お月見　－　Moon Viewing

JASWDC is thrilled to announce our first Virtual Otsukimi – Moon Viewing to be held on September 2nd, 2020 from 7:30 – 9:00 PM EST. Join us from the comfort of your backyard for a night of traditional Japanese music, haiku, and food all under the light of the full autumn moon. More registration details to come soon!

Otsukimi is a Japanese festival that celebrates the autumn moon. Typically held on the 15th day of the eighth month of the Japanese lunar calendar, the tradition dates back to the Heian period. While originally celebrated only by members of the royal court, moon viewing is now a popular fall activity all over Japan. Common Otsukimi activities include displaying decorations made of susuki grass, eating special tsukimi dango, and admiring the beauty of the moon with family and friends.

The Japan-America Society of Washington DC has been celebrating Otsukimi in the District for over two decades. Last year, the annual event was held at the National Arboretum. Highlights included performances from the Washington Toho Koto Society, sake tasting, mochi pounding, origami, and a traditional tea ceremony demonstration.

  • Bonsai Exhibit
  • Koto Performance
  • Tea Ceremony
  • Sake Tasting