Get 25% OFF each ticket with code SUMO2026 at checkout.
28th Annual Kansas City Japan Festival
Sat, Oct 3rd, 2026
10am – 6pm
Johnson County Community College
2026 Theme: Sumo
Kansas City Japan Festival returns in 2026 with an exciting spotlight on the world of Japanese sumo.
Step into a celebration of one of Japan’s oldest living traditions as former professional sumo wrestler Tatsuosho and the Shogeki Sumo Team bring the excitement, athleticism, and centuries-old rituals of sumo to Kansas City. Through thrilling demonstrations and audience participation, discover why sumo is far more than a sport—it’s a living expression of Japanese history, discipline, ceremony, and culture.
Beyond the arena, explore everything that has made the Kansas City Japan Festival a regional favorite for decades. Enjoy authentic Japanese food, cultural exhibits, shopping, martial arts, music and dance performances, family activities, and hands-on workshops that invite you to experience Japanese traditions firsthand.
Whether you’re fascinated by the power of sumo, interested in Japanese arts, or simply looking for an unforgettable cultural experience, there’s something for everyone at KC Japan Fest.
SPECIAL PRESALE TICKET DISCOUNT
Buy your tickets online prior to 8/31/26 and get 25% OFF each ticket! Use the code SUMO2026 at checkout.
2026 HEADLINE PERFORMERS
Former Professional Sumo Wrestler TATSUOSHO 立王尚 and the Shōgeki Sumo Team
Featuring TATSUOSHO, a former professional sumo wrestler from Japan, and the Shōgeki Sumo Team, this action-packed 45-minute performance brings audiences up close to one of Japan’s most iconic traditions.
More than just a wrestling exhibition, the performance explores the fundamentals, history, rituals, and cultural significance of sumo. Learn about the traditions surrounding the ring, discover how sumo wrestlers train and compete, and watch exciting matches demonstrating the strength, balance, and technique behind the sport.
The performance also features live taiko drumming and plenty of audience participation—including the opportunity for select festivalgoers to step up and test their skills against the wrestlers!
Watch Tatsuosho and the Shogeki Sumo Team on stage in Yardley Hall at 11:00am and 3:00pm, listen in on a Sumo Panel Lecture in Polsky Theatre at 1:00pm, and a special Sumo Meet & Greet in the MTC Courtyard at 4:15pm.
2026 Add-On Workshops
Kintsugi Workshops
This event repeats: Schedule of all Kintsugi WorkshopsA hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
This event repeats: Schedule of all Calligraphy WorkshopsIn this ticketed Calligraphy workshop, participants will learn about shodou (the way of the brush), and how to engage the brush and ink with the paper while practicing standard brush strokes used in writing kanji characters.
Koinobori (Wind Sock Craft) Childrens Workshop
This event repeats: Schedule of all Koinobori (Wind Sock Craft) Childrens WorkshopsChildren will learn about the Japanese tradition of koinobori, colorful carp streamers that symbolize strength, perseverance, and good fortune.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop
This event repeats: Schedule of all Tea Ceremony WorkshopsThis ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
Poems and Woodblock Prints Workshop
This workshop introduces the basics of Japanese poetry (waka) and woodblock printing (mokuhanga). Each participant will print their own woodblock image and compose a poem inspired by it.
2026 Featured Performances
Sumo Performance
This event repeats: Schedule of all Sumo PerformancesFeaturing TATSUOSHO, a former professional sumo wrestler from Japan, and the Shōgeki Sumo Team, this action-packed 45-minute performance brings audiences up close to one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. The performance also features live taiko drumming and plenty o...
Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke
Attendees will have the opportunity to witness, and several attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Madoka Koguchi: Singer
This event repeats: Schedule of all Madoka Koguchi Performance TimesMadoka is an actor, singer, dancer and co-founder of Natsu Matsuri KC from Tokyo, Japan.
Shodou: Japanese Calligraphy Performance
A live performance of Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink.
Aya Uchida (Japanese Pop Singer) and Jo Yamanaka (Guitar)
The Festival is proud to feature Pop Singer Ms. Aya Uchida to perform for us again. This year, she will be accompanied by Mr. Jo Yamanaka on guitar.
Yosakoi Dance Workshop
Enjoy trying the Yosakoi style of dance, which is highly energetic and combines traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Himawari Japanese Choir
Himawari is a local choral group in which members enjoy experiencing Japanese culture and tradition through singing Japanese songs.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Obon Dance
Kizuna showcases authentic Japanese culture at local events through performances, obon dances, tea ceremonies, and showing people how to wear yukata.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Dance Workshop
The Kizuna Friendship group will hold a workshop showcasing authentic Japanese dances, and how to wear yukata.
Koto, Shamisen, and Shakuhachi: Instrumental Performance
Enjoy a performance by Yoko Hiraoka and David Wheeler, featuring three traditional Japanese Instruments.
Yosakoi Dance Club Performance
Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest
Come to Polsky Theatre and enjoy a Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.