About the Festival

The Japan Festival is a one-day event held annually at Johnson County Community College. We’re dedicated to educating and entertaining the Greater Kansas City Metro Area through an introduction to Japanese culture.

The Japan Festival is presented by the Heart of America Japan-America Society. Since 1962, the Heart of America Japan-America Society (HAJAS) has made it our mission, “To further the understanding between the peoples of Japan and the Greater Kansas City area by promoting social, cultural and educational exchanges.”

The Festival showcases the traditional culture, pop culture, food and art of Japan, along with the vision, technology, and hopes for the future shared by the people of Japan and the people of the Kansas City area. It features Japanese musical performances, traditional Japanese foods, a Japanese candy artist, Japanese snacks and sweets, a Bazaar shopping extravaganza, exhibits Japanese cultural village for kids, martial arts, anime & manga, workshops, demonstrations, cultural presentations, and more!

History

The first Greater Kansas City Japan Festival was held on September 13, 1997, on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Dr. Andrew Tsubaki was the first chairperson of the Japan Festival Committee. At that time there was a Japanese Consulate in Kansas City that was led by Consul General Tatsuo Tanaka. Consul General Tanaka was the driving force behind starting the first festival.

In 2004 the festival was moved to the Johnson County Community College where it is still held today. The 2025 GKCJF will be the twentieth festival held on the campus of Johnson County Community College.

CONSUL-GENERAL OF JAPAN IN CHICAGO

Mr. Masashi Mizobuchi assumed the role of Consul-General of Japan in Chicago on May 10, 2025. Prior to Chicago, Consul-General Mizobuchi was serving as Assistant Press Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo.

In the United States, his career has included five previous assignments: at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. (1991–1993), the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles (2002–2005), the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations in New York (2007–2011), as Deputy Consul-General and Director of Political Affairs at the Consulate-General of Japan in New York (2016–2020), and, most recently, as Minister-Counsellor for Public Affairs and Director of the Japan Information and Culture Center at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C. (2020–2022).

Additionally, Consul-General Mizobuchi served as Deputy Secretary-General for both the 2023 G7 Hiroshima Summit and the 2019 G20 Osaka Summit, and as Under Secretary-General for the 2016 G7 Ise-Shima Summit.

From 2012-2014, he served as Senior Policy Coordinator at the Foreign Policy Bureau. There, he oversaw all aspects of the Foreign Ministry’s policy on Africa, Central and South America, and on development assistance and global issues such as climate change.

As Special Assistant to the Prime Minister from 1999 to 2002, he served under three prime ministers: Keizo Obuchi, Yoshiro Mori, and Junichiro Koizumi.

Consul-General Mizobuchi is a graduate of Keio University, where he earned a degree in law in 1988.

HONORARY CONSUL OF JAPAN IN KANSAS CITY

On August 1, 2016, the Government of Japan officially appointed Mr. James Satoshi Kanki as the Honorary Consul of Japan in Kansas City.

Honorary Consuls of Japan represent Japan in various jurisdictions. Their responsibilities include providing consultation and support for Japanese nationals, facilitating close relationships with Japan-related organizations and promoting a better understanding of Japan.

Members of the Heart of America Japan-America Society know that Jim Kanki is extremely deserving of this appointment. As life members, he and his wife Lydia have served in numerous board and committee roles. During the 2016 Shinnenkai celebration, Jim was recognized with a Special Commendation by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sponsors and Contributors

The Greater Kansas City Japan Festival Committee thanks all of our very generous contributors who make our Festival a reality. Without their financial support it would not be possible to hold this event. 

Festival Host

Ozeki Sumo Grand Master

Komusubi Sumo Grand Champion

Maegashira Sumo Grand Champion

Juryo Sumo Champion

Makushita Sumo Champion

Patron