Please join us  in the Gardens at Lake Merritt for an Otsukimi Festival featuring Japanese food, entertainment and moon viewing, Sunday, October 28, 5:30-8:30.

This event, open and free to the public, is being hosted by the Oakland Fukuoka Sister City Association and the Golden State Bonsai Collection North.

 Otsukimi (literally meaning moon-viewing) Festivals are held throughout Japan to honor the autumn moon, a symbol of blessing and abundance.  These celebrations began in Japan in the year 794 and continue today as a favorite festival.

Moon Viewing celebrations are occasions for sharing food and stories while enjoying what is considered the most beautiful moon of the year.

Schedule of Events:

5:30 pm – Bonsai Garden Open House. (Garden closes at 6:30pm)

6:30 pm – Jiten Daiko – Taiko (Japanese drums) and performances by student delegates from the Asisan pacirfic Children’s convention

7:30 pm – Moon viewing by the Eastbay Astronomical Society (view the moon , stars and planets through powerful telescopes).

Japanese Bento box dinners are available on a pre-paid basis by sending your check for $15 to OFSCA, P.O. Box 13022, Oakland CA 94661-3022. Checks must be received by October 19, 2012. For more information visit www.oakland-fukuoka.org, or contact Liane Scott, President, OFSCA at 510-482-5896