Japan Fest Fills Ober Park with Culture and Celebration
Published: 8:30 am Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Japan Fest attracted a lively crowd to Ober Park on Saturday, August 29, featuring an afternoon rich with sumo wrestling, Japanese music, dance, food, and hands-on activities.
This year, Mukai Farm & Garden’s annual free festival moved to downtown Vashon due to restoration work planned at the historic Fruit Barreling Plant. Rain City Sumo showcased traditional sumo wrestling, while performers such as Echo Chorus brought Japanese music and dance to the stage.
Organized in partnership with the Vashon Park District and Vashon Library, this year’s event also celebrated the 100th anniversary of Mukai Farm, established in 1926 by B.D. Mukai.
Mukai Executive Director Jade Agua expressed that the festival offered the Vashon community a chance to honor its Japanese heritage and better understand the legacy of Mukai Farm & Garden.
“My hope is that folks come away from Japan Festival with an increased appreciation for Japanese culture and recognition of the many communities of color that have contributed to our Vashon Island agricultural history,” Agua said.
