The annual Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival was recently celebrated with over 40 000 people attending to experience the vibrancy of Japanese society.

In its tenth year the festival showcased traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with performances, foods and activities. Special guests included Mr Reiichiro Takahashi, Ambassador of Japan to Australia and Richard Wynne, Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs.

The festival featured traditional acts such as Taiko drumming, Okinawan folk music as well as contemporary dance performances.

The scores of food stalls were busy offering festival goers an authentic taste of Japan. From classic favourites like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and yakitori, to ice cream and Japanese beer which was particularly popular on a hot summer day.

CEO of Mitsui & Co. (Australia), Mr Noboru Katsu joined the celebrations and highlighted the value of the event in strengthening the close bond between Japan and Australia.

“Mitsui is proud to support the Melbourne Japanese Summer Festival. It is a really great opportunity to celebrate the special relationship that the countries share,” Mr Katsu said.

Mitsui & Co. (Australia) has been a sponsor of the festival since its inception in 2009.