RALEIGH, N.C. -- Thousands of people filled the exposition center at the North Carolina fairground to get a taste of Japanese food, culture and fun.

• This weekend marked the 13th annual Japan Summer Festival
• A special feature of this year's event was Japanese beer
• The festival is put on by the Nippon Club of the Triangle

This weekend marked the 13th annual Japan Summer Festival.

"There's something about Japan and Japanese culture, that really draws people in," said Kimberly Sergent of the Nippon Club of the Triangle. "Whether it is the food, dancing or the artwork, there are many things that draw people in and they love to come share that experience here."

A special feature of this year's event was Japanese beer.

The festival is put on by the Nippon Club of the Triangle.