Photos by Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin

Star-Bulletin staff

Harmony is the key this weekend. Approximately 4,500 performers from Japan and Hawaii will perform in the fifth annual Honolulu Festival. Themed "Pacific Harmony," the event is aimed toward bridging cultures and strengthening bonds of friendship between Asia and the Pacific region.

Children will enjoy the return of the Daijayama, an 18-foot tall and 30-foot long dragon with glaring eyes and open jaws that eject hundreds of fireworks.

For the first time a danjiri, a mobile shrine/float, from the Izumi City Danjiri Matsuri will take part in the parade. The 12-foot high danjiri was shipped in pieces from Japan and will make a trial run at 4 p.m. tomorrow at the Nittsu Warehouse, Lot 946, at 2888 Ualena St.

The parade will also feature an Aomori Nebuta (warrior float). The float is made from colorful paper, wood and thousands of lights that give a lantern-like effect. It will be on display during the early evening tomorrow near Nike Town in Waikiki.

Other highlights include a "Goodwill Mini Concert" featuring Genoa Keawe and the new Hawaiian band, 1 p.m. Saturday at Thomas Square; a modern kendo exhibition, 10-11 a.m. Saturday at the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaii; a "Rainbow Concert," joint performances by Hawaii and Japan symphonies, 7 p.m., Blaisdell Concert Hall (doors open at 6:30 p.m.); The Opihi Pickers, 2:20 p.m. Sunday at Thomas Square; and the Grand Parade, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Sunday down Kalakaua Avenue.

Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Above, a nebuta, a giant lantern, was built for
last year's Honolulu Fest parade.

Opening ceremonies begin at 6 p.m. tomorrow at Honolulu Hale and will feature performances by the Minowashi Daiko drum group, Nagauta Toshiharu Kai musical group and Tsugaru Oyama-Ryu Oyama Mitsuhide Kai shamisen group.

The cultural performances, entertainment and demonstrations around town are all free. The festival's agenda follows:

From 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Thomas Square will host the "Omatsuri Hiroba," outdoor festival. Activities include Minyo folkdancing, Taiko drumming, Shamisen, Taisho-koto mini-harps, Daido-Gei Street performers, Genoe Keawe, ikebana flower arrangement, origami, Hawaiian crafts, and other exhibits and workshops.

On the same day, at the Blaisdell Concert Hall from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., there will be a kimono fashion show, music and more.

Ala Moana Center and the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center will also have various dance groups, musicians and other cultural entertainment. Shows will take place from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Ala Moana; and 1-5 p.m. at Royal Hawaiian.

Festivities continue Sunday at all four locations. Events at Thomas Square will be from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Blaisdell, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Ala Moana, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; and Royal Hawaiian, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

For more information, call 951-0077.

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