MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com)- The Memphis Japanese Festival celebrated Japanese culture and entertainment at the Memphis Botanic Gardens on Sunday.
The festival was filled with Japanese vendors, traditional and modern performances, artists and cultural lectures.
Organizers say the festival is important not only because of the Japanese companies in the city, but for the Japanese community to come together.
For Memphis Grizzlies player Yuta Watanabe the festival was a little taste of home.
“You know when I was a kid, I often go to festivals like this so it kind of just reminds me of my young age so it’s good to be here,” said Grizzlies player, Yuta Watanabe.
Watanabe says he also enjoys coming out to the festival so he can make time to meet and say thank you to fans.