Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2009

Each year, a whole slew of embassies and chambers of commerce outdo each other to produce big “national day” events in Yoyogi Park. With help from Banco do Brasil and petrochemical giant Petrobras, Brazil’s festival befits the country’s vast size. Highlights this year include sets by Brazilian rockers Vio Ray and reggae-samba fusion act Jammil e Uma Noites, which is coming all the way from Bahia for the event. Eye candy arrives in the form of a samba competition pitting girls from all across Japan against each other, while actual foodstuffs include Brazilian barbeque, caipirinhas, etc., on offer at more than 60 stalls.

Yoyogi Park, Sep 5-6. See festival listings for details.