In South America and Brazil, where the world's largest Japanese society is located, the "Japan Festival", which widely introduces Japanese culture, was held for the first time in three years after the measures against infection with the new coronavirus were eased. It is crowded with people who want to enjoy such things.
The "Japan Festival", which is held annually in São Paulo by a Brazilian Nikkei group, is considered to be the largest event related to Japanese culture held overseas.
It was canceled last year due to the influence of the new coronavirus, but it has been held for the first time in 3 years from the 15th due to the relaxation of infection control measures.
The venue was lined with more than 300 booths from prefectural associations and Japanese companies, and visitors were buying Japanese dishes such as yakisoba, okonomiyaki, and tempura, which are also popular in Brazil.
In addition, a group of Nikkei performed full-scale performances such as Japanese drums on the special stage.
A woman in São Paulo said, "I haven't been able to attend these events for years, so I was looking forward to the Japanese festival. I like Japanese culture such as manga and anime."
Mr. Arnaud Katayama, a second-generation Japanese-American who is the chairman of the Kochi Kenjinkai, said, "I want to give the next generation an opportunity to pass on their feelings and culture to their hometown."
The Japanese Festival will be held until the 17th, and about 100,000 people are expected to visit during the festival.