Now in its 10th year the nation’s largest annual Japanese one day festival Matsuri in Sydney will be joining forces with a Japan government sponsored attraction Japan Expo in an effort to promote unique cross-cultural experiences to local Sydneysiders.

Over the last decade the Consulate-General of Japan, Japanese Government organisations and local Japan related businesses have banded together to present the popular Matsuri in Sydney event with festive Japanese food stalls, exhilarating stage performances and captivating cultural demonstrations.

This year the Japan Expo will also feature interactive themed spaces where people can experience different aspects of Japanese culture – ‘Traditional Japan’ and ‘Cool Japan’.

According to festival Spokesperson Ms Kazuko Chalker this year’s event is anticipated to be bigger than usual.

“We are proud to present this year’s event to Sydney and are very appreciative to all the volunteers, sponsors and local organisations that have been involved and helped make the 2012 event program so extraordinary,” Ms Chalker said.

“It’s a special event for the local community because we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary. Each year we attract around 10,000 people and this year we’re expecting more than that. The festival is a great opportunity for the local community and Japan enthusiasts to get involved - it has something for everyone,” she said.

“Children can dress up in summer kimonos, draw animae or play traditional games, mums and dads can soak up the live drumming or sumo performances over a sushi roll while students can master the art of drinking tea, wrapping gifts or speaking Japanese.”

One of the special performances this year will include a knife ceremony ‘hocho-shiki’ which is rare traditional ceremony for signifying hope and gratitude for a good harvest where ingredients are arranged on a table using only a knife and chopsticks as it is forbidden to touch anything by hand.

There will also be a summer yukata wearing contest which will be co-judged by representatives from local Japanese organisations and the City of Sydney.

The Japan Expo and Matsuri of Sydney will be held on Saturday 15th December at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour from 10am to 7pm.