The event started with a memorial program at the Katori Shrine at Sugar King Park in celebration of its 25th anniversary. The festivities then moved to the Garapan Central Park where children and adults feasted on sushi, tempura, soba, okonomiyaki, yakitori, and other Japanese dishes offered by the booths of the different Japanese restaurants on island.
The community got to witness colorful and spectacular dance performances by the Katori Shrine, the Yosakoi Soran and Shamisen groups.
Children had a grand time aiming for prizes at the different game booths, including shooting, ring toss, fish catching and balloon catching. Lucky winners also went home with hotel room certificates, restaurant certificates, Japanese toys, souvenirs and other items in the fukubiki or Japanese raffle games.
One feature of the festival that attracted a large number of people was the bazaar inside the Garapan Round House where clothing, shoes and other items were sold.
The annual Japanese Autumn Festival is hosted by the Japanese Society of the Northern Mariana Islands. Sponsors for the event included Country House, Moby Dick, Jonny’s Bar, Aglaia, Furusato, Tori Hide En, Ebisuya, Saipan Sanko, Nippon Travel Agency, Hafadai Beach Hotel, Hyatt Regency Saipan, Saipan Grand Hotel, Mariana Resort & Spa, Pacific Islands Club, Saipan World Resort and Mr. Mastunaga.
