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!

During the pandemic, we created an all-digital experience for the Festival. To view videos of performances and workshops, visit our 2020 Virtual Festival page.

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 2023 GKCJF will be the seventeenth festival held on the campus of Johnson County Community College.

CONSUL-GENERAL OF JAPAN IN CHICAGO

Consul General Jun Yanagi is currently the Consul-General of Japan in Chicago. He joined the Chicago Consulate in August of this year. Prior to joining the Chicago Consulate, he was the Deputy Director, Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office in Tokyo.

Since joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988, he has held numerous positions, including: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan,  (MOFA) North East Asia Division; First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Nigeria; South East Asia Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Deputy Director, APEC Division, MOFA; Principal Deputy Director, Analysis Division, IAB, MOFA; Principal Deputy Director, Public Diplomacy Division, MOFA; First Secretary, Embassy of Japan in Australia; Counselor, Embassy of Japan in Russia; Counselor, Embassy of Japan in Canada; Director, International Science Cooperation Division, MOFA; Director, Western Europe Division, MOFA; Professor, Tohoku University; Minister, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Vietnam; Minister, Permanent Mission of Japan in Vienna.

Consul General Yanagi has a B.A. from Tokyo University (Faculty of Law) and a BA and MA from Oxford University, Worcester College (Philosophy, Politics and Economics).

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

Ozeki Sumo Grand Master

Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts

Komusubi Sumo Grand Champion

TYR Energy

Maegashira Sumo Grand Champion

Panasonic Energy
Jo and Yoshiko Yamanaka

Juryo Sumo Champion

Bob and Kazuyo Rumbach
Masami and Eunice Willis

Makushita Sumo Champion

Martin and Kyoko Peters
Hideko Schackmann
Pradeep and Haruko Shukla
Howard Snyder
South KC Shotokan Karate Dojo
Sachie Stroder
Roy and Maki True
Doug and Beth Viehland
Patty Woods and Mickey Coalwell
Stephen and Tami Woodsmall

Patron

Mahendra Rupani
Michael and Leslie Sciolaro
Chris Steineger and Shari Wilson
Vivian Swafford
Walter and Kaye Thompson
Chris and Mayumi Wagner
Karen Whitlow and John Neal
Ryoko Yamanaka