Summer in Hakodate truly begins in August. And as soon as August arrives, the Hakodate Port Festival takes place.

Hakodate's Port Festival, which will celebrate its 160th anniversary in 2019, begins with a fireworks display and reaches its peak with a parade in which citizens participate.

But just because the port festival is over doesn't mean summer in Hakodate is over yet. That's because the Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival is about to begin.

Let's take a look at the Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival, which began in 2008 and celebrated its 11th edition in 2018.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is the Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival?
2. Diverse Artists
3. There are three stages.
4. Street performance
5. MoguFes
Final thoughts

The first Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival was held in 2008. The year before, in 2007, a group of volunteers came together and began preparations for the festival.

This festival, which aims to be held 999 times, brings together artists from all over the world to perform.

The artists are from all over the world! Since there are no direct flights to Haneda, many artists have to take multiple connecting flights to get to Hakodate. Now, let's head to the venue.

Self-taken photos

A ticket is required to participate in the Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival. As of 2018, a one-day pass costs 1,000 yen on weekdays and 2,000 yen on weekends and public holidays.

The art festival runs for about a week, so if you want to go every day, a sponsor pass is recommended. It costs 4,000 yen.

As any smart person would have already figured out, this sponsor pass is actually 2,000 yen cheaper if you're coming over the weekend.

Also, some shops offer discounts at the "MoguFes" event, which is being held at the same time. By the way, admission is free for high school students and younger.

As mentioned earlier, artists from all over the world gather here, and this is Olínyotl, an artist from Mexico. She gave a spectacular performance of folk dance in a vibrant costume.

The "State Cossack Folk Song Ensemble Stabropolye" from Russia also captivated us with their singing and dancing. Surprisingly, they sang a Japanese version of "Koi no Vacance" (Love Vacation). Their wonderful harmonies were truly delightful.

The Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival attracts artists from all over the world, but Japanese artists also participate.

In 2017, "Sachertorte" performed three shows. Of course, they sang "Dokonokonokinoko," which the children were looking forward to.

Another domestic artist who participated was the five-member group "Screen Tones." Their music, familiar from the TV show "Kodoku no Gourmet," livened up the venue.

Hakodate Motomachi Park is a small park, typical of an urban area, with an area of ​​1.03 hectares.

However, once the Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival begins, it reveals an astonishingly vast space, making you wonder where all that space came from. The sheer number of stages is a testament to this.

In addition to the main venue, the Atlas Stage, there will also be a sub-stage, the Bunda Stage, making a total of two stages.

In addition, there's the Eudora Stage, located in front of the former Hakodate District Public Hall above Motomachi Park, and the Chara Stage where street performers take place.

The appeal of street performers goes beyond just music and dance.

Top-class street performers will be coming to Hakodate to give their performances.

In 2017, a variety of street performers enlivened Hakodate's nights, including Bonbangu, who showcased his almost miraculous juggling skills; Kenyama, the addictive acrobat performer known as Shuumatsu Kimoin; and Edo string puppets with a 370-year history.

Some performers showcase spectacular street tricks, while others liven up the atmosphere in smaller spaces within the venue.

"Bold Yamada" is a street performer who stands motionless like a statue, yet his playful nature makes you want to stare at him intently.

Takapachi is a human jukebox who will play the trumpet for you if you pay him like you would a vending machine.

Also, there are lots of children around "Clown Chappy" and "Gucchi the Pierrot." It's fun that adults will be drawn into as well.

"MoguFes" is an event where you can enjoy singing and music along with a variety of international cuisine and experiences. The shops are set up in four different areas within the venue, so it's exciting to stroll around and browse the shops.

Since there are shops not only from within Hakodate city but also from outside the city, there's the joy of discovering gourmet food and goods that you wouldn't normally come across.

Of course, MoguFes also serves alcohol. A mojito with fresh mint is the perfect drink for a hot night in Hakodate.

They also had juices that kids would enjoy, such as sparkling lightbulb-shaped sodas. The food selection was also satisfying, with options like curry and meat dishes.

<Hakodate International Folk Arts Festival>
Venue: 12-18 Motomachi, Hakodate City, Hokkaido 040-0054 (Hakodate Motomachi Park)
TEL: 0138-52-3815 (Worlds Meet Japan, General Incorporated Association)
Event period: August 5th (Sun) - August 11th (Wed)
Opening hours: 15: 30 to 21: 30
Admission fee: 1,000 yen on weekdays (one-day pass only)
Weekends and public holidays: 2,000 yen (one-day pass only)
Sponsor Pass: 4,000 yen (All-day pass for the entire event)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays (Worlds Meet Japan, a general incorporated association)
Official website:http://wmdf.org/

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