General For Visitors For Exhibitors
For Sponsors/Donors For Performers For Volunteers
(The information is subject to change)
General
What is Japan Fair? Is it the same as Aki Matsuri?
Aki Matsuri was a beloved event that was carried out by the non-profit organization, the Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association (ENMA). For 19 years, it was led by its husband and wife team, Mr and Mrs Tom Brooke, and a full-time base of dedicated volunteers. As of 2016, ENMA has retired as a working non-profit, leaving behind a strong community legacy and many warm memories. As such, Aki Matsuri no longer has the manpower and core support to continue on every year as it once did. However, because it is such a well-loved community event, a new volunteer team decided to carry on the cultural festival legacy – newly named ‘Japan Fair’ – as a smaller community fair that can be managed and carried out each year by a new volunteer team.
Japan Fair will continue to nurture and promote the traditional and the modern cultural arts of Japan, welcoming back all the regulars who consistently participated in the Aki Matsuri, while also striving to share some new trends in today’s Japan.
Why will the Japan Fair be at Meydenbauer Center?
While Aki Matsuri had the strong foundational support of 300 volunteers, as well as full-time staff to get the event off the ground each year, Japan Fair has a smaller team to work with. That means some aspects of organization needed to be streamlined and delegated to carry out the event. By having Japan Fair at a self-contained convention center such as the Meydenbauer Center, much of the set-up and manpower is provided by the event venue staff.
After inspection of multiple venues, Meydenbauer Center is the most cost effective location for our requirements.
We are looking forward to building a stronger partnership with Meydenbauer Center for greater success every year.
Is the Japan Fair a non-profit event?
Yes. Japan Fair is operated by a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Asunaro (EIN #82-3478918). All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. In 2016 Japan Fair operated under the umbrella of the non-profit organization, ENMA, and in 2017 it operated under a different community non-profit, the Hokubei Hochi Foundation.
How can I get updates about the Japan Fair 2019?
Please visit our webpage, and Like us on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/JapanFairUS/
Who can I contact when I have questions about Japan Fair?
Email inquiries to the Japan Fair Team at: info@japanfairus.org
For Visitors
Is there an admission fee for Japan Fair?
No. Japan Fair is a completely free event! We are so thankful for the generosity of donors, sponsors, and local culture and government grants that allow Japan Fair to be free for the entire community.
Where can we park? Is parking free?
Sadly, parking will not be free for Japan Fair 2019 as there will be another event happening inside Meydenbauer Center at the same time. Currently, we are looking for more options and possibilities for visitors to have free parking. We will update you with any good news. At the same time, we highly encourage visitors to visit Japan Fair 2019 via metro transit. Bellevue Transit Center is a 1-min walk from Meydenbauer Center and is very accessible. Please see this site for more information on parking at Meydenbauer Center.
Is Japan Fair a kids/family-friendly event?
Yes! Japan Fair is for the whole family to enjoy. There will be kids’ crafts, games, and many interesting exhibits, performances, fun market places and more for everybody to enjoy.
Will food/drinks be sold at the event?
Yes. After strong guest feedback regarding venue catering at Japan Fair 2016, the Meydenbauer Center is now welcoming Japanese chefs to partner with them as cooks and menu consultants. Japanese favorites such as takoyaki, yakisoba, ramune, and more will be offered!
Can I come in cosplay?
Yes! Cosplay is welcome, so feel free to express yourself and have fun! Wearing Yukata/Kimono is encouraged to celebrate Tanabata together!
For Exhibitors
We want to have a booth for our organization at the Japan Fair. What should we do?
Please download the Booth Application Form from the “Join Us” page and submit!
When is the deadline to apply for a booth?
Submit your application by March 31st to take advantage of our special ‘Early Bird’ booth fees! Exhibitor Applications will be closed when all the spaces are reserved with payment. Booth spaces are limited.
Can we sell food or drinks at our booth?
Yes, but only packaged food/beverage items for people to take home are allowed to be sold. These packaged items cannot be consumed on site. Small samples may be offered and consumed on premises. If offering samples, Exhibitors must have a necessary food service permit from King County Public Health Deptartment.
If you are interested in offering samples or selling packaged goods of food/beverages please contact info@japanfairus.org for required pre-approval.
When is the booth setup time?
Booth set up time is on Friday, June 28th from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., as well as the morning before opening on Saturday, June 29th.
When is the booth takedown time?
Booth takedown time is Sunday, June 30th, between 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
★ Please read the "BOOTH SPACE CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS" on the application form for all the details.
For Sponsors/Donors
We would like to make a donation to support Japan Fair. What should we do?
Thank you so much for your support! This event is completely volunteer run and all funds raised go into providing for the event. The power of your donations keeps Japan Fair completely free to the public, providing a valuable opportunity for all people to experience the arts.
You can make a donation by downloading and filling out our sponsorship form from the "Join Us" page. ASUNARO d.b.a. Japan Fair is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (EIN#: 82-3478918). All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
For Performers
How can we apply to perform on the stage?
Please download the Performance Application Form from the “Join Us” page, fill out and submit.
Do we have to have a booth to participate as performers?
No. Your group can apply for performance without having a booth.
How much does it cost to participate as performers?
It is free of charge to perform on the stage.
Can we request the date and time to perform?
Yes. However, the performance schedule is designed to ensure each day of the Fair has an equal balance of performing types - so not all requests can be granted. We will take requests into consideration and do our best to accommodate them
Can we hand out our brochures before/after our performance?
Yes. We will have a table that you can put your brochures or flyers on.
For Volunteers
I want to volunteer! What should I do?
Thank you for your interest, and we’d love to have you help! Volunteering is a great way to gain valuable leadership skills, or to make new friends and contacts in the community. Please go to the “Join Us” page to fill out our online application form!
Can minors volunteer?
No, currently all volunteers must be 18 years of age or older to volunteer at Japan Fair. However, we look forward to having you join us in the future!
