The Austin-Oita Sister City Committee (AOSCC) will hold a virtual Japanese festival beginning at 12 p.m. Saturday, August 14. 

Featured segments will be:

• A traditional tea ceremony using tea bowls created by an Austin ceramicist and a master ceramicist from Oita, Japan

• A demonstration of shabu-shabu, meat and vegetables cooked in broth and served with dipping sauces

• AOSCC sumo mascot, Sumo-San, visiting Japanese-themed Austin businesses: Asahi Imports, Komé Sushi Kitchen, Sa-Tén Coffee & Eats, and Texas Saké

• Sumo-San taking on Dark Circle Sumo in a match

• Sumo-San teaming with Yellow of Japanese action comic punk band Peelander-Z for a duet and painting

To participate in the virtual event go to www.Facebook.com/AustinOita or the Austin-Oita Sister City Committee page on YouTube.

The online festival is sponsored in part by the Cultural Arts Division of the City of Austin Economic Development Department. Other sponsors include Tokyo Electron, HEB, First Texas Honda, and the Best of Austin Living Team at Keller Williams Realty.