TORONTO -- The Japanese and Canadian communities here in Ontario recently kicked off a six-week celebration showcasing Japanese culture and lifestyle.

Access Japan 2000, a festival of 33 mostly free events, will highlight traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with a taste of business insight.

The festival, which runs until Nov. 5, will entertain the public through demonstrations, concerts, exhibits, film screenings and seminars. World-renowned saxophonist Sadao Watanabe is headlined as one of the top draws.