If you – like this writer – are hopelessly in love with Japanese culture, then you’re someone who’d probably go mad for Matsuri. For those of you who confused that word for a type of sushi and don’t know what to make of it, Matsuri is a traditional Japanese festival that sees throngs of folks clad in yukata (it’s like a summer kimono), massive ornamental floats to appease the Gods, and a bevy of booths that offer fairground-like games and sinful street food (did someone say takoyaki and okonomiyaki?). It’s also a festival that’s often held in the hot summers, and given the heat wave that’s blanketing our climate as of late, we’re ready to get into the Matsuri mood ourselves!
Come 20 May, The Esplanade will transform into the merry streets of Asakusa, for a three-day festival dubbed Super Japan Matsuri. True enough, you’ll be able to stuff your faces with takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), and soft cream to beat the heat (there’s ice-cold Japanese beer for that too, if you’re craving something boozier). Just like an authentic Matsuri, there will also be light-hearted games that will test your luck and precision, such as Yo-Yo Tsuri (fish for your favourite balloon!), Senbonbiki (you win if you pull the lucky string), and Katanuki (a game where you have to mould shapes with candy).
A slider with the ID of 603 doesn't exist.While entry to the Super Japan Matsuri is free, each game booth requires a coupon to play. However, if you come dressed according to the nightly themes, you get a free game coupon. 20 May is a Ladies Night/Student Special (pretty sure our uniforms don’t fit anymore), 21 is Cosplay Night (lookin’ at you, Otakus), and 22 is Family Night so bring out the kiddos! But if you come dressed in yukata like the Japanese do, you’ll bag yourself a free game coupon, whichever date you visit. If you’re unable to make a trip to Japan for the summer to catch the Matsuri, this is definitely the next best thing!
Super Japan Matsuri, 20-22 May, 5pm-10pm (Fri) and 3pm-10pm (Sat-Sun), The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981, p. 6828 8377. For more details, visit this website.