The 13th “TOC Summer Festival” was held at Tenrikyo Oceania Centre in Brisbane, Australia, on January 13. Over 450 people, the most ever, gathered for the event. The summer festival began in 2000 in order to introduce Japanese culture into the local community. This special summer event seems to have been welcomed and appreciated by local people. The festival was supported by many volunteers who had previously participated in activities of the Boys and Girl’s Association held at the center. 
Besides the neighbors, a large number of young people who found out about this event through Facebook also attended. They enjoyed the atmosphere of the traditional Japanese summer festival as exemplified by the Bon dance. In addition, the proceeds of the event will be donated for victims of the earthquake and tsunami that hit northeastern Japan last March. In advance of the summer festival, the 42nd Children’s Sleepover was held from the 11th to 13th. Moreover, the 5th Youth Gathering in Oceania was held on the 15th and the 16th.
