LARGEST NATSU MATSURI BACK AT THE NATIONAL STADIUM TO CELEBRATE THE VIBRANCY AND SPIRIT OF SUMMER WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

The event was graced by the Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency, Mr Jun Yamazaki (middle). Alongside him are Singapore Sports Hub Chief Financial Officer, Mr Alvin Chen (fourth from right), Sport Singapore Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lim Teck Yin (third from left) and the Japanese Association, Singapore.

Singapore, 7 September 2019 – The first day of the Japan Summer Festival at Singapore Sports Hub saw 17,000 visitors coming together to enjoy a multitude of family-friendly activities and festivities that showcased Japanese culture and Singapore heritage. This is the second edition of the Japan Summer Festival held at the National Stadium, in conjunction with the quarterly Sports Hub Community Play Day. The two-day event continues tomorrow, beginning at 12pm.

 “The annual Japan Summer Festival in Singapore has been a highly celebrated and anticipated event by the local community for decades. For the second year in a row, the Japanese Association, Singapore, in collaboration with Singapore Sports Hub, is delighted to hold the festival in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day,” said Mr Masato Sugahara, President, the Japanese Association, Singapore.

He added, “This partnership allows us to showcase Japanese culture to an even wider audience of Singaporeans and foreigners from around the world who call Singapore home. We look forward to working with Singapore Sports Hub to deliver a truly authentic, exciting, and memorable event.”

Visitors dressed in Yukatas started streaming into the National Stadium as soon as the door opened at 12pm. Visitors had an immersive experience in traditional and popular Japanese culture, through activities such as the Bon-Odori dance, musical stage performances, the Pokémon Carnival and Pikachu Dance Parade, as well as Yukata try-outs, among many more activities.

Celebrating her first Natsu Matsuri overseas together with her two children, Ms Ai Nagayama, 39, said, “The Summer Festival is one of the rare opportunities for me and my children to wear our traditional outfits here with everyone. Visiting the Summer Festival in the National Stadium is a very unique experience for me and my family.”

With over 100 booths showcasing authentic Japanese food and beverage, merchandise and games, fans of Japanese food savoured tasty Japanese dishes, such as Wagyu Rice Burgers, Deep-fried Cheese Mochi, as well as favourites like Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba.

“There is a wide variety of food available, and it is affordable too. From having sweets and lavender ice cream to fried karaage and piping hot ramen, it really feels like I’m back home in Japan,” said Mr Takahiro Nakamura, 33.

Moreover, in celebration of Singapore’s Bicentennial year, the Sports Hub Community Play Day introduces the Heritage Challenge, an activity incorporating elements of Singapore’s traditional heritage. There were a variety of challenges comprising games popular in yesteryear such as Capteh, Five Stones, Jump Rope, Giant Snake & Ladders, as well as the nostalgia-infused Heritage Games commemorating the bicentennial year at this year’s event. Participants formed teams to take on the Heritage Challenge or enjoy the individual activities at the game stations.

Mr Alvin Chen, Chief Financial Officer of Singapore Sports Hub further commented, “We are delighted to be able to continue the collaborative efforts to bring about this meaningful cultural exchange, enabling the local community to embrace the Japanese culture and foster stronger understanding between both communities.”

As the day went on, fitness enthusiasts were spotted working out under the dome of the National Stadium during the J-Pop Fitness Dance Jam session, while families got a taste of ‘eco-friendly’ kart racing with the Family Pedal Go-Kart.

The Japan Summer Festival event is organised in collaboration with the Japanese Association of Singapore and aims to harness better cultural understanding between both the Japanese and local communities. A list of the event hightlights and event’s sponsors can be found in Annex A and B. Tickets to day two of Japan Summer Festival can be bought onsite tickets at $8 and admission is complimentary for children below 1.2 meters in height.

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For media enquiries, please contact:

Lilian Lye
Singapore Sports Hub
DID: +65 6653 9126
HP: +65 9850 2627
Email: [email protected]

Noel Longue
Weber Shandwick
DID: +65 6825 8065
HP: +65 8112 0697
Email: [email protected]

PHOTOS & VISUALS

Download link: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1xFbSTXOa31z89Pjv5wJzNDOEfHMcNp38
(Photo credit: Singapore Sports Hub)

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ANNEX A – EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

What Japan Summer Festival in conjunction with Sports Hub Community Play Day When 7 & 8 Sep (Sat & Sun), 12pm – 9pm Where National Stadium

BON-ODORI
7 & 8 Sep: From 6.30pm to 8.30pm

Join in this time-honored Japanese dance under the canopy of the world’s largest free-spanning dome! Don the Yukata – the traditional Japanese garment – while taking part in this activity, for a memorable experience.

OVER 100 JAPANESE F&B AND MERCHANDISE STALLS 
From 12pm onwards

Fans of Japanese food can look forward to savouring tasty Japanese dishes, such as Wagyu Rice Burgers, Deep-fried Cheese Mochi, as well as favourites like Okonomiyaki and Yakisoba.

JAPANESE STAGE PERFORMANCES 
From 2:50pm onwards

Performances featuring Japanese dance and theatrical shows will be performed on a massive open-air stage located in the centre of the National Stadium.

YUKATA RENTALS & TRY-OUTS 
From 3pm onwards

Dress the part by putting on the traditional Japanese summer garment, the Yukata. The attire is a casual version of the Kimono. A rental service of the garment will be set up during the event, and the supply of the outfits are available while stocks last. A price list will be announced soon.

POKÉMON CARNIVAL AND PIKACHU DANCE PARADE
From 12 pm

Pokémon fans can take part in six carnival games on site and catch Pikachu parade around the stadium grounds at 5pm!

 HERITAGE CHALLENGE
Suitable for 4 years old and above
12.30pm to 9pm

Visitors can gather their family and friends, form teams of three to five and relive the good ol’ days of Singapore, with games featuring elements of Singaporean heritage such as pulling a rickshaw and doing the Samsui Dash, among the fun games available. Registration required*

J-POP FITNESS DANCE JAM 
7 & 8 Sep: 1pm – 2.30pm

Fitness buffs can take part in this heart-pumping group workout led by Japanese instructors. The dance fitness session is a fusion of Japan pop-culture and fitness exercises targeted at both the Japanese and local community.

ANNEX B – LIST OF SPONSORS