The celebration of Japanese holidays and festivals is at the core of JASGP's programming. These festivals come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all bring a bit of Japan to Philadelphia

Cherry Blossom Festival

The Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is an annual spring celebration of Japanese arts and culture organized by Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (JASGP), with tremendous support from title sponsor Subaru of America, Inc.

Featuring a variety of events throughout the city, this yearly festival brings a taste of Japan to Philadelphia and highlights the beauty of Japanese sakura—the flowering cherry trees that brighten city streets and parks with their distinctive pink and white blossoms.

Children's Day

This early May program highlights the games and activities of childhood. Featuring kamishibai, crafts and koinobori (koi flags), this holiday is great for school groups!

Tanabata

Tanabata is the yearly star festival that is recognized across Japan on July 7th. This is the one day a year where two celestial lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi, are said to meet.

Obon

Observed every August, Obon is a Buddhist festival welcoming home one's ancestors. Centered on local dances, the Philadelphia edition includes taiko performances, tea demonstrations, yukata, and crafts!

Aki Matsuri

Aki Matsuri festivals are centered around giving thanks for the harvest and wishing for good fortune for the future.

Yokai Weekend

Not a traditional holiday per se, but a Japanese take on the increasingly observed Halloween. Shofuso's final regular weekend of the year (October) is a celebration of yokai, monsters and creatures from Japanese folklure. Come enjoy spooky decorations and ghost stories!

Shichi-go-san

Another kid focused activity, Shichi-go-san is named for the recognized ages. Seven (shichi) and three (san) year old girls as well as five (go) year old boys are dressed in kimono for formal pictures.