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 Japanese Festival 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.
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
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
Hidden Ninja Taiko Drum Performance
Experience taiko up close and in the open air! Hidden Ninja Taiko brings powerful rhythms, dynamic movement, and high-energy Japanese drumming to the festival for an outdoor performance you can feel as much as hear.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Traditional and Modern Japanese 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: Japanese 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: Koto, Shamisen, and Shakuhachi.
Yosakoi Dance Club Performance
Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Three Trails Taiko Performance
Feel the thunder of the drums! Experience the power, rhythm, and energy of Japanese taiko as Three Trails Taiko brings this dynamic performance tradition to the Kansas City Japan Festival.
Cosplay Contest and Fashion Show
Come to Polsky Theatre and enjoy a Cosplay Contest and Fashion Show. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.
Three Trails Taiko Workshop
Learn all about Taiko drumming from members of Three Trails Taiko. This is a hands-on workshop for those wanting to learn the basics of Taiko drumming.