じゃあね!
Ja ne • “See ya!”
See you next year!
And a big thank you to our guests and our sponsors!
26th Annual • 2024
Sat, October 5th
Johnson County Community College
Kansas City Japan Festival
2024 Theme: Yōkai & Japanese Folklore
Yokai, those enigmatic beings of Japanese folklore, have long danced at the edges of human understanding, offering whispered explanations for the inexplicable. Picture them lurking in the shadowy corners of desolate mountain pathways, their presence invoked to rationalize the eerie whispers and inexplicable sensations that haunt travelers. Yet, their influence stretches far beyond mere ghost stories; these spectral denizens inhabit the very fabric of Japan’s rural landscapes, weaving themselves into the tapestry of its folklore. From quaint countryside hamlets to bustling towns, yokai lurk just behind the veil of what is real, their myriad forms inspiring generations of imaginative tales and cautionary whispers.
SPECIAL YOKAI THEMED ACTIVITIES
This year's festival features special Yōkai-themed content, including a Fox-Woman dance by Nihon-buyō Master Asuka Iijima, Yōkai candy art by Miyuki, a lecture series exploring Yōkai throughout art and culture, Yōkai origami and mask workshops, a Yōkai hunt, and the festival will end with a fantastical Yōkai parade!
CULTURAL WORKSHOPS
Learn origami, taiko drumming, calligraphy, martial arts, Japanese language, and kintsugi (the art of repairing broken pottery) from the experts.
FASCINATING LECTURES
Dive into fascinating topics like the history of Yokai, Godzilla, Candy Art, and more.
COSPLAY CONTEST & PARADE
Participate in a yokai-themed cosplay contest and parade.
EXCITING PERFORMANCES
Enjoy traditional Japanese dancing and singing, comedy storytelling (Rakugo) martial arts demonstrations, and Taiko drumming!
JAPANESE FOOD
Savor delicious offerings from food vendors and the oriental supermarket.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Fun activities and traditional Japanese games for children, craft shop, origami kits, shopping booths, and more.
EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS
Ikebana, Bonsai, Samurai armor, kimonos, and Japanese dolls.