Events

Events Search and Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

Filters

Changing any of the form inputs will cause the list of events to refresh with the filtered results.

  • Earle Brigance: The Samurai Sword

    The Samurai Sword

    The Samurai Sword

    Earle Brigance will be with us again this year, giving two lectures on the Samurai Sword and the Samurai Sword’s influence on the history of Japan. Mr. Brigance will display Samurai Swords from his personal collection.

  • Haiku Example

    Haiku Workshop

    Haiku Workshop

    By looking at models of both classic and contemporary haiku, we’ll try to find ways to put those qualities into our own writing.

  • Anime Screening: Miss Koizumi Loves Ramen Noodles

    Now serving up a truly authentic ramen story! The mysterious transfer student Koizumi-san doesn’t get along with others very well, but she’s actually a professional when it comes to ramen. She may not say much, but this cool girl seeks out ramen every day! Her classmate Osawa Yuu is very interested in this new transfer […]

  • Anime Screening: Kabukibu! Complete Collection

    With its elaborate makeup, gorgeous costumes and stylized pantomime, there are few forms of entertainment that are as iconically Japanese as the ancient mix of dance and drama known as Kabuki. And yet, modern Japanese students tend to have little interest in it, which frustrates Kurogo Kurusu. Kurogo has loved Kabuki ever since he was […]

  • Earle Brigance: The Samurai Sword

    The Samurai Sword

    The Samurai Sword

    Earle Brigance will be with us again this year, giving two lectures on the Samurai Sword and the Samurai Sword’s influence on the history of Japan. Mr. Brigance will display Samurai Swords from his personal collection.

  • Amber Logan: The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn

    Japan from the Outside: Writing “The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn”

    Local author Dr. Amber A. Logan will discuss the research process behind writing books set in Japan—including her debut novel, The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn, an adult retelling of the children’s classic The Secret Garden set in a ryokan outside Kyoto.

  • Kikuhiro Otowa and Ritsuyo Wazaogi

    Grand Kabuki Spectacle

    Grand Kabuki Spectacle
    MTC: Yardley Hall

    Kabuki is the classical and popular larger-than-life Japanese music theater tradition. Our 2023 festival has invited guest Kabuki dancers Kikuhiro Otowa and Ritsuyo Wazaogi, both from Tokyo, to produce and present a Kabuki dance extravaganza, replete with live music, drama, dance and stage effects, audience participation and much more.

  • Haiku Example

    Haiku Workshop

    Haiku Workshop

    By looking at models of both classic and contemporary haiku, we’ll try to find ways to put those qualities into our own writing.

  • Kabuki Actor Prints from the Nelson-Atkins Collection

    Promoting Kabuki: Edo-Era Prints from the Nelson-Atkins Collection

    Showcasing pieces from the collection of the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, this presentation will introduce Kabuki prints, featuring some beloved repertoires such as Chūshingura (Treasury of Loyal Retainers) and Musume Dōjōji (The Maiden at Dōjōji), in addition to portraits of famous Kabuki actors.

  • Anime Screening: Hozuki’s Coolheadedness 2

    This is a tale of Hell. The many souls of the dead make their way to the underworld and face the judgement of King Enma. As Enma's foremost aide, Hozuki is as busy as ever keeping things running. He oversees the punishments of the dead and instructs their tormentors, along with making an occasional inspection […]

  • Gender and Kabuki: Onnagata and Takarazuka

    This lecture will examine how the history of kabuki theater – particularly the influence of the Tokugawa-era government in its early days – gave rise to the gender-subverting onnagata, or men who play female roles, and a comparison of them against the modern-day otokoyaku – women who act the parts of men in the Takarazuka Revue performance group.

