The 15th Annual Honolulu Festival Craft Fair, held on March 14 and March 15, showcased a variety of crafts from Hawaii and Japan for the attendees to enjoy. Those who came took their time observing each booth, stopping along the way at the ones they were interested in, interacting with those at the booths and making crafts to take home.
One of the popular booths was Nihon Sports Fukiya Association of Hawaii. According to Hawaii's chairman Mr. Saito, Fukiya is a very popular sport among the Japanese salary man because it is very good for your health. Hawaii's association has a lot of senior members however those that came to try this sport ranged from young children to adults. Robert Banks from Canada, able to hit the target five times out of ten attempts, said, "This is very enjoyable. I'd like to try it one more time."
The arts and crafts from Japan were very popular. They were Chigirie (art made from small bits of paper), Etegami (drawing-letters), Calligraphy, Cloth Zouri (making sandals from cloth), Temari (art of making handballs), Karuta and Origami. There was always a long line in front of the Ikebana booth. Attendees eagerly waited to make little flower arrangements of their own to take home.
The Hawaiian Quilt Corner enjoyed crowds throughout the two days. The artwork of Hawaii students were displayed throughout the corner. The quilts were all quite large indicating that the students must have spent a lot of time and effort creating their masterpieces. John Serrao, a well known Hawaiian quilt designer and teacher, said, "The emotions and feelings of the person making the Hawaiian quilt are revealed in each piece of work." As he showed a quilt with cherry blossoms on it, he continued, "This quilt is made by a Japanese person living in Hawaii. She is showing her love of Japan in her work." Mr. Serrao was able to share the importance of emotions and feelings in making Hawaiian quilts.
The Craft Fair seemed to get busier as the day went by. All of the booths looked very busy. The Craft Fair was a great opportunity for attendees to not only experience the cultures of Hawaii and Japan but also the cultures of other Pacific Rim countries.
The attendees quickly grasped the rules of Karuta even though it was their first time to play the game. The Karuta teachers patiently explained the game.
Etegami booth. Children and adults eagerly created their own Etegami.
Attendees came from all over to learn how to make Temari.
This was the first time for this participant from the mainland to do Calligraphy.
This participant learns how to make a box (quite easy) and then challenges the much more difficult frog.
The popular Etegami Corner. Participants drew the fruits that were displayed in front of them.
The Alohi Manao booth sold Asian lanterns. These colorful lanterns are even popular in Hawaii!
This Hawaii booth sold ribbon leis. The colorful ribbon leis were enjoyed by many visitors.
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The 15th Annual Honolulu Festival Craft Fair, held on March 14 and March 15, showcased a variety of crafts from Hawaii and Japan for the attendees to enjoy. Those who came took their time observing each booth, stopping along the way at the ones they were interested in, interacting with those at the booths and making crafts to take home. 
