Indonesia has a lot of Japanese fans. Although there are not many Japanese visitors come to Indonesia or make a living, still many Indonesia peoples admiring the Japanese culture and festival. Not only Japanese anime and manga are well accepted here, but also every kinds of Japanese food, fashion, and Japan festival (matsuri). One of the biggest Japanese event held in Indonesia is Little Tokyo Ennichisai.

Little Tokyo Ennichisai (縁日祭) is an event that aims to bring back the the image of the region Blok M in South Jakarta to Little Tokyo or Japan Town.

Blok M, at South Jakarta, has been well known for its Japanese town and Japanese culture since 25 years ago, and since then, there have been a lot of Japan Festival (matsuri) such as Jakarta Japan Matsuri.

The event was held on Sunday, July 4, 2010 will be presenting a series of full-day event from 12 noon until nine o’clock at night.

The event is supported by the Government of DKI Jakarta, Jakarta led by Matsuri Kai, and Go Raikon organized by the Japan Entertainment Event Organizer.

Some sponsors like Curry House 38, Don’s Restaurant, Honoka Restaurant, Kira-Kira Ginza restaurant, Kitchen_18, Kushigin Yakitori Restaurant, Manpuku Tecchan, Ramen 38, Shiki Restaurant, Sushi Sei, Yuzoh Restaurant, and many more also come to support this event.

Located in the region Melawai, Blok M, exactly near the Blok M Square, the event will set the stage for 18 x 6 meters as a center of attractions that make this event as the largest Japanese cultural event in Jakarta. By paying as much as 10,000 rupiah admission, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere and cuisine of Japan, as well as other interesting attractions.

One of the interesting attractions of this event is Mikoshi, or the procession of miniature Shinto shrine which is carried by a group of men dressed unique to Japan, accompanied by shouts and songs of spirit unique to Japan. Mikoshi parade symbolizes the spread of good luck and banish evil. Another attraction is the Bon Odori dance, which will take place at 7pm. This dance is one of Japan’s traditional dances and exciting to watch. Visitors can also participate directly in the cosplay competition.

Audience can feel like in Japan, try the Japanese food, watch the Japanese otaru (idol) show from favourite anime and manga. Visitors can try on Yukata, a traditional Japanese kimono for the summer. By paying Rp. 190,000 to Rp. 650,000, you can take your Yukata home and play dress up anytime you want. We can get to watch Cosplay competition and many other traditional Japanese activities such as Aikido, Judo, Karate and Shorinji. Not only that, Ennichisai 2010 will also have band performances.

More information can be obtained at the Office Ennichisai (Japan Festival), KUSHIGIN Jl. Melawai No.10F IX, Level 2, Blok M, South Jakarta. Phone 021-723-4289.

Venue: Little Tokyo
Address : Blok M Square
Jl. Melawai Raya
Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan
INDONESIA 12160
Date: Sunday July 4, 2010 – Monday July 5, 2010 (12:00PM – 12:00AM)

Photos of Little Tokyo Ennichisai Blok M Jakarta 2010

Watch Jakarta Japan matsuri 2009 at Monas Video

Japan is a country with strong culture and still holding the traditional culture although also open with high techonology.

Celebrating a local event or festival is a must in every city in Japan. Every local district has it own festival, and celebrated annually altough may be different on date.

Matsuri (祭) is the Japanese word for a festival or holiday. In Japan, festivals are usually sponsored by a local shrine or temple, though they can be secular. There are countless local festivals (matsuri) in Japan because almost every shrine celebrates one of its own. Most festivals are held annually and celebrate the shrine’s deity or a seasonal or historical event. Some festival are held over several days.

Japan Matsuri Festival in Indonesia

Japan Culture is not a new thing for Indonesia Country. Many Japanese ideas are well accepted in the country which has Islam as a majority religion. Let’s say japan dorama, japan anime, japan manga, japan songs, japan cosplay, japan food with its sushitei, japan hairstyles, japan fashion, until japan costumes.

Japan Matsuri will take place in several places in Jakarta city from Oct. 3 to Oct. 11, and will feature various Japanese cultural performances, as well as exhibitions, seminars and contests.

Head of the organizing committee, Kuroda Kenichi, said the festival was held to gather the efforts of stakeholders who had frequently hold forums here to maintain the two countries’ relations.

“At this festival, we will gather the Indonesian and the Japanese communities through a series of events that will allow them to interact.

“We hope the festival will become an annual event in Jakarta and can be expanded to other cities in Indonesia in the future.”

The festival is supported by Jakarta-based groups, including the Jakarta Japan Club, Jakarta Shimbun daily and Jakarta Matsuri Noai.

Photos of Jak Japan Matsuri 2009, contains Japan cultures, japan customes, Japan Hero in Manga or Anime :

Watch KOMUTOKU @ Jak Japan Matsuri 2009, Monas Jakarta Video here