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A feast for the senses awaits you at the biggest Japan Summer Festival 2018. This is held in conjunction with the 10th edition of the Sports Hub Community Play Day, at the National Stadium on 8 and 9 September. The stadium premises will be transformed into a gigantic festival ground with more than 100 Japanese F&B, games, and merchandise booths as well as a centre stage featuring 25 sensational stage performances by 24 groups and organisations from Japan and Singapore.
Sue Kealohiokalani Mayuzumi, who leads the Japanese Association of Singapore’s Hula Dance Group, said, “The Summer Festival is a huge event for the Japanese Association. This year’s event is particularly special because of its venue at the Singapore Sports Hub. It marks a milestone in how the Summer Festival connects both the Japanese and local communities here in Singapore. I know many in the Japanese community who have not been to the National Stadium, and they’re excited at the prospect of attending the festival at this venue. Among my students, we represent Japanese, Hawaiians, and Singaporeans. Majority of my students are Japanese and most of them have experienced the festival in Japan. Hence, I believe they can bring that experience to enliven the atmosphere here in Singapore.”
Apart from the authentic Japanese F&B stalls serving dishes typically associated with festivals, you can also shop from a colourful array of Japanese merchandise including anime-related products, cosmetics and skin care products, tote bags, stationery, origami earrings, pre-packed snacks, toys, French-inspired hats, handmade spoon kits, artisanal accessories, and many more.
Besides the onstage entertainment, you can get the chance to meet with Domo and Pikachu in action and snap a picture with them in the meet-and-greet sessions, on a first-come-first-served basis over the 2-day event.
There are three main game zones to keep the whole family entertained – the Pokémon Carnival zone, the Sports Hub Community Play Day – Fun on Wheels! zone, and the Japanese Association’s Game Corner. The carnival features several Pokémon-themed game stations and machines, where participants can test their hand-eye coordination skills in games including “Let’s Battle Pikachu”, “Squirtle Yo Rescue” and “Gengar Shadow Ball”.
The Japanese Association’s Game Corner
At the Japanese Association’s Game Corner, there are five booths featuring traditional Summer Festival favourites including Yo-Yo Tsuri, a game involving fishing for water balloons using a frail paper string with a hook; Shateki, a game where participants can shoot their target prizes to win them; and Senbonbiki, a game where participants can choose from a multitude of strings to pull, to see if he or she can win prizes.
“Fun on Wheels!” theme
The Sports Hub Community Play Day will be taking place concurrently on the National Stadium grounds, with activities taking on a “Fun on Wheels!” theme. You can relive the arcade glory days with 90s car racing video game Daytona and Initial D. Other popular Japanese-made arcade games include Dance Dance Revolution and Bishi Bashi.
Singapore GP F1 Roving Truck
Besides arcade games, a Singapore GP F1 Roving Truck will be on site inside the National Stadium, for participants to test out the reflexes of car racing enthusiasts in our simulators. There will also be giant versions of popular group games such as Twister, Snakes & Ladders, and Pick-Up Sticks.
Japanese-themed games
The Sports Hub Community Play Day zone will also comprise Japanese-themed games such as Hanetsuki, a game resembling badminton, but played without a net; Ohajiki, a game involving flicking small, coin-shaped pieces called with one’s fingers, to hit other pieces; Otedama, a game where the challenge is to toss and grab small bean bags.
J-Party Fitness mass workouts by Japanese instructors
Fitness buffs can look forward to the J-Party Fitness mass workouts conducted by Japanese instructors. The programme comprises popular routines such as Zumba, Salsation, and Kardioblast, and it will take place from 1 pm to 3 pm on both days with fitness packs up for grabs.
One of the Japanese fitness instructors, Masami Miko, who has been teaching fitness classes for 4 years, said: “This is my first time participating in the Japan Summer Festival and I’m thrilled that I can spread the culture of Japan through my role conducting the J-Party Fitness session. I’m looking forward to leading the dance party fitness aerobics Zumba and Kardioblast workouts, incorporating some elements of Japanese culture such as the movements and even Japanese pop music. More importantly, I hope everyone can join in and stay healthy by leading an active lifestyle.”
ELXR’s assessments and fitness mobile application
You can also try out ELXR’s assessments and fitness mobile application which functions as a DNA-based training programme.
The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Finals activation
Tennis fans and enthusiasts can take part in fun challenges at the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) Finals activation at the festival and stand to enjoy tournament giveaways. Participants can challenge their balancing skills with a giant tennis racket at the Bucket Challenge, attempt the Tennis Trivia memory card game, and learn to play tennis with the friendly WTA crew at the mini-tennis court.
Ms. Christine Lau, Director of Sports and Community Programming, Singapore Sports Hub, said, “The festival at the National Stadium presents truly a one-of-a-kind, immersive experience through the combination of cultural festivities and fun-play entertainment for everyone. Our broad range of offerings will have something for everyone, from thrill seekers to fans of Japanese culture.”
As part of the festivities, you are encouraged to bring or rent the traditional Japanese summer garment, the Yukata. The Yukata rental service is priced at $15 and available on:
You can wear the garment till the end of the event at 9:10 pm on Saturday and 8:10pm on Sunday. Yukatas are limited and rented out on a first come, first served, while stocks last.
Each day will conclude with the Bon Odori dance, where participants can take part in the traditional dance while wearing the Yukata. For more information on the Japan Summer Festival, please visit www.sportshub.com.sg/japansummerfest
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