The Japanese Society of Northern Marianas spearheaded the 25th Japanese Autumn Festival with traditional Japanese dance presentations, games for children and adults as well as food.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela officially opened the festival followed by a toast of Japanese sake with Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Perry B. Tenorio and officials of the Japanese Society.
The blistering sun did not hinder the crowd from falling in line to get tokens so they could buy such culinary favorites as sushi, tempura, takoyaki, katsudon soba, barbeque chicken, okonomiyaki and other food and drinks from the participating vendors and food outlets.
The Yosakoi Dancers, a group from Hokaido, Japan, provided entertainment and awed the audience with their graceful performances.
Children were not left out of the celebration as they got a chance to win prizes from the game booths.
Festival promoter Miyazawa Hideo earlier said the annual event is held to promote Japanese culture while enhancing the relationship between Japan and the Northern Marianas.
