Oppenheimer Park is the place to be on the 1st and 2nd of August for the Powell Street festival. Vancouver plays host to the 39th edition of this extravaganza which showcases the Japanese-Canadian culture.  David Suzuki, the internationally renowned scientist, environmentalist and broadcaster will be there at the Firehall arts center to discuss his new book, Letters to my grandchildren.” There will be a number of musical performances to cater to the entire spectrum of visitors. There will be Piano and Jazz on one side and DJs and Indie music on the other.

The visitors who love the Japanese cuisine are going to have a gala time at the 17 food vendors. They will find the two days too short to be able to try out all the meal time delicacies.  There are the beverages like the cold green tea, apple yuzukasu juice and the organic agave syrup. The taste buds will be set rolling by the sushi, ramen and the gyoza dishes. The barbeque salmons and the Japanese inspired hot-dogs will be too tempting to resist. One can call the shots with curry beef on rice and the Osaka balls. For those with the sweet tooth, there is a variety of ice creams.

The craft sales bring to the visitors a number of souvenirs items which can remind them of the Japanese culture. Whether you choose the stuffed kokeshi dolls or the tombodama bead necklaces they are going to your adorable possessions.

The children and adults can enjoy the display of martial arts in the demonstration area. Watch Aikido to understand the coming together of the physical technique with the mental discipline. It brings to fore the principle of non-resistance where the defender and attacker are in harmony.

The children can have fun at the origami workshops and enjoy the singing and dancing. The sumo wrestling is an attraction for a lot of visitors.

The show is run by volunteers who work hard every year to make the Powell street festival a success. The Immaculate planning, administration and perfect execution reflects the popularity of the Japanese-Canadian cultural festival.