WHS Japanese festival brings cultures together

The Japanese Culture Festival will return for its sixth year to Washougal High School this Saturday.

Headlining events will include traditional Kendo (swordsmanship) exhibitions, Taiko drummers, jazz and opera singing, a Minidoka swing band and cultural dance.

These events will take place from 2 to 5:45 p.m.

Other activities include a cultural display at the commons and Japanese food for sale.

“My favorite aspect of this festival is the people learning the culture and the students learning how to communicate well with others,” teacher Shoko Fuchigami said.

The students in her Japanese classes host the festival.

A big part of any festival is the food, which at the WHS festival will include yakisoba noodles, rice balls, pockies, Japanese curry and Ramune, a drink similar to Sprite.

Admission to the festival is $3 per adult, and $1 for children ages 13 to 17. Senior citizens, children 12 and younger, and educators with a school ID card are admitted free.

Any proceeds from the festival go toward sending local students to Japan, or field trips to local Japanese sites. Donations are also accepted.

All headlining events will take place in the Washburn Performing Arts Center, 1201 39th St., at WHS.

All other events will be in the commons area or gym. The festival runs from 1 to 7 p.m. For more information, contact Fuchigami at 954-3128 or shoko.fuchigami@washougal.k12.wa.us.