10/09/2025
During our festival, you’ll hear from our wonderful MCs -the Voices of Aki Matsuri! They will be at both of our stages: Amphitheater and Cultural!
Gene Sugano is the owner and director of and has been MCing for Aki Matsuri since the beginning!
Nami Suzuki is a foodie mama and dancer/choreographer; she’s been part of JFAN Aki Matsuri for the past couple of years and does great work connecting with our community.
Mami Rios has also been a staple on our stage! She works as an interpreter and shows support to local Japanese groups and events.
Jeff Wi******er is the Co-VP of JFAN and has been part of the Aki Matsuri planning committee since the beginning! The biggest goal for him is to ensure that this Japanese festival is accessible to all, as he experienced the festivals in Japan- something you can just get off the train and walk into to experience the food and entertainment!
Cheri Tabushi has taken on the job to be our Odori curator! Each year, as and Aki Matsuri tradition, we hold our version of a Bon Odori. Although it is not within the usual summer time, its still something we want people to experience and Cheri handpicked all the songs we can have fun dancing to!
Jen Cabz is a new MC this year, but not new to the festival as she’s mostly behind the scenes. She’s the director of and also Co-VP with Jeff!
LET’S GET HYPE FOR AKI MATSURI!!!
