Perth Japan Festival builds on the bonds of friendship

• Annual Perth Japan Festival to be held in Forrest Place today
• Festival supported by the State Government

More than 10,000 people are expected to attend the third annual Perth Japan Festival, which will feature an extravaganza of Japanese culture including anime cosplay, martial arts, and kimono displays.

Supported by the State Government through the Office of Multicultural Interests' Community Grants Program, the festival celebrates the special relationship between Western Australia and the Hyogo Prefecture.

Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Mike Nahan said events like the Perth Japan Festival had become a staple of Western Australia's cultural life.

"One of the advantages of our vibrant and diverse community is that we all have an opportunity to experience and enjoy a wide range of cultures," Dr Nahan said.

"The Western Australian Japanese community is an integral part of our cultural identity.

"This State has benefited considerably from the skills, business acumen, hard work and rich culture of the Japanese community. 

"Events like the Perth Japan Festival highlight this and serve to underscore and strengthen the strong bonds of friendship that exist between our two countries.

"Today's festival also marks the 35th anniversary of the Sister State Relationship between WA and Hyogo."

The family friendly festival has proven popular since its inception in 2014.

Fact File

• There are about 3,500 Japanese-born people living in WA, an increase of 17% since 2006, according to the 2011 Census
• Japanese settlers in WA date back to the late 1800s when many arrived to work as pearl divers off the Broome coast
• WA and the Hyogo Prefecture signed a Sister State agreement in 1981
• The Perth Japan Festival will be held in Forrest Place today, from 11am to 6pm
• For more information, visit http://www.perthjapanfestival.com/

Minister's office - 6552 5700