The two-day Japan Summer Festival has come to a conclusion with more than 45,000 visitors gathered at the Singapore Sports Hub to experience the vibrant festivities. In collaboration with the Japanese Association of Singapore, the main aim of this event is to foster a stronger cultural understanding between both the Japanese and local communities.

Guests-of-Honour Mr Mitsuhiro Miyakoshi, Special Advisor to Japanese Prime Minister, and Ms Tan Gee Keow, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY), witnessed the heart-thumping beats of the Taiko Drummers and the time-honoured Bon-Odori Dance.

They also toured the event ground which comprises of food and beverage, merchandise, and game booths as well as motorsport related activities at the Sports Hub Community Play Day ‘Fun-On-Wheels’ zone.

Under the canopy of the world's largest free-spanning dome, families were able to bond through the games played at the Pokémon Carnival zone, the Sports Hub Community Play Day – Fun on Wheels! zone, Japanese Association’s Game Corner, and the Bon-Odori dance.

Photo Credit: Singapore Sports Hub

Full Filled Activities

A Singapore GP F1 Roving Truck was on site for participants to test out the reflexes of car racing enthusiasts in the simulators. Families and friends also took part in a “Family Drag Race” activity, where they mounted a cardboard car and race to the finish line.

Fitness enthusiasts were seen practising their footwork at the J-Party Fitness mass workouts conducted by Japanese instructors.

Additionally, tennis fans are able to enjoy a teaser of the excitement of the upcoming WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Finals coming up in October at the Singapore Indoor Stadium through fun tennis-related challenges at the mini-tennis court.

Photo Credit: Singapore Sports Hub

The Bon Odori Dance & Yukata Try-outs

The activities for Saturday drew to a climactic close with the Bon-Odori mass dance, the highlight for Japanese summer festivals. Participants dressed in traditional summer garment, the yukata, circled around the centre stage, dancing to the rhythm of the night.