If you’re looking to do something a bit different Monday, check out the annual Japan Day event at the Basque Center.
Japan Day is a family-friendly cultural event that celebrates Japanese culture in Idaho.
This year, the event’s highlight will be Kabuki dance Grandmaster Fujima Shunojo, a famed classical dance master from Chicago, who will be performing the traditional Japanese dance – which can be traced back to the 1700’s. “Fujima Shunojo is known worldwide as one of the greatest living teachers of classical Japanese dance and, in 2013, was awarded the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation Award for his work. He travels nationwide to perform,” according to the Idaho Japanese Association’s website.
Japan Day will feature demonstrations of calligraphy, origami, Koto music, martial arts and a colorful lion dance. There will also be a children’s carnival (known as “Ennichi”), a flea market, an an Anime Oasis.
Onigiri rice balls and rice cakes are available for purchase.
Participation in some booth activities require event tickets in (mock) Japanese Yen. Event tickets are available for purchase at the admission booth; prices range from one- to five-dollars.
The event is sponsored by the Idaho Japanese Association and the Consulate General of Japan.
It runs from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Monday at the Basque Center, 601 W. Grove St., in Boise.
Admission is free.
