What's JJF?
Japan Juggling Festival (JJF) is the largest juggling convention in Japan organized by Japan Juggling Association.
JJF is an annual festival exclusively for jugglers, organized by jugglers. It brings together juggling enthusiasts of all levels - from beginners to amateurs and professionals - in one place to enjoy juggling as an art, sport, and recreational activity from various angles.
The festival was first held in Tokyo in 1999 and has since been held every year in different locations throughout Japan. The 25th edition of JJF is scheduled to take place this year, in 2023. The festival's concept is built around core ideas as below;
Opportunity for jugglers to come together, socialize, practice, and exchange information.
It offers a space where jugglers can interact freely, attend workshops to learn new techniques and theories, participate in juggling-related games, and showcase their skills in open performance sessions etc..
Advancing the level of juggling in Japan.
The highlight of JJF is the "Championships Stage," where performers showcase their skills and compete based on their level of skill, originality, and more. Through this competition, the festival aims to encourage jugglers to brush up their skills and contribute to the development of juggling in Japan.
Promoting the development of Japan's juggling culture
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted many people's activities, including the juggling community.
However, as the infection situation has gradually improved, the number of juggling events has increased in recent years.
JJF takes infection control measures in line with the situation and hosts events that attendees can participate in with a sense of security. The festival hopes to promote the development of Japan's juggling culture through JJF.