Summer is almost here, and what better way for lovers of Japanese culture to welcome the season than to enjoy a fun-filled festival. Coming this March 31 is Hinomoto’s Natsu Matsuri: A Japanese Summer Festival at Ateneo de Manila University’s Bellarmine Field. With free entrance to to the event, everyone can get to experience a traditional Japanese summer festival through fun games, great food, and exciting live performances.
On its second year, Hinomoto’s Natsu Matsuri (夏祭り) recreates the experience of a traditional Japanese summer festival as it brings in both familiar and new booths for event goers to partake in. Test your fishing skills with the coveted Kingyo-Sukui, win yourself a water balloon with the classic Yo-yo Tsuri, show off your sharpshooting skills with Shateki, or try your luck with the lottery game. Unleash the daredevil within as you spin the wheel of fate in our newest addition: the Batsu Game. Take part in the raffle and see what goodies await!
Stuff yourself with tasty and invigorating food during Natsu Matsuri through the concessionaires. Grab a quick bite with Kanin Ball’s onigiri, or tickle your taste buds with Tamashi’s Japanese street food. Cool yourself down with The Fruit Basket’s refreshing shakes for the hot summer night, or give yourself a sweet treat with Snap Bakery’s Donut Chips, Cake Chips, and irresistible dips.
To enrich the experience, live performances featuring bands and dance groups from different circles will happen throughout the night. Listen to Hinomoto’s homegrown musical talents with Hinomoto Ongaku and to the up-and-coming artiststhrough Ateneo Musicians Pool (AMP) featuring Alyson, New York Heights, and Allan Copuyoc & Co. Special guests like Kaleidoscope Eyes, Paola Mauricio, and Project: MATERIA will also grace the stage with their standout voices and charisma giving event goers a well-rounded experience. Feel free to step to the beat by dancing along to Hino Odori, the organization’s dance pool, as they dance the traditional and lively Yosakoi. Hinomoto’s own moderator, Dr. Hiroko Nagai, will also take the stage for an entrancing Koto performance.
Drop by merchandise booths to get various goodies and bring home mementos of this magical night. Make a bold statement with their unique JaPUNese shirts, or become a certified Natsu Matsuri supporter with their official event shirt. Maybe you can even find the yukata of your dreams and have the chance to wear it throughout the event.
Embrace the Japanese poet within you and create short poems from the heart with the Haiku contest, which is open to all. Get a chance of winning goodies from event sponsors ranging from free vouchers for Jellyfish Education Consultancy’s Japanese language classes to mouthwatering Royce’ Chocolates.
In the spirit of a true summer festival, Natsu Matsuri is the time to simply enjoy each other’s company and to create timeless memories worth looking back on.
Hinomoto’s Natsu Matsuri is co-presented by Royce’ Chocolate, Uber Philippines, Cool Japan, 100PLUS, and Infinitea. This event is sponsored by Jellyfish Education Consultancy, Rarejob Philippines, and Enerlife Philippines, with benefactor Yakult Philippines, as well as media partners magnetic-rose.net, WhenInManila.com, ClickTheCity, and arkadymac.com.
arkadymac.com is an official media partner for Natsu Matsuri, and we hope to see you there as we have our coverage of the event. Thank you.
About Hinomoto:
Hinomoto is the premier Japanese language and culture organization of Ateneo de Manila University, with two central goals: To develop excellence in Japanese language proficiency, and to promote awareness and appreciation of Japanese culture. Through Natsu Matsuri, we hope to provide an avenue for participants to get a hands-on experience of Japanese culture.
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Images used here courtesy of Hinomoto.
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