July 5 (Sunday) at the original venue for large-scale entertainment events Festsaal Kreuzberg (Am Flutgraben 2, 12435 Berlin) the next «Japanese Summer Festival» Tanabata («Star Festival» or «Festival of Stars»), which is celebrated annually on July 7 in the overwhelming majority of Japan’s prefectures, will take place. In Berlin, such an event has been held since 2018.

Thanks to this festival, which serves as a kind of «guide» to the rich culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, there is a natural, rather graceful «immersion» into the atmosphere of the fusion of its ancient roots, philosophical and religious concepts, together with a unique worldview and the skillful creative adaptation of everything borrowed from other peoples.

This allows the country to preserve its distinctly unique identity. It is precisely in this phenomenon of deep antiquity that the main origins of Japanese culture are vividly reflected, based on the harmonious combination of Shintoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, along with the objective and self-evident influence of the conditions of island life.

In this context, it is enough to outline only the fundamental ideas that shape the worldview of the Japanese, which may not be immediately or fully understandable to many Europeans:

-   the aspiration for balance and the «avoidance» of confrontation, which permeates both personal interactions and the principles of organizing space and the creative process. That is, – «harmony as the highest value»; 

-   awareness and acceptance of impermanence, based on Buddhist philosophy about the transient nature of all existence (mujō). This inner trait helps one to accept changes and inevitable losses along life’s path with dignity. It underlies the aesthetics of wabi-sabi, which sees beauty in simplicity, modesty, and the influence of past events on the present and future; 

-   a deeply genuine respect and unequivocal reverence for the surrounding world, based on the Shinto belief in spirits (kami). This is clearly manifested in centuries-old traditions, rooted customs, and aesthetic, moral, and ethical preferences.

And once again, the festival’s vibrant cultural and entertainment program is rich and full of unique diversity. There are breathtaking performances by martial arts masters demonstrating the grace and power of samurai techniques, and a dazzling fashion show where traditional kimono come to life (for women and men). Interactive workshops, for both children and adults, are designed to «turn» everyone who wishes into direct participants in the creative process, whether it be calligraphy (using brush and ink), origami, or the basics of Japanese painting.

As is customary at large festive events, a wide assortment of culinary delicacies is expected at the festival, subtly «revealing» to many new facets of the heritage of Japan’s national cuisine.

It clearly stands out among the world’s culinary traditions thanks to its deep philosophical approach, rich heritage, refined cooking techniques, and exquisite aesthetics. Its distinctive features include prioritizing the freshness of ingredients, strict adherence to the seasons, a commitment to preserving the natural taste of products, and meticulous attention to the visual composition of dishes.

For gourmets and «gluttons», it is important to remember: a meal in Japan always begins with the word «Itadakimas» («I humbly receive»), and ends with the phrase «Gochisō-sama deshita» («It was very delicious»). This is how the Japanese invariably express gratitude to nature and the cook. These simple phrases may well come in handy at this event as well.

Opening hours of the «Japanese Summer Festival»: from 12:00 to 19:00.

Additional information and admission tickets (they can be purchased online only): https://www.japanevents.shop/tickets