The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida (JAS) will usher in the “Year of the Snake” with its 31st annual Japanese New Year Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at the Wright Place in downtown Pensacola.
Festivities will take place from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will include performances by the popular Matsuriza taiko drummers, Japanese dancing and children’s performances, martial arts demonstrations, music, food vendors, and other cultural displays, plus a silent auction.
JAS members and children under age 3 enjoy free admission, and non-member tickets are $10 each. Guests can skip the ticket line by becoming a member in advance at jasnwfl.org/join.
The Wright Place is located at 80 E. Wright St. and is part of the First United Methodist Church complex. In addition to street parking, there are several lots adjacent to the church that are available for this event. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
The mission of the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida is to foster and promote stronger ties of friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Japan. For more information, visit jasnwfl.org or facebook.com/jasnwfl.
Program of Events
All times approximate and subject to change.
- 12:00pm Opening Remarks
Bill Cuilik, Emcee
Joe Vinson, President, Japan-America Society of NWFL
Hon. Junya Nakano, Consul General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami - 12:15pm Matsuriza Taiko Drummers
- 12:45pm Navarre Kids
Yuki ya Konko - 12:50pm Big Green Drum Martial Arts
- 1:15pm Japanese Dance by Renee Heitman
Yoshitsune Densetsu - 1:30pm World Yoshukai Karate
- 2:00pm Matsuriza Taiko Drummers
- 2:30pm Japanese Dance by Renee Heitman
Yoshitsune Densetsu - 2:45pm Emerald Coast Okinawa
Eisa Drum Dances - 3:00pm Aji-Sai-Kai Japanese Women’s Folk Dance Group
- 3:15pm Matsuriza Taiko Drummers
- 3:45pm Silent Auction Closes
- 3:50pm Closing Remarks
Layne Yonehiro, New Year Celebration Chair - 3:55pm Audience Participation Dance
Tankou-Bushi