Bunbury Regional Art Gallery hosts 2021 South West Festival of Japan

Held on Saturday, September 4, the festival kicked off with a 'Hanami Party', offering event goers the opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, activities and traditional, Japanese cuisine.

Activities on offer included origami, Japanese games, haiku and art activities.

Stall holder Chris Parker was at the event with his family, teaching others how to make and enjoy traditional, Japanese yo-yos.

The yo-yos involved filling a balloon with water and tying a piece of rubber band around the top and bouncing the balloon like a yo-yo.

Mr Parker said the event was a great way to showcase the Japanese culture in Bunbury, especially with current restrictions on international travel.

"We've been in Bunbury for 9 years and both my wife and daughter were born in Japan. There's a big Japanese community in Bunbury so this is a great way to share the culture," Mr Parker said.

Entertainment included a martial arts demonstration as well as traditional, Japanese dancing, including Japanese idle pop from Perth-based dance group, Stelluna Dance.

The South West Festival of Japan runs until September 11.

Participants can receive a South West Festival of Japan map from the Regional Art Gallery and make their way around the Bunbury CBD and collect 'stamps' to go in to win a number of prizes.

The next event as part of the festival will be a Slider Night at Right On Burgers, Clifton Street at 6pm on September 6.