On March 15, 2025, the 11th Perth Japan Festival was held under blue skies in Perth, Western Australia.

The number of visitors has been increasing every year, and this year the number exceeded 21,000.

Music, cheer, martial arts, and Bon Odori dance were performed on three stages, Japanese food and Japanese goods were sold and children were enjoying playing at the ennichi.

At the Japanese cultural corner in the center, there were booths for yukata dressing, bonsai, flower arrangement, and tea ceremony.

In the “Tea Ceremony”, 17 tea ceremony sessions were held this year with the help of 2 students from Tokyo City University, 30 students from Kanto Daiichi High School, and 20 other volunteers. We were able to welcome over 200 guests, including the Minister for Multi Culture of Western Australia, the Deputy Mayor of Perth, the President of the Japanese Association, and other VIPs.

We talked about the history of the tea ceremony and the spirit of the tea ceremony, “harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility,” as well as the “once-in-a-lifetime encounter.” The guests enjoyed a bowl of matcha green tea with a wasanbon while watching us perform the tea ceremony.

The youngest of this year's performers was 6 years old and she performed a splendid “ryakubon”.

We were grateful to have those comments like,

“It was lucky of us to have a chance to enjoy the tea ceremony here in Perth.”

“The tea ceremony is a wonderful part of Japanese culture.”

The lights were turned on at around 6:30 p.m. and the atmosphere of Yobanashi was also well received.

We are so grateful to everyone who joined the event, as well as to all the volunteers who worked with us wholeheartedly—from early morning preparations to late-night cleanup.