AUSTIN – (March 13 2006) – Silk-clad dancers, calligraphers and masters of the martial and culinary arts will bring the traditions of Japan to Central Texas during the Japan-America Society of Greater Austin’s second annual Satsuki Matsuri (Japan May Festival).

The celebration will run from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7, at Zilker Botanical Garden Auditorium, 2220 Barton Springs Road, in Austin. Admission is free; food and beverages will be available for purchase.

Feel the thunder of the great festival drums in performances by Austin Taiko. Witness the power of an open-handed karate strike, the lightning speed of a kendo sword or the whirlwind defenses of an aikido master. Learn to write your name in Japanese characters, or follow the graceful movements of dancers from the Hanayagi Japanese Dance Academy, while enjoying sushi and other Japanese dishes from Austin restaurants.

A silent auction will feature two round-trip tickets to Japan, courtesy of Continental Airlines; a signed, first-edition book by Nobel Prize winner Kenzaburo Oe; a one-week stay in a deluxe suite at The Manhattan Club in mid-town Manhattan; and an array of other valuable items and services.