A young Asian-American martial arts enthusiast, cat-lover, food snob, moderate-liberal, web designer, student, expat's life in Germany. She shares this new chapter of life with her German-native husband, Sören, and the increasingly unique cat, Sami. She strives to learn German, become a better cook, and find the best Japanese restaurant in Frankfurt and vicinity!

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Jun 15, 2009
@ 2:56 pm
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Japantag in Düsseldorf 2009

While it could never be as fun as a real festival in Japan, Soeren and I still had fun at Japantag. Surprisingly however, there weren’t really that many Japanese people in traditional costume besides those who were vendors and performers. In fact, more Europeans were dressed up for the occasion. After all, most Japanese are, by nature, subtle…something that outsiders and foreigners would not understand or know if they didn’t truly know the culture. There is the misconception Harajuku, Akihabara, and otaku culture personify the Japanese culture. Quite frankly, that is like saying Bavarian culture equals German culture when that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Continuing along, pictures speak a 1000 words. They do more justice than any writing I could use to describe the event.

Every year, Japantag takes place near the banks of the Rhine river.

This group from the anime, Sailor Moon, was the most impressive among all the cosplayers, I thought. Sure, there were fabulous individual costumes and the like but I always think it takes more effort to organize group cosplay. From left to right: Sailor Jupitor, Sailor Venus, Sailor Moon, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Pluto, Sailor Neptune. Oh how I’m reminded of my childhood.

Japanese folk music and its sole Taiko drummer who, by the way, was spectacular and athletic.

Jujitsu demonstration, the kids were awesome. It reminded me of the days when my brother and I performed Taekwondo demos in Okinawa. Those were the days.

A sugary J-Pop group called Jelly Bean - not my taste. I prefer the sultrier voices of Nakashima Mika, Utada Hikaru, Koda Kumi, and Kuraki Mai.

YAKITORI!!! Common and traditional Japanese festival food. It made my day…

And, of course, what is a Japanese festival without Yakisoba? It wouldn’t be one. Hehe. Delicious’ness.

Traditional blindfold game under one of the lucky god masks.

Traditional Japanese water balloon yo-yos! Look at all the fabulous colors.

Gaara of the Sand ninja (from the popular manga/anime Naruto).

The Shinigami (death god) Ryuk from the popular manga/anime Deathnote. This person was incredibly into his/her role. He/she was walking all around the festival in a creepy manner.