Madame Michiya Hanayagi (right) and her dancers at last year’s Aki Matsuri. Photo by J.K. Yamamoto

Celebrating the changing of the seasons, the Aki Matsuri in San Francisco’s Japantown will offer an array of entertainment, cultural experiences and children’s activities from 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5. 

The event will be centered on the Peace Plaza and Buchanan Mall at Post and Buchanan streets.  The public is invited to join in the matsuri (festival) dance on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the plaza, led by Madame Michiya Hanayagi. 

Free dance lessons are offered on Monday, Sept. 29, and Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 6:15 p.m. at Cafe Hana in the Japan Center’s Kintetsu Mall.

Throughout both days of the Aki Matsuri, a joint exhibit sponsored by the San Francisco Bonsai Club and San Francisco Suiseki Kai will be held in Kintetsu Mall, which will also host continuous showings of anime films sponsored by Japantown Video.

The schedule of stage events for the two days is as follows:

Saturday, Oct. 4

11 a.m.: Wado Kai (karate)
12 noon:   Kagami Kai (taiko and mochitsuki)
1 p.m.:  Singers Richard Ki-shimoto, Yoko Yoshii and Katsuji Saito
1:45 p.m.: Shigin
2 p.m.: Hawaiian dance by Mehana Keola, Lau Lani and Halau Olapa Olaka
3 p.m.: Karaoke by local singers (children through adult)

Sunday, Oct. 5

11 a.m.: Laughters
12 noon: TBA
1 p.m.: Anime fashion parade
2 p.m.: Japanese classical dance by Michiya Hanayagi Dance Studio
3 p.m.: Traditional community folk dancing

The Aki Matsuri is sponsored by the Japantown Merchants Association.  Participating organizations and supporters for include:  Shelter Bay Management, Issui Kai, Nihonmachi Parking Corporation, Japanese Community Youth Council, Japan Food Corporation, Nishimoto Trading Company, Hosoda Brothers, Hotel Kabuki, Taiyo-do Records, Japantown Video, Rosa Parks Elementary School’s Japanese Bilingual Bicultural Program, Murata’s Cafe Hana, Katachi, Cherry Blossom Queen and Court.