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  • 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.

  • 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. […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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 […]

  • 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.

  • Kintsugi Workshop
    Kintsugi Workshops

    Kintsugi Workshops

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.

  • 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.

  • Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke, Demonstrated by Yuri, Asuka and Hitoshi Iijima

    Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke

    MTC: Polsky Theatre

    Attendees will have the opportunity to witness, and several attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

  • 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”.

  • Karate Workshop

    Misogi-Ryu Karate Workshop

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    This workshop will introduce the martial art of Karate as a method of self-defense.

  • 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.

  • Kintsugi Workshop
    Kintsugi Workshops

    Kintsugi Workshops

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.

  • 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!

  • Karate Demonstration

    MTC: Polsky Theatre

    A demonstration of the martial art Karate. 

  • Kintsugi Workshop
    Kintsugi Workshops

    Kintsugi Workshops

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.

  • 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.

  • Food Vendors

    Food Vendors

    COM: 1st Floor +3 more

    Feast on authentic Japanese foods, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.

  • KC Japan Fest Stamp Passport

    Stamp Passport

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    Pick up a Passport Postcard at the info table on MTC 2nd floor, collect all 8 Mask Stamps throughout the festival, and return to be entered to win prizes!

  • Kimono Display

    Woven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono Exhibit

    RC: 2nd Floor

    Step into the beauty and tradition of Japan’s most iconic garment. Explore exquisite kimono styles—from elegant to casual—and learn about the intricate accessories and artistry that give each piece meaning.

  • Ikebana Display

    Ikebana Display

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana displays provided by members of the Sogetsu School.

  • Ikebana Exhibit

    Ikebana Exhibit

    RC: 1st Floor

    This exhibit of the beautiful art of Ikebana will give everyone an opportunity to see both traditional and contemporary styles of this distinctively Japanese art form.

  • bonsai

    Bonsai and Suiseki Display

    SC: 1st Floor

    The Bonsai Society will provide an exhibition of a wide variety of bonsai styles and plant materials for our Festival again this year. Society members will be at the exhibit to answer questions and demonstrate how plants are pruned, shaped, trained and wired.

  • Japanese Torii Gate

    Torii Gate Entryway to the Festival

    MTC: 1st Floor

    The large Torii Gate that leads all visitors into the Festival is a large model of one of the most famous Torii Gates in all of Japan at the Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima.

  • Japanese Bazaar Shopping Extravaganza

    Japanese Bazaar Shopping

    OCB: 1st Floor

    You can shop for unique Japanese crafts, Kimono, yukata, happi coats, kokeshi dolls, games, books, Japanese serving ware, ceramics (sake sets and tea sets) and much more.

  • Kids at the Cultural Village

    Kids Cultural Village and Bazaar

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Featured again at this year’s Festival is the Japanese Cultural Village operated by the Kansas City Japanese School. Young and old attendees will be entertained with many opportunities to experience the “real” Japan here in Kansas City.

  • KC Japan Fest Vendor Booths

    Vendor Booths

    RC: 1st Floor +4 more

    Throughout the festival, shop artist and merch booths and find information from organizations and sponsors! 

  • Hidden Ninja Taiko

    Hidden Ninja Taiko

    OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

    Hidden Ninja Taiko will offer Taiko workshops throughout the day, as well as short performance sets. 

  • Yukata and Kimono Kitsuke Portraits

    MTC: 1st Floor

    Volunteers will dress you in authentic Kimono or Yukata and take your picture with your camera/phone in front of a Japanese Backdrop.

  • Opening Ceremony

    MTC: Yardley Hall

    The Opening Ceremonies will include music, introduction and remarks by distinguished guests and the ritual of Kagami-wari – the breaking of a sake barrel and toast to open the festival.

  • 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.

  • Go and Shoji Game

    The Games of Go and Shogi

    GEB: 2nd Floor

    Come to this workshop to play actual games, see demonstrations and competition games, and hear a brief discussion of the history and rules of “go” and “shogi.”