Hosted by the Northern Mariana Islands Japanese Society, this year’s event featured spectacular entertainment from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Elementary and high school students entertained the crowd with their skills in ken-do, popular dances like the Yosakoi, and Bon dance or Bon Odori which honors the spirits of one’s ancestors.
A challenging rice ball eating competition for males and females was also held with the crowd cheering on the participants. Darrol Atalig and Ningning Li emerged as the winners in the male and female categories and received Fiesta Resort & Spa buffet tickets as their prizes.
Staffers of participating food outlets had their hands full very early in the afternoon as guests sampled their special menus.
Several spectators interviewed by the Variety said they liked the new venue and the new time frame for the festival.
“It’s nice because it’s just right here at the Paseo de Marianas and we don’t have to go out and have a hard time looking for a parking space and suffer under the heat of the sun to watch the entertainment,” said a mother who brought three young kids with her.
Food establishments said they enjoyed brisk sales on Saturday night compared to their sales in the past years.
The previous festivals were held at the Garapan Round House starting at 10 a.m.
This year’s festival opened with a ceremony at the International House of Prayer at the Sugar King Park at 10 a.m. on Saturday.
