Japan comes to Bellevue Community College for a weekend in September as the 11th Annual Japanese Cultural Arts Festival (Aki Matsuri) presents a two-day program of Japanese cultural and educational events for all ages.

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 on BCC’s main campus, Buildings: G (gym), L, N, & R at 3000 Landerholm Circle S.E.

This year’s Aki Matsuri features the Martial Arts of Japan with special embu demonstrations (from 12:30 p.m. on both days) by the 11th Headmaster of the Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu, Iwami Toshio Harukatsu Sohke from Japan.

Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu is one of the ancient Martial Arts of Japan and was founded by the famed Japanese swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi about 400 years ago. In addition, there will be an on-going two full-day Japanese Martial Arts demonstrations by local dojo members.

Other popular programs include on-stage performing arts, puppet shows based on Japanese Folk Tales, tea ceremony demonstrations in the teahouse, more than 60 exhibit booths, and Japanese food booths. People can browse through “Nomi-no-ichi … a Japanese style flea market” to make a lucky find or meet with “Hello Kitty”!

Admission and parking are free, but fees apply to some workshops.

More information is available at www.enma.org or by calling 425-861-7865.