The Utah Nihon Matsuri (Japan Festival) Committee met on March 11, 2020, to discuss the impact that the coronavirus would possibly have upon the 2020 Nihon Matsuri.

After lengthy discourse of the matter, which included the movement toward cancelling large gathering events by government, community, and church organizations in Utah, cancellation policies, and concern for the health of the attendees including many elderly; the Committee voted unanimously to cancel the 2020 Nihon Matsuri. After thoughtful and realistic discussion, the painful decision was made in order to protect the health and safety of all involved.

The Committee will begin planning for the 2021 Nihon Matsuri in September. The tentative date for the Nihon Matsuri will be Saturday, April 24, 2021.

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To share and educate the larger Utah community about Japanese and Japanese American culture, history, and traditions as well as to be a way to pass on the Japanese traditions and culture to younger fifth, sixth, and seventh generation Japanese Americans and to help them identify with their heritage.