Multicultural One Family Festival 2024: Connecting Smiles

Kazuhiro Handa

December 2, 2024

At a lively Family Festival in 2024, a group of six children in colorful outfits performs an energetic dance on stage. The beautifully decorated room buzzes with excitement as the multicultural audience cheers them on.

Diverse performances spread smiles at the Multicultural One Family Festival in Japan.

November 17, Tokyo—With support from the Embassies of Indonesia and Serbia as well as the Ethics Association of Meguro Ward, Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Japan hosted the annual Multicultural One Family Festival 2024 at Plaza Maam in Hamacho, Tokyo. Opening remarks were given by Hiroko Hasegawa and Hiro Seki, followed by an opening performance by Festival Committee member and Philippine Enka singer Yolanda Tasico. Ms. Keiko Kobayashi, Chair of the NPO JUN AI World Peace Foundation, gave a special talk on her efforts to support a campaign for reunifying the Korean peninsula.

Two women on stage smile while speaking into microphones at a vibrant 2024 multicultural event. One wears traditional attire with vivid colors, the other dazzles in a red lace dress. Balloons float joyfully in the background, capturing the festive and inclusive spirit of this family festival.

MC Hiroko Hasegawa (right) introduces performers.

The theme of the day was “Connecting Smiles,” a tradition the festival has embraced since 2015. From the very beginning, smiles were in abundance, thanks to performances by solo artists Humming for Peace (Yukie Kakubari) and Mieko Yamazaki, a singer of both Japanese and Chinese heritage. Each artist shared the inspiration behind their songs, which were created with a heartfelt hope for peace.

The following performances highlighted the joyful smiles of children from the World Dance Festival, Shishu Shilpi Academy, and Projeto Música sem Fronteiras. These groups, representing youth from China, Bangladesh, and Brazil, captivated the audience with a vibrant mix of ballroom dance, Bangladeshi folk dance, and Brazilian music—the latter featuring the soulful voice of singer Yoshimi Katayama.

Kei Ishida took the stage next with a group of bossa nova singers, energizing the crowd into a lively conga line that snaked around the venue. Following them, Bli Bagus, an Indonesian folk dance troupe, added an upbeat yet culturally rich touch to the festival.

A multicultural group of people, some standing and some sitting, are gathered in a room with colorful balloons. At this lively 2024 family festival, a woman in a yellow dress smiles warmly and gestures toward the camera.

Kei Ishida leads a conga line as celebrations are underway at the Multicultural One Family Festival.

Representing Japan, Team Nadeshiko—a group from Migaku Academy that promotes confidence through beauty—blended tradition and modernity in a brief fashion show. Meanwhile, Junko Yamagishi and a group of kimono enthusiasts showcased traditional Japanese garments, gracefully dancing to the rhythm of bon-odori, a festive Japanese dance.

Nancy Tada, an English and Portuguese teacher in Japan, brought together people of various nationalities on stage to introduce simple phrases from each language. This was followed by a “multiculture” raffle that had the audience eagerly on the edge of their seats, hoping to win prizes from around the world. Kyogen actor Juro Zenchiku then gave a short talk on the significance of smiles and laughter, explaining how they serve as keys to happiness and connection.

A multicultural group, including children in colorful attire, gathers around a table with crafts and art supplies inside a room adorned with festive displays and balloons, celebrating the Family Festival 2024.

Three women in traditional clothing stand at a booth, their joyful spirits connecting smiles as they showcase cultural items and share insights. It’s a vibrant scene at this multicultural family festival, celebrating diversity and community.

Throughout the event, Tasico walked around the venue and introduced the booths on display which included: Barraca do Brasil (Brazilian food and t-shirts); RMJ, an NPO supporting international mothers in Japan; Aozora (blue sky), an NPO supporting children of different cultures; Miguel’s Kitchen (Bolivian food); Heartship Myanmar Japan, an NPO supporting Myanmar; Migaku Academy (Japanese dress and accessories); Japanese Children’s Play, a group supporting traditional activities such as origami; Junko’s Beauty: Waki Ai Kimono Salon (Japanese kimonos); Enishi, a charity for donating clothes; Ate Morninga (moringa goods), and Bli Bagus (Indonesian culture).

The final performances featured One Universe, a powerful collaboration of traditional Japanese and Korean drumming by Takeshi Chiyozono and Kim Yong-geum; an emotional tribute to One Dream One Korea by Ms. Keiko Kobayashi; and a lively finale by Tasico and the band Oops;)!! Festival Committee Vice Chair Pozo Rodriguez Miguel Angel delivered the closing remarks, but not before Juro Zenchiku led everyone in a moment of smiles and laughter to wrap up the festival on a joyful note.