Hey Penangites! Whether you’re a Japanese culture lover or looking for something to cure your boredom, this is an event you will be interested in. Listen up, Penang’s first Aki Matsuri (Japan Autumn Festival) will be happening at Straits Quay this November. You might not have a chance to travel to Japan, but don’t worry you can still enjoy the autumn happiness here in Penang!
The First Aki Matsuri Autumn Festival In Penang!
Aki Matsuri is a traditional festival celebrated in Japan with dance and music to give thanks for a fruitful harvest. This year, Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) Northern Branch is bringing the joy and treasures of Japan to our beautiful island through its theme of Discover Japan! Happening for three days from 8th to 10th November 2019, the festival will feature interactive Japanese cultural workshops, cultural performances, Japanese food and good, cosplay performances and more!
First, Aikido Performance
To start the festival with a bang, they’ve prepared an amazing Aikido Performance during the opening. For those who unfamiliar, Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba with the goal that practitioners could use to defend themselves while also protecting their attacker from injury. If you haven’t watched it before, save the date and make a trip down to witness this unique performance. You won’t regret it, we promised!
There Are 20 Food & Beverage Stores At The Festival
Foodies, get ready for a gastronomical experience as there is a wide variety of food selling here during the festival. With about 20 vendors, you can expect Japanese dishes such as sushi, bento, noodles, snacks, dessert and a whole lot more. You’ll be spoiled for choice! Besides food, the festival will feature merchandise booths selling handmade and Japanese goods as well. There is something for everyone here, you won’t leave with empty-hand.
Check Out The Interesting Cultural Workshops Here!
#1 Sushi Soap Clay Art
If you’re looking for an activity to spend a precious moment with your kids, the Sushi Soap Clay Art Workshop is a great option. In the 45 minutes workshop, your child will have hands-on experience in producing soaps resemble lifelike sushi. And yes, it’s an usable soap! What’s better, your little ones get to take their masterpieces home and flaunt to their friends and family. The registration fee for the class is RM 40. Also, if you register before 20th October 2019, you will get a special price at only RM 30.
? 12:00 PM, 2.30 PM, 4.00 PM, 5.30 PM, 8:00 PM
? 8th November – 10th November 2019
? 012-4727789 | Jeslyn (registration / enquiry)
#2 Nagomi Pastel Workshop
Nagomi Pastel is a Japanese art healing technique where you only need pastels and fingers to create a gentle and warm art. If you are a fan of Nagomi Pastel Art or you’ve always wanted to give it a try, here’s your chance to learn this interesting art. The art teacher will guide you step-by-step in completing the day’s featured painting (15*15cm art). Not to worry if you don’t have any painting experience, you just need to enjoy it!
For RM 120, it includes all the materials needed during the workshop and you can bring your end-product home.
? 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
? 8th November (Sakura), 9th November (Maple Leaves), 10th November 2019 (Fuji Mountain)
? 016-3548086 (Whatsapp) | michellesun_soon (WeChat)
#3 Ikebana Talk
If Nagomi Pastel is not your thing, maybe the Ikebana Talk is something. Conducted by the famous Ikebana Master, Machiko Nakayama, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to know more about the exquisite Japanese art of flower arrangement and soothe your soul at the same time. The best part of all, admission is free, you just have to show up!
? 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
? 9th November 2019
#4 Japanese Neoclassic Floral Workshop
To experience Ikebana on a more intimate level, you need to check out the Japanese Neoclassic Workshop on 10th November. Rather than just sticking to existing ikebana styles, Machiko Nakayama will share her knowledge about the neoclassic flower arrangement techniques. That’s not all, you get to create your own floral masterpiece and bring it home!
For RM 250, the class includes everything you will need to create your flower arrangement as well as a vase to hold it. However, there are only 20 pax available for the workshop. If you’re interested, you really need to make the registration now!
? 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
? 10th November 2019
? 019-5779523 (Shawn)
#5 Sushi Making Class
If you’ve wanted to try your hand at making sushi or ever wondered how it’s made, you’re in luck. In this workshop conducted by Sushi King, you’ll learn how to wrap, roll and cut your own set of sushi rolls! Children (4yo & above) are welcomed as well to experience the art of sushi making. The registration fee is very affordable as it is only RM 26.50. It includes a certificate and lunch bento. Places are limited so make your reservations now! (Registration closes on 1st Nov 2019, 5 PM)
? 8th November 2019 – 10th November 2019
? 1 PM – 2 PM & 4 PM – 5 PM
#6 Japanese Traditional Handmade Wagashi Workshop
Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that are made in a wide variety of shapes and are delicately shaped by hand. In addition to that, it is normally made with bean paste and served at the tea ceremony. At this one-hour workshop, you can discover the beauty of Wagashi and try making it yourself! No prior knowledge or experience is required, newcomers are very welcome. The course fee is RM 88, it includes all the ingredients needed and you can bring your end-products (2 different patterns) home.
? 8th November 2019 – 10th November 2019
? 6:30 PM – 7.30 PM
? 016-4749877 (Joan / Whatsapp)
Save The Date!
The festival will be happening from 8th Nov to 10th Nov 2019 at Straits Quay. Are you excited to join the very first Aki Matsuri in Penang? We believe that there is something for everyone here! So don’t forget to bring all your family and friends along for an unforgettable experience, you’ll thank us later! See you there!
Aki Matsuri Autumn Festival
Location: Stratis Quay, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjong Tokong, Penang.
Date: 8th Nov – 10th Nov 2019 | Time: 12 PM – 9 PM
Organizer: Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) Northern Branch
Read also: Top 8 New Things To Try In Penang October 2019
–
We would like to invite you to join our New Private Community Group! Here you are free to ask questions, share your love for food, and explore the Penang community! We will also regularly post about casual promos and latest findings.
Click on the button below and hunt good food with us today!