Maoka Hara, 4, dressed in her very own kimono. Photo / Stephen Parker
Maoka Hara, 4, dressed in her very own kimono. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Japanese New Year is a time for traditional festivities, unity and an impeccable display of culture in Japan.
Homes are decorated, food is shared and the streets come to life with colour, art and culture.
These were the things that Rotorua resident Mika Squibb missed most about her homecountry and decided to help her homesickness by putting on her own Japanese celebration in her new home.
Every year since 2016, Squibb has brought the Japanese community together to put on the Japanese Summer Festival in the Government Gardens.
Phenix, 2, and his brother Tyga Yamada, 6, having loads of fun at the festival. Photo / Stephen Parker
Anika Archer, 11, being fitted in a floral kimono. Photo / Stephen Parker
People of all ages could be seen giving Japanese traditional calligraphy a try, as well as trying kimono to take part in the festival's fashion show.
"It shows how as a community we are a family, no matter what colour you are or language you speak."
This year, the festival teamed up with the multicultural society to add more layers to the celebration.
Squibb's highlight of the day was the tea ceremony, where people from all corners of the world brought down traditional teas and dress from their culture for people to try.
The teas ranged from Russia through to traditional Māori teas and were a huge success, she said.
