About Aki Matsuri
Aki Matsuri festival was founded in 2010 by Robert Higashinaka who wanted to boost awareness about the growing Japanese population in Las Vegas.
“Aki Matsuri” are the Japanese words for “fall festival”, and has been celebrated in the Las Vegas valley each October. The event attracts more than 10,000 people annually and features traditional culture, music and food. The visiting groups from Japan, as well as the local talent, are not paid for their performances, nor are the visiting groups compensated for their travel expenses.
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JFAN appreciates the enthusiasm of everyone who volunteers to make this event a success year after year.
About Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (JFAN)
JFAN is a grassroots founded, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to bringing Japanese culture to Nevada, and providing opportunities for all members of the community to experience and learn about Japan.
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Japanese Festival Association of Nevada
5300 Spring Mountain Rd #212A, Las Vegas, NV 89146
702-550-2785
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Japanese Festival Association of Nevada (JFAN)
Aki Matsuri Executive Committee
​Kathleen Blakely - Chair
Jeff Winchester - Vice Chair
Jen Caballero - Vice Chair
Jeff Winchester - Secretary
Yoko Ishikawa - Treasurer
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Directors ( all names in alphabetical order)
Noriko Carroll
Szu Lung Chang
Mayumi Coffman
Rie Koleff
Noriko Takahashi
Yasu Yoshikawa
Advisory Board
Aaron Diec
Cameron Blakemore
Satomi Sato
Kika Shibata
Kazuhiro Shima
Sam Tajiri
Hal Yamamoto
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Aki Matsuri Team
Ritsko Aakhus
Jana Bergendahl
Lowell Chiong
Julia Coleman
Manami Mata
Kyoko Ochiai
Amelie Pontbriand
Mami Rios
Gene Sugano
Cheri Tabushi
Nozomi Takahashi
Namiko Turner
Evan Vaporean
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​Founder: Robert Higashinaka
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