Otsukimi – Moonviewing

The Society celebrates the full autumn moon each year with an outdoor picnic, Japanese music, and haiku poetry. Although not commonly observed in modern-day Japan, the moonviewing tradition dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185 A.D.), when the evening was marked with poetry and music by court aristocrats. The celebration later spread to warriors, townspeople, and farmers, and became a harvest festival. This annual event is presented in cooperation with the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art and the Dallas Arboretum.

Mochitsuki

The Society’s annual Mochitsuki celebration introduces Japan’s rich New Year’s traditions to the people of Dallas. The New Year season is the most important holiday observed in Japan, marked by special foods and decorations, visits to shrines, family gatherings, and much more. The centerpiece of our event is mochitsuki—pounding sweet rice with a kine and usu (mallet and mortar) to make mochi (rice cakes). Other activities include a demonstration of kakizome (first calligraphy of the New Year), hanetsuki and fukuwarai--traditional children’s games, and Japanese music.


Annual Meeting

In early June, JASDFW holds its Annual Meeting to elect officers and Board members and enjoy an entertaining and informative program. Highlights of past years include Zadankai - Table Talk, with experts on a variety of subjects hosting table discussions; a presentation by translator Tomiko Stahl about the book Japanese Gestures: Modern Manifestations of a Classic Culture by Michitaro Tada; an evening of country-western fun with guest speaker Thomas S. Foley; a sake-tasting program by Griffith Frost; a tour of the Trammell & Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art; and a presentation by Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.
 

Other Festivals

Throughout the year, JASDFW participates in several festivals around the Metroplex. From kids' booths to art festivals, there is a wide variety of activities for people of all ages. Be sure to check out our Calendar of Events page for more information on these festivals.

JASDFW is always looking for some outstanding volunteers to help at our numerous events and festivals. If you or someone you know is interested, please contact contact us.