Interested in exploring the Japanese Culture in Munich? Head on over to the Englischer Garten during the summer for fun games, yummy food, amazing performances and artistic exhibitions!

Introduction:

Hey everybody and welcome to another episode of Triple P where we’re going to be exploring the amazing annual Japanese cultural festival that takes place at the Englischer Garten in Munich during the summer! Let’s go!

Number 1: Instrumental and Dance Performances

One of the highlights of the festival is watching the amazing performances by talented artists. The stage is graced by internationally renowned performers such as Yoshitaka the Jazz-Dancer, or by local groups such as the Kokuryu-Daiku drum group from Munich, the Munich Animanga Choir or even the Bon Odori dancers celebrating the spirits of the dead for the festival of Obon. It was originally a Nenbutsu folk dance.

Number 2: Cultural Foods

If you are a foodie, you should definitely not miss the delicious treats that are offered. Onigiri sticky rice sandwiches, Yakitori grilled chicken skewers, Shrimp Tempura, hand-filled dumplings as well as the popular summer treat Kakigori: a Japanese shaved ice dessert. It is very common to savour this during the summers in Japan and is usually flavored with colorful syrups. Popular flavours include strawberry, lemon, melon and condensed milk.

Number 3: Traditional Games and Art

One of the most interesting things to do at the Japanese festival, is to take part in fun games as well as artistic endeavours. Get your name signed in Japanese calligraphy called Shodo, or try your hand at Origami, the art of paper folding. “Ori” means folding and “kami” means paper. After that make your way around the other stalls near the river to join the Haiku poetry competition, play Karuta - a Japanese card game or enjoy the board game Go - an abstract strategy game for 2 players in which the aim is to surround more territory than the opponent.

Number 4: Sports and Martial Arts

At the festival, you get the opportunity to watch trained students practice Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido as well as Kyūdō, translated to “way of the bow”. It is the Japanese martial art of archery which originated with the samurai class of feudal Japan and is surprisingly practiced by thousands of people around the world. For all these martial arts, skilled trainers and teachers provide descriptive explanations and background on not only the origin, but also the main aspects of the sport.

Number 5: Lifestyle Products

Towards the end of the festival you can also take a look at beautiful products on display featuring the Japanese lifestyle. Whether it be simplistic furniture or interior design, floral arrangements made by Ikebana experts, antique sword pieces or even decorative household pieces, you will be amazed by the variety and quality exhibited.

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