JapanFest rocked at Stone Mountain, GA on Sept. 24-25, 2005. The weekend, a culmination of efforts by the Japan-America Society of Georgia, The Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, was the highlight of a month-long series of events designed specifically to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast. GPB's Irasshai staff celebrated in the cultural event, just one of many held across the country during the "2005: The Year of Languages!" campaign, by demonstrating the art of origami.
Former and current students put their Japanese language skills to good use with Irasshai's TV instructor and host, Tim Cook-sensei who was also present for the celebration. In addition to having their photo taken with Tim-sensei, students were able to watch traditional Japanese dances, martial arts demonstrations, participate in bonsai and calligraphy workshops, purchase knick-knacks, kimonos and handmade paper, and enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine. They also could view the products of more than 330 Japanese businesses located in Georgia that were on display. The five goals of the National Standards for Foreign Language Education (Communication, Comparison, Culture, Connection, and Communities) were all waiting to be met at this exciting event.
