Nihon Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival that celebrates gastronomy and culture, organised by the Japanese Association of Asuncion (AJA) and the Embassy of Japan in Paraguay. Held annually for the last seven years, it returns to Asunción this year on Saturday 5th October.
Nihon Matsuri, meaning “Japan Festival,” sees participation from a wide range of local Japanese associations and cultural groups, and has grown into a vital cultural yearly event in Paraguay, attracting thousands of attendees each year, and is even larger than the annual Japanese Bazaar, also held in Asunción.
What to Expect: Festival of Cultural Integration between Paraguayans and Japanese
The National Tourism Secretariat (Senatur) has officially declared the Nihon Matsuri a National Tourist Interest event, and it is again being held at the sports complex of the Japanese Association in Villa Elisa.
Villa Elisa is to the south east of Asunción (technically in the city of Nemby, which is one of the 19 “cities” which comprise the Greater Asunción Area, alongside the likes of Luque, Lambare, Fernando de la Mora, and San Lorenzo, among others). It is approximately 30 minutes by car from either Villa Morra or Downtown Asunción, and should cost around Gs 30,000 – Gs 40,000 (approximately $4 – $6 USD) to get there in an Uber or a Bolt, each way.
This seventh edition of the festival is anticipated to attract over 5,000 attendees, celebrating the vibrant cultural exchange between Paraguayans and the Japanese community, and is widely expected to be bigger than ever before – as it has been for each of the last seven years!
Festival highlights include:
- Authentic Japanese Cuisine, including favorites like sushi, ramen, tempura, mochi and takoyaki. Attendees can savor the flavors of Japan while experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the local community.
- Taiko Show, showcasing the traditional Japanese art of drumming, known for its powerful rhythms and synchronised movements.
- Yosakoi dance, an energetic performance that fuses traditional dance with modern music, featuring vibrant costumes and wooden clappers called naruko.
- Bon Odori will invite participants to dance in a circular formation around a raised platform (yagura), performing simple, repetitive movements to folk songs.
- Marketplace and Authentic Japanese Goods, for those seeking souvenirs or unique gifts, the festival marketplace will offer a wide range of Japanese goods, such as ceramics, anime, and manga figures, among others.
What is Nihon Matsuri?
The Japanese people have long believed that the gods dwell in everything, saying that there are ‘eight million (yaoyorozu) gods’. Japanese festivals have historically been held to express gratitude to nature and the deities, to celebrate life, and to strengthen community bonds.
Building Bridges Between Paraguay and Japan
The event not only showcases Japan’s rich cultural heritage, but also serves as a bridge between the Paraguayan and Japanese communities, reflecting the longstanding friendship and shared values between the two nations.
With a robust Japanese immigrant community (they are called Nikkei people) in Paraguay, this festival fosters mutual understanding and brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds to appreciate Japan’s traditions.
To know this traditional festival is to know how Nikkei connect to the Japanese culture. Japanese people are considered very shy but people are very open during this festival, and you can interact with them in a way that is only possible at the time.
Please visit Nihon Matsuri and feel the energy of Japan in Paraguay!
Event Details
- Date: Saturday 5th October, 2024
- Time: 5pm to midnight
- Location: Complejo Deportivo de la Asociación Japonesa, City of Villa Elisa
- Tickets can be purchased in advance on the Ticketea website for Gs 15,000, or on the day at the entrance for Gs 20,000