  • Anime Screening: Mononoke

    In feudal Japan, evil spirits known as mononoke plague the countryside, leaving a trail of fear in their wake. One mysterious person has the power to slay the mononoke where they stand; he is known as the Medicine Seller, and he vanquishes the spirits using the power of his Exorcism Sword. In order to draw […]

  • Kikuhiro Otowa and Ritsuyo Wazaogi

    Grand Kabuki Spectacle

    Grand Kabuki Spectacle
    MTC: Yardley Hall

    Kabuki is the classical and popular larger-than-life Japanese music theater tradition. Our 2023 festival has invited guest Kabuki dancers Kikuhiro Otowa and Ritsuyo Wazaogi, both from Tokyo, to produce and present a Kabuki dance extravaganza, replete with live music, drama, dance and stage effects, audience participation and much more.

  • Japanese Hina Doll Display

    Japanese Hina Doll Display

    MTC: 1st Floor

    A traditional doll set is on display at the festival, usually displayed for celebrations such as Hinanatsuri, the doll festival, or Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day.

  • Samurai Armor Display

    Traditional Samurai Armor Display

    MTC: 1st Floor

    The Samurai armor on display in our exhibit area is a replica of traditional Samurai armor worn many centuries ago in Japan.

  • KC Japan Fest Vendor Booths

    Anime and Manga Vendors

    MTC: 3rd Floor +2 more

    Enjoy Anime and Manga with the vendors displaying your favorite Anime and Manga products.

  • Boys Day Doll

    Children’s Day (Boy’s Warrior) Doll

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Enjoy this beautiful “musha ningyo” warrior doll in a samurai costume. It is rare to see such an exquisite example of one of these dolls on display.

  • Yokai Hunt

    Yōkai Hunt

    Pick up a passport at the info table and enjoy collecting 12 Yōkai Stamps at various locations throughout the festival. Hint: look for red and white lanterns!

  • Oriental Supermarket

    Oriental Supermarket

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    MTC 219 • 2ND FLOOR Packaged Japanese snacks and treats will be available. Get a little taste of the fun and variety of modern Japan. Often, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had. View Details and Menus of all Food Vendors on the Food & Refreshments Page.   Oriental Supermarket 10336 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS […]

  • Taiko Drum, crafted in Kansas City by Hidden Ninja Taiko.

    Locally Hand-Crafted Taiko Drum

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Classified as a Nagado/Chu-Daiko, this Taiko Drum was crafted here in Kansas City by Hidden Ninja Taiko and follows the traditions of the Japanese Taiko builders.

  • Japan Foundation’s Marugoto Course Books

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Come discover the new language levels of the Japan Foundation Standards and how to access the new coursework program for self-study and formal class learners.

  • Visualizing the Invisible: Hokusai, Yokai, Manga

    Visualizing the Invisible: Hokusai, Yokai, & Manga

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Hokusai, famed for his iconic print Under the Wave off Kanagawa (often called the Great Wave), was much more than a master of landscapes. He also delved into the mystical realms of yōkai.

  • Sojutsu Workshop

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    This workshop features Sōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).

  • Aikido Workshop – Aikijuku Dojo

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

  • Fun with Japanese for Kids 2

    MTC: 1st Floor

    This is a continuation of Fun with Japanese 1. In these workshops, kids will learn to say various everyday phrases, how to read some basic Japanese, and learn some Hiragana all through fun activities.

  • Yokai in Anime & Manga

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Andrea Thimesch will help audiences explore the frequency of Yokai appearances in anime and manga that may have gone unnoticed.

  • Aikido Workshop – Zanshin Aikido School

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

  • The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore – Lecture by Zack Davisson

    A Brief History of Yōkai

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    From Godzilla to Pokemon, Japan is monster country. All of Japan’s monsters have their roots in the bizarre menagerie of the creatures called “Yokai”.

  • Kimono Demonstration

    Kimono for all Occasions

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Learn all about the traditional Japanese Kimono, including steps involved in dressing and wearing various kinds of kimono for different occasions including men’s formal kimono.

  • Kirigami Workshop

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Learn Kirigami, a variation of origami, in which the paper is cut as well as folded. This results in a 3-D design that stands away from the page.

  • Aikido Workshop – AiShinKan Aikido

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

  • J.M. “Tora” Lawson

    Evolution of the Samurai

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Mr. Lawson will discuss the evolution of Samurai culture and how it has survived into the modern era.

