The Powell Street Festival has confirmed its programming for celebrations on August 3 and 4 in the Japanese Canadian neighbourhood known as Paueru Gai.

Spanning six city blocks, the 43rd annual fest is bringing in Japanese piano star Yuni Mori, who plays her own compositions and sings.

Teke::Teke, a seven-piece band from Montreal, rocks its Takeshi Terauchi-inspired blend of shoe-gaze, post-rock, and noise, and from Seattle, Katrina Wolfe puts her own spin on butoh dance.

Local artists include Onibana Taiko, known for bringing a punk aesthetic to the percussive Japanese folk form; the all-girl pop group Seishun Youth Academy; and June Fukumura, who appears as her dark-humoured, clown alter-ego and game-show host Sumiko.

And here's the lowdown on some of the food, aside from favourite returning vendors with yakisoba, takoyaki, sushi, matcha ice cream, ramen, and Japanese style hot dogs: look for newcomers like WakWak Burger and Vegan Pudding, the latter dishing out a vegan take on Spam masubi. Other options for vegetarians include vegetable okonomiyaki prepared by the Vancouver Japanese Language School and tofu teriyaki don from Teriyaki Boys.

Elsewhere, look for interactive installations, children’s activities, a craft market, martial-arts demonstrations, an amateur sumo tournament, tea ceremonies, and ikebana and bonsai demonstrations. All events are free.

The celebrations happen from 11:30 to 7 p.m. each day, centred at Alexander Avenue and Jackson Street.