20th Annual Maui Matsuri Scheduled for Nov. 15, 19 & 20

The Japanese Cultural Society of Maui is celebrating the 20th Annual Maui Matsuri with a trio of virtual and in-person events on Nov. 15, 19 and 20.

The schedule of events kicks off with a virtual Japanese trivia contest, followed by the International Culture Night and the Maui Matsuri Festival – both of which will be held at Queen Kaʻahumanu Shopping Center Stage.

“We are incredibly humbled and excited to be able to celebrate 20 years of the Maui Matsuri Festival with our community,” Maui Matsuri Co-Chair Jennifer Sumida said. “Although the festival is normally held in May, it has been nearly two years since we were last able to enjoy the Japanese cultural festivities and usual summer obon season. Before the end of the year we wanted the community to have an opportunity to honor their ancestors – and especially those who we’ve lost over the last two years.”

Maui Matsuri Festival Event Schedule:

• Virtual Japanese Trivia Contest
  • Monday, Nov. 15 at 8-9 p.m.
  • Contest Link: www.mauimatsuri.com
  • (Presented by Mystery Maui)
• International Culture Night
  • Friday, Nov. 19 at 6-9 p.m.
  • Queen Kaʻahumanu Center Stage
  • (Presented by Alexander & Baldwin)
• Maui Matsuri Festival
  • Saturday, Nov. 20 at 3-8 p.m.
  • Queen Kaʻahumanu Center Stage
  • (Presented by Island Honda)

Virtual Japanese Trivia Contest

If you have an interest in Japanese culture, history, food, and current events, you will enjoy this free, hour-long game with unique prizes.

International Culture Night

The free multi-cultural event includes entertainment celebrating Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, Filipino, Scottish, Puerto Rican, Korean (K-Pop) and Portuguese cultures as well as an international fashion show incorporating Vietnamese styles.

Maui Matsuri Festival

The free festival features entertainment including taiko, Japanese folk dancing, Kendo and community obon. Two rounds of obon are scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, which will be limited to 100 dancers for each set in compliance with County of Maui emergency orders approved by the Office of the Mayor.

Obon dancers should register by visiting the Maui Matsuri website at www.mauimatsuri.com. All registered dancers are encouraged to check in on the day of the event to receive a complimentary gift. Obon dancing will occur on both levels around the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center stage to allow for social distancing.

Maui actress, entertainer and radio personality Kathy Collins will be emceeing both evenings and also sharing her Japanese “Issun-boshi” story on Saturday afternoon. Dazz Toguchi, a Japanese classical dancer from Oʻahu, will also headline the Saturday event with three appearances. Other entertainment includes Martial Arts Demos, a Cosplay Showcase and free giveaways.

The Maui Matsuri is presented by the Japanese Cultural Society of Maui and major sponsors include the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, Island Honda, Maui Taiko, and the Queen Kaʻahumanu Center.