TOKYO Tensuiren, a group of entertainers who have been performing at the Awaodori festival in Koenji, Tokyo for 37 years now, will highlight this year’s Japanese Autumn Festival on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Paseo de Marianas in Garapan.
Saipan Awaodori team members Jesamie Tibong and Momo Heven hold welcome placards for the arrival of the Tokyo Tensuiren dancers on Oct. 21, a day before the local Awaodori’s 15th anniversary and the Japanese Autumn Festival.
The annual event wasn’t held on Saipan for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but it’s back “to promote Japanese culture and to show the Japanese community’s commitment to the CNMI,” said Japanese Society of Northern Marianas President Mamoru Watanabe.
A ceremonial breaking of the sake barrel will signal the start of the celebration at 6 p.m. this Saturday.
As in previous festivals, vendors will sell popular Japanese dishes such as takoyaki, yakitori, and yakisoba ramen among other delicious food items.
In addition, there will be various game booths, a shooting gallery, ring toss and water balloon fishing.
The raffle draw offers attractive prizes such as Bluetooth speakers, earphones, a takoyaki maker, a $500 Docomo gift card, meal coupons, hotel accommodations and many more.
Raffle tickets can be purchased with special tokens now available at Himawari, Takagi Associates, Furusato and Aqua Connections.
The price is $10 for 11 tokens if purchased in advance. Tokens can also be purchased at the festival for $1 each.
To raise funds for a Japanese school, the festival will also feature a yard sale from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Tokyo Tensuiren
The Saipan Awaodori team, which is celebrating its 15th year, will perform with the visiting members of Tokyo Tensuiren: lead dancer Taeko Shito, dancer Misato Maeda, kimono dancers Ikuko Ito and Hiromi Orita, and musicians/drummers Yu Yokoha and Noriko Ishiwatari.
The Saipan Awaodori team has close ties with Tokyo Tensuiren which has been visiting Saipan every year for the last 15 years to participate in the Japanese Autumn Festival.
On Oct. 21, the visiting cultural group will hold pre-performance sessions at Koblerville Elementary School from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.; at Mount Carmel School from 10:40 a.m. to 11:20 a.m.; and during Fiesta Friday at the CNMI Museum grounds from 7:40 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.
The local Awaodori group aims to build a strong relationship between Japan and the CNMI, and provide local children with an after-school program to keep them active in a good way.
Exciting
The Japanese Society of Northern Marianas promises “an exciting show” during the Autumn Festival.
Saipan Kenbukai will demonstrate traditional Kendo style. The Bon Odori and other traditional Japanese dances will also be performed.
“We encourage the public to join and experience the dances,” Watanabe said. “Please follow the 3Ws: Wear your mask, Wash your hands, and Watch your distance. All of our assisting staff members are fully vaccinated. We would like you to stay safe and enjoy the festival. This festival is one of many examples of the historic ties between the Marianas and Japan, and our society is warmly welcoming all residents,” Watanabe added.
