MorganHillTimes.com | Haru Matsuri: Our joyful celebration of springtime

OPINION > GUEST COLUMN
Haru Matsuri: Our joyful celebration of springtime

May 2, 2008
By Jon Y. Hatakeyama

The coming of springtime is universally welcomed all over the world.

In Japan, it is celebrated as a festival which takes place in agricultural districts all over Japan. This festival is referred as the "Coming of Spring Festival," or in Japanese, the "Haru Matsuri," ("matsuri" means "festival" in Japanese). This celebration marks the time of the year when the weather conditions are ready for the farmers of Japan to start planting their crops.

The history of South County's Japanese American population originated as a farming community dating back before WWII. So they, too, carried on this tradition in South County, initiating a Haru Matsuri Festival of their own. Today, this event is South County's oldest continuous cultural event.

Despite the windy weather on April 20, droves of people drawn out by media support lead by the Morgan Hill Times, came out in early to attend this year's Haru Matsuri. Mayor Steve Tate witnessed a capacity outdoor crowd in providing his enthusiastic welcome at noon. The folks were all eager for a day of culture. They were not disappointed. Throughout the day, KBAY FM radio personality Jona Denz-Hamilton, and her main core of emcees, Charles Iwanaga, Reiko Araki, Sharon Araki and Reiko Borst brought on the taiko drumming, sword demonstrations, cultural music and dancing and more.

The relentless energies of the taiko groups contrasted with the quiet and thought-provoking exhibits of local Japanese American History in Morgan Hill/Madrone area. Former Mayor and longtime supporter of Haru Matsuri, Dennis Kennedy, along with many others, were amazed to learn how the mutual patronage by these citizens of Japanese decent of Michael Bonfante's first effort in the grocery business, Madrone Market, and as workers for Driscoll Farms, lead to bigger and better things for all. Many fascinating items and pictures of farm life of the 1940's were on display. The exhibits of America's most decorated combat team, the famed WWII unit, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and Military Intelligence Service were also very thought provoking.

To counter the action packed marshal arts demonstrations, were the peaceful classroom like settings in the Buddhist Temple where Mayumi Salah, and Sachiko Endo lead demonstrations of Origami (paper folding art) and Calligraphy. The beautiful and serene art work of the Asian artisans provided many unique purchases also added balance to the event.

Arguably, the highlights of the Event's entertainment was to witness former Canadian civil rights activist, and worlds oldest female Taiko player, Molly Kitajima, lead her Eden Aoba Taiko group in several rousing drumming sets. Molly can still handle those sticks! However, climaxing the event was the return of the San Jose Taiko, a group with an international fan base and acclaim, who calls Morgan Hill Haru Matsuri as one of their favorite venues.

In the intervening 48 years of Haru Matsuri Fest, it was plain to see from observing this year's audience and volunteers, that culture is no longer bound by race or national origin ... everyone seemed to enjoy this annual cultural infusion. To the Haru Matsuri Planning Committee, this, perhaps, was more important than the fact that all the food sold out early or that the event was well attended. It was all good.

Jon Y. Hatakeyama
Dr. Jon Y. Hatakeyama, a longtime Morgan Hill resident and volunteer, was the event coordinator of the 48th annual Haru Matsuri Festival April 20. Reach him at jyhdds@smilefiles.com.