Kodomo no Hi Festival 7 May 2023
What: Kodomo no Hi Festival
When: 7 May 2023
Where: Thebarton Community Centre – Corner South Road and Ashwin Parade, Torrensville SA 5031
Cost: Entry fee $5.00 per person, $10.00 per family
South Australia's very own annual family-friendly Japanese Cultural Festival, the Kodomo no Hi Festival welcomes one and all to come and spend a marvelous afternoon celebrating the Japanese culture! The Festival honors and celebrates the cultural ties between the people of Japan and Australia and is a wonderful day for people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures to spend the day enjoying delicious food, Japanese activities, making art and crafts, watching intriguing performances, and more! The festival will showcase both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with the support of community organizations, local performers, and volunteers.
A crucial aspect of this year's festival is that a donation from the proceeds will be made to the Red Cross for disaster relief in order to assist the families who were impacted by the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
What is Kodomo no Hi?
The Kodomo no Hi Festival, also known as Children's Day is celebrated on the fifth day of the fifth month in Japan, and has been the largest Japanese festival in South Australia since 1995. The festival is held to celebrate children, their unique characteristics, and their moments of happiness. Koinobori or carp streamers can be flown by families for all the children in their homes. According to the Japanese folklore, the carp symbolises determination, vigour, and relates to conquering challenges and hurdles in order to advance. Many homes also keep samurai warrior figurines and samurai kabuto helmets as a symbol of strength and bravery.
"The festival allows Japanese residents to showcase their culture and our History Festival display provides a record of the contribution they have made to the community."
~ Mike Dunphy, President of Japan Australia Friendship Association
Entertainment and Activities
There are numerous exciting and thrilling activities for everyone to enjoy during the festival!
Main Stage Schedule
11:10 AM Chonkai Latin Dancers
11:25 AM Studio Flamenco
11:45 AM Stephanie Angela
12:05 PM Matsuri Taiko
12:30 PM Official Welcome & Award Ceremony
1:00 PM Special Guest: Hiroshi Ibusuki (Adelaide United F. C.)
1:20 PM Allen Edwards & Noriko Tadano
1:40 PM Ichimadin
2:05 PM Kimono Fashion Show
2:25 PM Monteverdi Singers
2:55 PM Amrit Krish
3:05 PM Festival Raffle Draw
3:15 PM MEL3 & Wanpaku Dancers
3:40 PM Yass & Mark
AnimeGo! Japan Pop Cultural Festival
Kodomo no Hi Japan Festival's sister event, AnimeGo!, is another event hosted by the Japan Australia Friendship Association. Everyone in Australia is welcome to take part in the annual AnimeGO! 4-Koma Manga Competition and Short Anime Film Competition. The event runs all year and the entries from the previous years will be exhibited.
Activities for kids!
Origami and Koinobori coloring (Community Centre)
Stamp Rally (JAFA Desk)
Fish Scooping (Oval - Kids Games)
Karuta (Oval)
Soccer workshop (Oval)
Come participate in all the exhilarating and fascinating activities at the Festival!
1000 Cranes Project: Participate in the 1000 Cranes Project by folding your own origami crane to showcase as part of our exhibit! It will also be delivered to Japan's Hiroshima Children's Peace Monument.
Kimono Dressing Workshop: Have you ever longed to try on a Japanese kimono or yukata? Join the 20-minute workshops to try on the summer style Japanese kimonos.
Ikebana Display: Come see the lovely display of the Japanese flower-arranging technique known as ikebana, which will be put on display by the Ikebana International Adelaide Chapter.
Origami: Learn the Japanese art of paper folding and take your very own creation home!
Calligraphy: Have you ever wondered how your name might appear in Japanese calligraphy? Come and see for yourself!
Find out more about other events here!
11:00 AM Abbe Budo School of Kyushindo (Kenjutsu)
11:30 AM Sobukan (Karate)
12:00 PM UniSA Shodokan & Flinders Uni. Shodokan Aikido (Aikido)
12:30 PM Sobukan (Jujutsu)
13:00 PM Adelaide Kenyukai Kendo (Kendo)
13:30 PM UniSA Judo Club (Judo)
14:00 PM Abbe Budo School of Kyushindo (Kenjutsu)
14:30 PM UniSA Shodokan & Flinders Uni. Shodokan Aikido (Aikido)
15:00 PM UniSA Judo Club (Judo)
15:30 PM Sobukan (Karate)
The Japan Australia Friendship Association (JAFA) was established in 1998 and aims to form a strong bond between Japan and Australia through cultural and social interactions. It is a social and cultural non-profit organisation that brings originality, inspiration, and enthusiasm to the table.
Supporters
Japan Australia Friendship Association are the primary supporters of this event and the Department of the Premier and Cabinet and the City of West Torrens each contributed a grant.
