Students from Japanese classes helped celebrate the change of seasons at the Japanese Cultural Center’s Aki Matsuri festival. The event marked two special holidays in Japan, “Bunka No Hi,” Japanese cultural day, and “Shichi Go San,”  a celebration for children ages 7, 5 and 3. Students ushered, helped children change into and out of kimono, traditional Japanese clothing, and serve in food booths.

Junior Angelique Mara found the volunteer opportunity was also fun for her.

“It felt amazing participating at Aki Matsuri. It was wonderful to see so many different people connecting to respect the Japanese culture,” Mara said.

World Languages Department Chair, Yoko Harada, said she hopes that such old traditions can be kept alive through events like the Aki Matsuri festival.

“Being a native Japanese person, it’s very nice to see other people who are interested in my culture,” said Harada. “Tradition is a very important aspect of culture, and I hope that through these types of events, Hawaii can keep the authentic traditions going, regardless of any changes of certain customs.”

The Aki Matsuri festival was held on Nov. 9 and featured activities, food and family fun as well as ceremonies conducted by Shinto priests. Shintoism is the native religion of Japan.

“It’s a nice way to get involved with the culture as well as respecting it,” Mara said. “Those who attend, regardless if they are volunteers or not, will help spread the culture of Japan not only to our generation but also to the younger generation.”