Natsu Matsuri (夏祭り or Summer Festival) is a key highlight every year for folks who love Japanese culture in Singapore. The annual event is organised by the Japanese Association of Singapore, and is typically held on a Saturday in August. The event is usually held at the Japanese Primary School located in Changi, and event attendees can look forward to a wide variety of activities including Japanese snacks, festival game stalls and the Bon Odori (盆踊り).
Sounds interesting?
Many attendees would turn up in their yukata, which is a casual kimono that is worn for the summer season. If you don’t have one, you could always rent yukata at the premise for a small price, and there are even helpers that can help you dress up for the occasion. The atmosphere just feels like a real Japanese festival when you see so many participants decked out in colorful yukatas.
Of course, yukata are always available for the kids, so the entire family can join the fun.
The stage is constructed in the centre of the field, and everyone is free to lay down their picnic mats around. There are performances throughout the day, so you can just enjoy a leisurely afternoon, have a simple chat with friends over snacks and drinks, while enjoying the performances on stage.
The main highlight of the event is the “Bon Odori”, a traditional dance held during the Obon festival in Japan to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors. The dance is guided by the Sensei and volunteers whom practised for the past month on the art. The Bon Odori in Singapore has been infused with some local tunes like the popular malay folk song “Rasa Sayang”.
The Bon Odori is a must-try experience, and its really awesome to see so many people dancing around the stage. No one cares if the dance moves are done 100% correctly, its fine, as long as you followed the crowd and soak in the fun atmosphere.
Natsu Matsuri is an event for everyone that loves the Japanese culture. And you can be sure that I will be returning every year with my friends. If you have the chance, you should definitely attend and experience it for yourself!
Summer Festival, Singapore (Annually)**
Venue: Japanese Primary School
Address: No. 11 Upper Changi Road North
Date: TBA by The Japanese Association of Singapore, yearly around midyear
Duration: (usually) 5pm to 9pm. Tickets can be bought at as early as 4.30pm
Getting there: Free shuttle bus from Tanah Merah MRT Station or Bus 5 from Pasir Ris Bus Interchange
Food & Games: SGD$2 and above
Yukata rental (with dressing service): $5, dressing service alone at $3
**Accurate as of August 2014
Photo Credits: RE:MAKE Photography
You can contact them at their email address: remakephotography@gmail.com
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