Ennichisai, an annual traditional Japanese Festival returns this weekend at Little Tokyo, Blok M Square area. This year, a series of events on 30 June and 1 July  commemorates the 60th anniversary of friendship between Indonesia and Japan.

Ennichisai, an annual traditional Japanese Festival presents Japanese traditional and pop culture entertainment this weekend at Little Tokyo, Blok M. Wikimedia/NOW!JAKARTA

There will be various performances by starts from both Indonesia and Japan. Ennichisai will perform at Chika Stage, located at the underground area of Atrium Blok M Mall.

Renowned Japanese rock band LOKA, who previously visited Jakarta in 2013, will entertain their fans at the stage alongside with other artists such as Arakawa OK Rock, Visual Dream Band, Skyfall, Nanairo Symphony and Kamikaze. Girl band JKT48, Addiction, CoLoN, dancer Melochin,  and DJ Misaki is also scheduled to hit Ennichisai stage.

Aside from Chika Stage, there are other different stage such as Traditional and Pop Culture (CLAS:H) Stage which will be hosted by Sokorahen Genki, Viviyona Apriani, and Angelyn. Those stages will showcase culture-related performances from cosplay, music and DJ performances, as well as product promotions where visitors can explore Japanese food booths. Shodo artists Fukushika Taro is also back to show his skills at creating Japanese calligraphy, including the launch and demonstration of Japanese online games .

Held since 2010, Ennichisai is a unique celebration of Japanese culture which has been part of Indonesia for years. The Blok M neighbourhood has long been known as an ancient Japanese area, which serves as a tourist hotspot and entertainment area in South Jakarta.

The most anticipated Japanese cultural festival in Jakarta this year is free. For more information about line-up performance and stage, visit www.ennichisaiblokm.com/

Rintang Azhar

Rintang Azhar

Rintang is a previous staff writer for NOW! with experience in hard news and lifestyle journalism. He specialises in art, design, culture, fashion, environmental, and urban issues.