More than 700 Austinites packed the Zilker Botanical Garden Auditorium for the Satsuki Matsuri or Japan May Festival on May 15. The first major event hosted by the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin, Inc. (JASGA), the gathering celebrated the many forms of Japanese culture thriving in Central Texas and gave scores of children (and many adults) their first exposure to Japanese food, costume, music and arts.

"The Satsuki Matsuri introduced Austin to Japanese culture in Central Texas. It also introduced JASGA to the community," says Stephen Portnoy, JASGA president. "As a young non-profit organization seeking to enhance the quality and frequency of our programs, JASGA looks forward to welcoming many new members, both individual and corporate. The Japan May Festival accomplished our goals of raising the organization's profile and awareness in the community."

Media coverage introduced JASGA to an audience beyond the crowd of festival goers. At least three television stations aired substantial segments covering the event, showcasing for thousands of Central Texas viewers the musicians, dancers, martial artists and other entertainers who contributed to the day's success. Each station included an onscreen interview with Board of Directors' member and Treasurer, Chelsea McCullough, who explained JASGA's mission of promoting friendly Japan-U.S. relations through programs like the Satsuki Matsuri. On May 16, the Austin American-Statesman published a color photo of several Hanayagi Japanese Dance Academy dancers on the front of its Metro & State section, and posted additional photos on the newspaper's web site.

JASGA extends its gratitude to corporate sponsors TASUS, Continental Airlines and HEB; and to the many organizations and volunteers who supported the festival with contributions of time, money, materials and services. Our special thanks go to the groups that provided entertainment, including Austin Taiko, Austin Gagaku, Hula Halau Ka'epa & Tropical Productions, Hanayagi Dance Academy, The Still Point Aikido Center, Round Rock Martial Arts Judo Program, Round Rock Bujinkan and violinist Priscilla Arasaki. Sincere appreciation is also extended to Mr. Kunio Nakamura, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan at Houston, and to Austin City Councilman Daryl Slusher for their opening remarks.

Many individuals contributed their time and expertise to demonstrate calligraphy, origami, ikebana (flower arranging), bonsai care and other skills. In addition, a sizeable team of volunteers worked throughout the day to ensure that the festival ran smoothly. Some replenished the serving tables with sushi, mochi and other food and drinks. Others drove golf carts filled with visitors to and from the parking area. Still others staffed the registration table, ran the silent auction and door prizes, introduced speakers and entertainers, and explained JASGA's mission and programs to a steady stream of curious festival guests. The professional guidance of Cindy Lo of Red Velvet Events as well as Sandra Smith of S&S Events contributed greatly to the success of the event. To all of these people and to the many others who devoted many hours to preparing for the festival, JASGA extends a hearty "domou arigatou gozaimashita!"