• Fun for everyone: From children to adults, everyone joins in the dance.

🍡 Festival Food Stalls (Yatai)

At summer festivals, many food stalls line the streets.They offer not only food but also games to enjoy.

🍧 Popular Festival Foods • Yakisoba (fried noodles) • Takoyaki (octopus balls) • Kakigori (shaved ice)

🎯 Fun Festival Games • Goldfish scooping: Catch goldfish with a paper scooper in water. • Shateki (target shooting): Use toy guns to knock down targets. • Yo-yo fishing: Fish for water balloons floating in a tub using a string hook.

👘 Wearing Yukata at Festivals At summer festivals, many people wear yukata. A yukata is a traditional Japanese summer garment, usually made of cotton.

🌿 Features of Yukata • Made of cool, breathable fabric • Beautifully designed patterns • Easy to wear

🎆 Haruka's Summer Festival Memories I have been to many summer festivals, but the one I remember the most was a small festival held at my local elementary school. At the stalls, I ate kakigori (shaved ice) and played games like shateki.The schoolyard was filled with many people, making it lively and exciting. At the end of the festival, everyone joined hands in a big circle to dance Bon Odori.

I wasn’t good at dancing, so at first I felt shy. But the dance was simple and fun, and before I knew it, I was smiling. Watching everyone enjoy themselves made me happy too. This summer festival is a special memory for me.

“Summer Festival Vocabulary”

Food stall – yatai (屋台)

Shaved ice – kakigori (かき氷)

Flavor – aji (〜味)

Bon dance – Bon Odori (盆踊り)

Summer kimono – yukata (浴衣)

“Useful Festival Phrases”〜いくらですか。

(How much is it?)Ex) かき氷はいくらですか。 (How much is the shaved ice?)

〜ください。 (〜 please.)Ex)

レモン味をください。 (Lemon flavor, please.) Let's enjoy Matsuri together! Want to prepare next trip to Japan? Short courses and long term courses are available. Find out about course options: please visit https://www.brisbanejapaneseschool.com/enrolment