Scattered applause filled the air; the performance was just beginning. A good start to what was to come. As the next group began to set up, I could just feel we weren’t going to witness the same performance as before. BOOM! An echoing synchronized attack, demanding the audience’s attention. Spectators, wide-eyed and awake, with the blazing sun scorching down. Their colorful robes, detailed with intricate designs in bold, vibrant colors, draped in salmon silk, danced and twirled with their precise movements. Delicate but loud, exhilarating joy beamed on their face, not just for show, but revealing what playing this drum means in their life. The amount of passion and precision put into each note; these performers breathed the nature of their craft. This wasn’t no ordinary performance; this was Okinawa, Japan, stating we have traveled far to give you a taste of home, but reimagined.
Well, ICYMI, one of the exciting events going on during the holiday weekend was the Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Japanese Festival. Running from September 4th through the 6th, this year marks the festival’s 49th anniversary. It is one of the nation’s longest-running Japanese festivals, averaging around 50,000 visitors. I was one of those visitors and decided to string along my boyfriend with the promise of dinner afterward. When we arrived, we were stunned by the crowd watching the grand opening and exploring the different events. The weather app said the high was to be 102 degrees that afternoon, although I really could use a tan. My boyfriend’s attitude immediately channeled his inner Pikachu. Taking in all the sights and smells, we haven’t even made it a foot into the entrance. The atmosphere perfectly matched my expectations for what the festival would be like. So many options, with a scheduled itinerary to make sure everyone had a chance to engage with and experience the festival. Whether you are interested in Bonsai trees, ice sculpture demonstrations, Anime anything, origami displays, Pokémon Go areas, calligraphy writing, and karate, you name it, they had it!
Walking through the different sections of the garden, you could see the occasional Pokémon player colliding into a tree, trying to catch their next training companion. Kids were having a blast at the garden’s splash pad stations to keep cool, and if I am being honest, if microbio didn’t traumatize me enough, I probably would have joined. As I took pictures of the gorgeous flowers, my boyfriend and I noticed how often we saw butterflies. Swarmed by monarchs every five minutes. A cool thing about butterflies, or Chōchō in Japanese culture, they are seen as guardians and carriers of human souls. Multiple butterflies flying around you signify that loved ones are actively thinking about you or watching over you. It might have been all the flowers in the area, or my boyfriend having his Disney princess moment, but I found it comforting to think that loved ones who have either passed on or are at home care about my well-being.
It was here that we began making our way to the outdoor Cohen Auditorium to watch the Eisa Yui drumming performance. Before the show began, we noticed the sculpture demonstration had already happened, and all that remained was a beautiful lucky cat sculpture. Before we knew it, the crowds were coming in bit by bit, and we were in for a great show. Two groups performed: a local St. Louis group and a traditional group that flew in from Japan to celebrate the festival’s start. The Okinawa Eisa Yui was established in St. Louis, inspired by the festival’s creation and the art style known as Kumi-daiko drumming. A new group, with a few missed counts here and there, but still a great performance. However, once the Japanese group played, the timing was perfect, the dancing was spot on, and it completely changed the atmosphere. This was the Sousaku Taiko Shudan SHIN,an international group that travels to different Japanese festivals and is known for delivering high-energy performances that blend traditional and modern Okinawa Eisa Yui styles, proving that inspiration cannot outshine tradition.
After the performance, we continued our journey to see the captivating views of the Seiwa-en Japanese Garden. This garden was enormous, containing four distinct islands, the largest being the garden’s famous Treehouse, “Nakajima.” Nagano, Japan, gifted it. They took a piece of the garden apart, shipped it across the ocean, and reassembled it in St. Louis. A stunning sight to behold, and a great place to enjoy some matcha and be one with nature. Walking through the garden’s still waters, watching the Koi fish swim and the leaves fall, we found the path ahead crowded, with people gathering around a performer with a cart and interesting trinkets on display. Curiosity taking over, we both decided to get closer to watch the show, only to find out in about 10 minutes that I would become the show. All eyes were on me as I had to hold a stick as this man broke it in half with a thin sheet of paper and then proceeded to pretend to cut my arm off with a real sword, and that is where all the facial expressions came out. The audience watched in horror and curiosity, of course understanding it was all an act… or was it? Luckily, I can proudly say all my limbs are attached, and my boyfriend got to walk away with a staff made out of newspapers.
After a bit of exciting and unexpected performances here and there, we both looked at each other and decided it was time to go hit up some food trucks. The food at the venue- don’t even get me started on the food! You bribe me to an event, and if food is involved, anything is fair game, and today’s events were no exception. Local vendors were invited, offering everything from sakura mochi to interesting culinary combinations like Mexican-Asian fusion. The aromas were so enticing my wallet almost cried. But after a few onigiris and dangos later, I was a happy camper. As we had begun to walk out, I couldn’t stop thinking about how many times I had missed out on this festival in the past. Definitely worth the investment- a small price to pay upfront, and in return, left with memories to share for a lifetime.
When surrounded by fast-paced culture, history, and the beauty Japan has to offer, you realize you can’t afford to look away, not even for a second. If you dare close your eyes for one quick blink, you’ll miss out on the magic of it all.