Yes, there was a Tumblr user who let tons of people visit her town for Setsubun and other Japanese holidays. That's how I got my ogre masks, throwing beans, blossom lantern, carp banner, etc. I'm not sure if she still plays, because I lost my bookmarks and forget her username because it was so long ago. I just remember that her Tumblr had a Disney theme. She was so kind to open her gates for everyone!
Fun (?) Fact: The throwing beans by the town tree in Goblin's dream were a gift from the player who adopted Nana from me.
Yes. I met some Japanese people on the island at different times and they invited me over. I got throwing beans and an ogre mask from one town, a good-luck roll from another, and a newsprint helmet from another one.