  • Introduction to Reading Japanese

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Come to this workshop and venture into the world of written Japanese whether you are a student or just curious.

  • EN-NICHI: Japan Festival Board Game

    EN-NICHI: Japan Festival Board Game

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Learn about Japanese festivals and culture by playing this engaging board game, EN-NICHI (円日)! 

  • The Inner Life of Monsters: Noh, Godzilla and Japanese Culture – Lecture by Bill Tsutsui

    Kaiju, Character Goods, Pokemon in the World of Yōkai

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Dr. Bill Tsutsui, renowned Japanese history scholar, will explore how “commercial monsters” created by Japanese corporations since WWII fit within Japan’s rich heritage of folkloric creatures and spirits.

  • Denver Taiko

    Denver Taiko Performance

    Denver Taiko Performance
    MTC: Yardley Hall

    Using traditional Japanese drums and other instruments, Denver Taiko combines both modern and ancient rhythms into a style and sound which is uniquely their own.

  • Taiko Workshop

    Taiko Workshop

    MTC: Yardley Hall

    Learn all about Taiko drumming from the experts, members of Denver Taiko. This is a hands-on workshop for those wanting to learn the basics of Taiko drumming.

  • Leveling Up! Intermediate Origami

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    In this intermediate origami workshop, you will learn how to fold a simple dragon and be introduced to more complicated folds.

  • Yokai Panel Discussion

    Yokai Panel Discussion

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about Yokai? This is your chance to ask the experts!

  • Sojutsu Demonstration

    MTC: Polsky Theatre

    Sōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, is the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).

  • Yokai Parade

    Yōkai Parade

    MTC: Courtyard (outside)

    Join the mystical magic of the Yokai Parade at the KC Japan Festival, where everyone is invited to embrace their inner demon!

  • Denver Taiko

    Denver Taiko Performance

    Denver Taiko Performance
    MTC: Yardley Hall

    Using traditional Japanese drums and other instruments, Denver Taiko combines both modern and ancient rhythms into a style and sound which is uniquely their own.

  • Anime Screening: Princess Tutu

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    Princess Tutu is a dark, metaphorical fairy tale and magical girl anime about a duck named Ahiru who, granted a pendant by the mysterious Drosselmeyer, can transform into the ballerina Princess Tutu.

  • A Look at Japanese Game Shows on American Television

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    In this presentation, Joshua Murphy will look at Japanese Game and Variety Shows and their effect on the American television landscape. Takeshi’s Castle, Ninja Warrior, Ultra Quiz, Shark Tank and America’s Funniest Home videos are some of the shows that will be discussed and seen in this panel.

  • The Noh Mask Reimagined: From Tradition to the Mona Lisa: Lecture by Dr. Kris Imants Ercums. Mask Image Credit: Bidou Yamaguchi | Artist

    The Noh Mask Reimagined: From Tradition to the Mona Lisa

    Featured
    MTC: 2nd Floor

    This talk, by Dr. Kris Imants Ercums, explores the transformation of tradition in the art of Noh mask carving, focusing on masks from the Spencer Museum of Art’s collection and the contemporary work of master carver Bidou Yamaguchi.

  • Anime Screening: Senryu Girl

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    Senryu Girl is a Japanese comedy anime and manga series about Nanako Yukishiro, a cheerful high school girl who communicates solely through written Senryu poems instead of speaking.

  • Tea Ceremony Demonstration at the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival

    Tea Ceremony Lecture & Demonstration

    Featured
    MTC: Polsky Theatre

    Experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, performed by Japanese Tea Masters Yoko Hiraoka and Yuri Iijima. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the history and practice of the Tea Ceremony.

  • Masked Superheroes in Japan. Image Credit: Choudenshi Bioman (1984)

    Masked Superheroes in Japan

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    From Moonlight Mask (Gekko Kamen) to Super Sentai bands of fighters in Ultraman, masked Superheroes have been a staple of Japanese television. What lies behind their masks?

