The program is sponsored by a non-profit group of dedicated individuals, the Nihon Matsuri organization, whose goal is to share and educate the larger Utah community about Japanese and Japanese American culture, history, and traditions. The program was initiated in 2005 by Floyd Mori, National JACL Director, as a way to also pass on the Japanese traditions and culture to younger fifth, sixth, and seventh generation Japanese Americans and to help them identify with their heritage. Nihon (Japan) Matsuri (Festival) will include artist demonstrations of tea ceremony, calligraphy, doll making, martial arts such as karate, kendo, iaido, and aikido; performances of odori (dancing), singing, taiko (drums); a fashion show; displays of ikebana (flower arrangements), bonsai, paintings, dolls, historical photographs; hands-on art projects for children; and much more. A variety of Japanese food will also be available.