OLD TOWN — The city's largest celebration of Japanese culture is set to take place in Old Town this weekend.
The Ginza Festival marks its 59th year, kicking off Friday evening and running through Sunday.
The festival, which will be held at the Midwest Buddhist Temple, 435 W. Menomonee St., will feature music, dance, martial arts demonstrations and fine Japanese crafts.
There will be five Waza master craftsmen from Japan at the festival who will demonstrate their skills inherited over generations.
The Waza are a group of more than 100 artisans skilled in the traditional Japanese crafts.
There will also be bonsai, calligraphy, brush painting, Samurai swords and Japanese arts and crafts.
Saturday night features live music from Yoko Noge, whose music is described as a mix of Japanese folk music and the Chicago blues. She will perform from 8-9:30 p.m.
Throughout the festival there will be judo, aikido and folk dance demonstrations on the Ginza stage.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Friday and the festival will be open until 9 p.m. Friday.
Saturday the festival runs from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A full schedule is available at www.ginzachicago.com.
Admission for adults is a $7 donation, $6 for students and children under 12 will be admitted for free. Three-day passes are available for $15.
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