Japan Festival Houston: A Celebration of Culture and Community
Written by Julieta Torres | September 7, 2025
The Japan Festival of Houston, founded by Glen Yoshiaki Gondo in 1993, was the product of a collaboration between the Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) and Mayor Bob Lanier. Gondo was inspired by the unveiling of the Japanese Garden, and since its inception, the festival has grown to become one of the largest cultural festivals in the United States.
TnT Jujitsu
Food vendors selling delicacies such as boba tea, soufflé pancakes, and fruit sandos lined the trails of Hermann Park. Despite the downpour, a dedicated crowd gathered to experience the festival. The air was filled with the aromas of food as attendees eagerly waited in line to sample the offerings. Vendors also sold items ranging from stationery to samurai swords, creating a vibrant and culturally immersive setting despite the gloomy weather.
Makoto Suwa
Organizations promoting Japanese culture were present, offering opportunities to learn the Japanese language or to participate in immersion programs such as teaching English in Japan. Several special performances and martial arts demonstrations were also featured. Most notably, the jiu-jitsu show presented by InT Jiu Jitsu drew attention. This dojo, one of the few traditional dojos in Houston, notes that they “strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and welcoming atmosphere for all students and family members.” Children through adults demonstrated various jiu-jitsu moves while Sensei Torey Overstreet described each technique and its potential applications.
The festival also welcomed Makoto Suwa, a climate scientist and astronaut candidate selected by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Suwa engaged warmly with festival-goers, smiling and conversing with attendees. As the oldest JAXA candidate at the time of his selection, he hopes to participate in lunar exploration and travel to the moon. In addition, he is a strong advocate for climate action, having completed extensive research on climate change.
Overall, the Japan Festival was a resounding success despite the weather, bringing a rich taste of Japan and its culture to Houston, an already culturally vibrant city.
Find Out More About the Japan Festival Houston:
Website: houstonjapanfest.org
Instagram: @japanamericahouston
