LIHU‘E — There is still time to register for the cosplay contest that will take place during the Matsuri Kaua‘i at Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall on Saturday.
The kids division contest runs from 3 to 3:30 p.m. and the adults division goes from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. for prizes, as Aaron Yamasato from Kaua‘i ComicCon joins the lineup of Matsuri Kaua‘i. Online registration can be done by visiting www.KauaiComicConvention.com.
The Kaua‘i Japanese Cultural Society is presenting the annual Japanese cultural festival with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. and continuing through the afternoon with performances by shamisen player Anju Madoka, as well as singers Sheree Tamura and Torao Hikariyama.
Supported by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority through the Community Enrichment Program, the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau and Kukui‘ula South Shore Kaua‘i, Matsuri Kaua‘i offers kimono kitsuke, or dressing, by reservations, and hands-on mochi making utilizing the traditional stone usu and kine, or wooden mallets.
The Japanese music is a backdrop for the live tea ceremony, where guests can relax and enjoy tea and a sweet treat.
Brian Atendido, of Wailua, is already anticipating the arrival of Japanese soba makers who create the Japanese noodles live. They also offer Matsuri attendees an opportunity to sample the Japanese treat, while taking in the live bonsai demonstrations and view the numerous specimens from Kaua‘i bonsai enthusiasts.
Make-up artist Aymi Amo, of traditional Japanese Dance Cosplay, will be appearing as part of the Yamasato offering in the comic con world. A live mini bon dance is the highlight of the day’s event, which will feature local craft vendors, origami demonstrations and kanzashi making.
More support comes from the Talk Story Bookstore, which serves as the home of handmade visitor industry charity walk gear, Mamaki skin and Japanese Grandma’s Cafe.
Matsuri is also a rest stop for visiting officials from Suo Oshima and Yamaguchi Prefectural government in Japan, who will be on Kaua‘i to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kaua‘i-Suo Oshima Sister City Reaffirmation.
