Has there ever been a better time to celebrate our city’s international links and the joys that come from sharing music, food, and culture? The Austin-Oita Sister City Committee once again shows the bonds between our city and its Japanese companion on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. The fusion finds tuneful union in the Japanese bluegrass of the Bamboo Boys, but for those of you who want to truly experience Japanese culture without a 20-hour flight, there will be traditional dances from Okinawa, idol performances from A-Wake, Galaxy Girl PAiDA, and Love Notes, and sumo battles. You can observe all this while delighting in freshly crafted bluefin tuna temaki from Komé Sushi head chef Takehiro Asazu, as well as other Japanese snacks and treats. – Richard Whittaker
