じゃあね!

Ja ne • “See ya!”

See you next year!

And a big thank you to our guests and our sponsors!

Yokai & Japanese Folklore

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.