ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – It might feel a little hot out to be fall, but that didn't stop the New Mexico Japanese American Citizens League (NMJACL) from celebrating the season. This weekend, they hosted an autumn festival to share their culture in Albuquerque. A dog in traditional-style clothing; his owner said he traveled to Tokyo and bought the outfit for his furry friend. The Aki Matsuri event, or fall festival, was held on September 29, 2024, at EXPO New Mexico. Visitors could browse toys, purchase manga, see or buy traditional clothes, enjoy food, and express themselves with unique costumes. Live music was also featured at the event. "It's been a full evolution from the back parking lot of a sushi restaurant to EXPO New Mexico with 5,000 people. It's been an entire lifetime of the event going on with my family and participating in it. It's always a family affair," said organizer Kori Kobayashi. Balloon Fiesta 2024: What you need to know The NMJACL has been hosting the event for over 25 years. The group also runs a cultural center located at 1501 San Pedro Drive NE (Albuquerque, NM).