DULUTH, Georgia. – As early as 1973, Georgia opened its first international office in Tokyo to promote trade and tourism – and one year later, the Japanese Consulate General was established in Atlanta.

This means that Georgia and Japan have enjoyed a close relationship for 50 years – a partnership that will be celebrated this weekend in Duluth.

This year’s JapanFest Atlanta will be held Saturday and Sunday at the Gas South Convention Center, celebrating half a century of cooperation between Georgia and Japan in the areas of business and travel. The annual event is organized by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and the Japan-American Society of Georgia and supported by the Japanese Consulate General in Atlanta. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy two days of performances, food and shopping.

Highlights this year include Miyabiya Japan – which specializes in a unique blend of traditional and modern kabuki theater – and Katsura Sunshine, a rakugo master storyteller who has been called the “king of kimono comedy.” There will also be Japanese drum performances, martial arts demonstrations and cultural workshops on topics such as calligraphy, bonsai and origami.

This year’s JapanFest Atlanta hours are 10am-6pm on Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sunday. Tickets are $20 at the door (children under 6 are free). For more information about the event, click here. Click on the video player in this article to see our exclusive preview of this year’s big event!