| Japanese (日本語)

Tampa Natsu Matsuri
(6/9/2012)

The Tampa Natsu Matsuri ("summer festival") is held every summer by Florida-based members of the JET Alumni Association. JET stands for the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program, and is a job opportunity for college graduates to go to Japan and work as Assistant Language Teachers or Coordinators for International Relations.


JETAA Florida had two booths for the festival. This one sold yaki-onigiri, which are grilled, triangular rice balls coated in soy sauce.

The second JETAA Florida booth held a rummage sale with multiple Japanese items.

JET alumni demonstrating some of the donations for sale

All proceeds from the yaki-onigiri and rummage sale went to a charity in memory of Taylor Anderson, a JET participant who died in the March 11, 2011 tsunami in Northeastern Japan.

 

A JET alumnus demonstrating yaki-onigiri before they are grilled


One of the multiple entertainment booths for guests

Attendees playing nagewa, a Japanese version of horse shoe throwing.

The Japan-American Society of Tampa Bay booth.

A young attendee tries her luck at the daruma beanbag toss.

A few of the JET Alumni of Florida participating with the festival.