Kyle Dominic G.

Ta-ay, 143872
FLC 2JSP Section A
April 8, 2016
Hinomoto Natsu Matsuri Paper

Hinomoto, a student organisation which

coordinates with the Japanese Studies
Programs of the Ateneo de Manila University,
brought the Japanese Natsu Matsuri or Summer
Festival to the Ateneo on April 1, 2016. It is a
grand summer celebration in the Cervini Field
of the Ateneo campus with musical
performances, Japanese food and various
Japanese festivities. Natsu Matsuri translates
to summer festival in the Japanese language.
This Japanese festival was first celebrated by
the Japanese in honour of their peoples
ancestors, and later on became a way for the
people to take a break from the heat of working
under summer sun. The Natsu Matsuri Festival
is the best opportunity for the people to go the
lively festival grounds with their yukatas and kimonos to listen to music, participate in games and
just have an enjoyable time.
Hinomotos Natsu Matsuri Festival, held in the Cervini Field, was held from 5 PM to 11
PM. Hinomoto did an amazing job in decorating the Cervini Field. The ambience they created was
very similar to a legitimate Japanese festival as seen in how paper lanterns were strewn all over the
field. The festivities in the Natsu Matsuri Festival, such as catching fish using a net in a tub filled
with water, were very reminiscent of an authentic Japanese festival experience. Moreover, the
Philippine April summer heat really made the summer festival experience way more authentic.
The Japanese culture, as presented by Filipinos, was very palpable in Hinomotos Natsu Matsuri
Festival.