Denver Mottau

MATSURI JAPAN FESTIVAL 2017

The international Kimono Club of Sydney were passionate about promoting the fashion of Kimono wearing to a wider audience. On parade at Darling Harbour were a wide-ranging choice of this style of clothing. Photos capture some of the spectacular colourful modern trends that incite younger people into wearing Kimonos and Japanese fancy costumes to push a new pop culture.
Picture: Denver Mottau

The MATSURI JAPAN FESTIVAL is Sydney’s biggest Japanese event. It is held each year to celebrate Japanese culture and cross-cultural friendship between the people of Japan and Australia. Founded in 2006, the Japanese community in Sydney work very hard to host a traditional style Matsuri for Sydneysiders.

Variety, and lots of it, is the best way to describe the array of talent and diversity that filled Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour on Saturday 9 December 2017. The theme for this year’s celebration centered around Taiken, the Japanese word for Experience. The colourful presence of performers and audiences dressed to impress was simply dynamic.

Kendo demo’s- modern Japanese martial art which descended from swordmanship -using bamboo swords and protective armour.
Photo: Denver Mottau

Every movement of the camera focused on something totally different. The Japanese community in Sydney were there in full-force to colour the celebration with their traditional dress, music and dance performances as well as martial arts demonstrations (karate & Kendo), sumo wrestling and fast paced Ninja movements.

 

Traditional arts and crafts workshops were also conducted to demonstrate the various techniques of Ikebana, Origami, Calligraphy and the 16th century Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Taiko drums. Photo: Denver Mottau

There was something for everyone, including authentic Japanese food stalls, a Sake barrel, beer gardens, liquor stalls and a Japanese style drinking bar for those in need of experiencing the trendy Japan. It was a warm Sydney afternoon, the weather ideal for this truly versatile celebration of Japanese culture and everything uniquely Japanese.

Photo” Denver Mottau

Published by Denver Mottau

Denver’s passion for music, cinema and the arts began at an early age when accompanying his grandmother in her rounds of the entertainment circuits - gaining exposure to Hollywood’s Broadway musicals. This education continued throughout his childhood as the heart-felt melodies of yester-year, and the fantasy of the Golden Years of Hollywood embraced our lives. Choosing a pathway that incorporated all aspects of Sydney lifestyle, Denver was able to make inroads with a variety of independent newspapers and publications to write about subjects of community interest. Over time, he had published a good many front-page stories, helping to overturn political decisions and make an impact on the local scene. What he has enjoyed most is researching areas of health and fitness, music, food and fashion to try and understand what excites the average Sydneysider in their lifestyle and interests. It becomes an on-going avenue of discovery, one that provides great ammunition for stories. Meanwhile, life goes on and the stage is set for reviewing the creativity in visual and performing arts. The challenge is ever present and the results most fulfilling!