  • Karuta for Kids. Source: Takahiro Maruyama

    Karuta for Kids

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Kids will learn how to play Karuta, traditional Japanese playing cards that feature Japanese proverbs and kana characters. 

  • Tanka Workshop

    Tanka Workshop

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Learn the art of Tanka, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines.

  • Lecture: the Masks of Kagura Musume

    Lecture: The Masks of Kagura Musume

    Featured
    MTC: 2nd Floor

    In this fascinating lecture, dancer Asuka Iijima unveils the history, artistry, and cultural significance of the masks featured in her performance of Kagura Musume.

  • Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

    Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Dr. Maki Kaneko will discuss "Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani", an exhibit presenting the remarkable art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani (1920–2012), a Japanese American artist who adapted his training in traditional Japanese painting to his life on the streets of New York City when he was unhoused later in life.

  • Anime Screening: Shirobako

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    Shirobako is an anime series centered on five ambitious high school friends who vow to work in the anime industry together, only to find the reality of the business challenging and stressful.

  • Influence of Western Fantasy Gaming on Japanese Anime, Novels & Manga. Image: Main characters for the novel Record of Lodoss War: The Grey Witch. Illustrated by Yutaka Izubuchi.

    Influence of Western Fantasy Gaming on Japanese Anime, Novels & Manga

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    This talk will cover the introduction of Dungeons and Dragons into Japan, leading to the creation of the Record of Lodoss War novelization, Anime, and then Sword World and how these early influences have affected modern anime world-building, writing, and style.

  • Feature Film Anime Screening: A Letter to Momo

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    A Letter to Momo is a Japanese anime drama film about 11-year-old Momo, who moves to a remote island after her father's death and discovers she is being watched by three hungry, visible-only-to-her goblins, leading to an adventure that helps her cope with grief and her mother's absence.

  • Origami

    Monster Mask Origami

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    In this intermediate workshop, participants will use their folding skills to make Monster Mask Origami.

  • Their Land is Still a Forest: Ainu in Contemporary Japan. Image: Hokkaido, Japan - Shiraoi Ainu Museum is one of the country's best museums about the Ainu, the indigenous people of northern Japan.

    Their Land is Still a Forest: Ainu in Contemporary Japan

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    This presentation is a reflection of the famous works of "Our Land Was a Forest: An Ainu Memoir" by Kayano Shigeru, a noted Ainu folklore expert, activist and politician as a lens to explore the persisting myths and lifestyles of the indigenous Ainu of northern Japan in contemporary times.

  • The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore – Lecture by Zack Davisson

    The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 3:00 PM The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore Zack Davisson, New York University In a flip of perspective, Zack will explain how Yokai are both the mask and the wearer of them. Many early tales from Noh theater and Buddhist literature featured supernatural […]

  • Zuihitsu, Haibun, and New Possibilities of Genre. Image: hand dipping brush in ink.

    Zuihitsu, Haibun, and New Possibilities of Genre

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Zuihitsu is a form of writing in which the writer “follows the brush” and writes associatively, and Haibun, a form of travel writing that includes a short prose piece describes an object scene or special moment coupled with a haiku poem, allows students to explore alternative genres to record the precision of their observations and thinking.

  • Anime Screening: Flying Witch

    Nerman: 2nd Floor

    Flying Witch is a gentle, supernatural, slice-of-life anime and manga about 15-year-old witch Makoto Kowata, who moves from the city to the Japanese countryside of Aomori Prefecture to live with her cousins and train as a full-fledged witch.

  • Good Luck in Japan

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    In this talk by Dr. Alisa Freedman, learn more about Japanese lucky myths, gods, creatures, charms, holidays, and rituals and how they inspire us in the US.

  • Iaido Demonstration

    MTC: Polsky Theatre

    A demonstration of the martial art of Iaido.

  • Kaibyou - Supernatural Cats of Japan

    Kaibyou – Supernatural Cats of Japan

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Davisson’s presentation, like his book, will illuminate the vast realm of kaibyo, or supernatural cats, with historical and modern cultural context.