Houston News Media Celebrates Japan Festival's Return

Special thanks go out to KHOU 11 Great Day Houston with Deborah Duncan and KPRC Channel 2 for hosting interviews highlighting the grand comeback of Japan Festival Houston.

The 2023 festival followed a four-year long COVID hiatus and marked the 30th anniversary of the founding of the event. In addition, the event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Japanese Garden and the 50th anniversary of the Houston-Chiba Sister City relationship.

2023 saw sumo join the performance lineup for the first time. The Festival also hosted the inaugural TEXAS KENDAMA SHOWDOWN, providing kendama enthusiasts — beginners and experts alike — a chance to show off mastery of an extensive trick list. 

To watch the televised interviews, click the buttons below: