An estimated 800 guests attended the Vashon Japan Festival at Mukai Farm and Garden last Saturday, such a good turnout that organizers have already started talking about hosting another such event next year.

The day included a variety of activities: a mochi demonstration, poetry readings, a tea ceremony and a performance with Taiko drummers, along with a chance for young guests to try out the drums.

The Friends of Mukai sponsored the event, and afterward President Kay Longhi said one unexpected highlight for her was seeing a family who had spread out a blanket on the front lawn and was having a picnic.

“That is how we want people to use the property. We want them to know it is their property; it is open to the public, and they can come any time to appreciate the garden and the environment and read the signs and learn about the place,” she said. “Saturday was kind of a nippy day. To see people doing what we hoped they would do was the best.”

The first owners of the property, B.D. and Kuni Mukai, hosted many parties at the home and garden. Saturday harkened back to the time before the internments, Longhi said, and organizers took notice.

“We were very moved by that,” she said.

Above, the Seattle KoKon Taiko drummers perform to an enthusiastic audience on Saturday.