Mukai Farm & Garden’s annual Vashon Japan Festival will return, from 11-6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, on Mukai’s grounds at 18017 107th Ave SW.

The event, free for all ages, will celebrate Vashon’s rich Japanese-American history. It’s a chance for islanders of all ages to enjoy drumming by Seattle Kokon Taiko, see Kendo Kai martial arts demonstrations, and shop in Mukai’s popular nominoichi Japanese flea market.

But wait, there’s more.

Visitors can also tour the historic Mukai home, stroll Kuni Mukai’s Japanese garden and participate in workshops including bonsai, haiku, calligraphy, taiko, and kitsuke, the art of wearing the kimono.

Vashon printmaker Annette Messitt, of Old Dockton Press, will be at the event to help islanders create their own signature block print commemorating Japan Festival 2023. Local dancers will perform the Soran Bushi, and local artist Leah Mann will invite members of the community to join her in multiple traditional Japanese dances.

The Friends of Mukai food booth will be open throughout the day, offering yakisoba, yakitori, fried rice, teriyaki hotdogs, mochi cake and more. The beer garden will feature local favorites — Camp Colvos’ Mukai Lager, and cider from Dragon’s Head and Nashi Orchards.

Mukai’s Children’s Village will feature vintage Wii and other Japanese games, and a chance to decorate koinobori “carp streamers.”

All are invited to cap off the day with the final installment of this year’s Ghiblifest film series, with a screening of Hayao Miyazaki’s beautiful animated film, “Ponyo,” playing at Vashon Theatre at 8 p.m., at Vashon Theater.

Parking for the event is located on 107th Ave, near Mukai Farm & Garden. Parking on-site is reserved for handicapped parking. Please carpool if possible.

For more information visit mukaifarmandgarden.org.

2023 Japan Festival Schedule

MAIN STAGE:

11:30 a.m. Soran Bushi Dance

12:30 p.m. Seattle Kokon Taiko Drummers

1:30 p.m. Kendo Martial Arts Demonstration

2:30 p.m Seattle Kokon Taiko Drummers

3:30 p.m. Seattle Kokon Taiko Workshop

4:30 p.m. Bon Odori Dance

WORKSHOPS:

12 p.m. Karaoke

1 p.m. Haiku

2 p.m. Bonsai

3 p.m.Karaoke

4 p.m. Haiku

5 p.m. Karaoke

MAIN HOUSE:

11 a.m.-2 p.m. Kimono Demonstrations

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Calligraphy

2-6 p.m. Block Printing

8 p.m. “Ponyo,” at Vashon Theatre