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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260926T200428Z
CREATED:20231002T192416Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T200428Z
UID:10000112-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Japan Festival Merchandise
DESCRIPTION:MTC 2nd Floor Landing\nJapan Festival Merchandise\nT-Shirts\, Enamel Pins\, Tote Bags\, Stickers\, Prints and other KC Japan Festival Merch for sale. \n\n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/japan-festival-merchandise/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Shopping
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GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260926T205523Z
CREATED:20221001T174548Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T205523Z
UID:10000091-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Japanese Kids Games - Outdoor
DESCRIPTION:MTC Courtyard • Outside\nJapanese Kids Games\nCome and enjoy traditional Japanese festival games for kids\, and win prizes!\nHosted by the KC Japanese School.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/japanese-game-activities-for-children/
LOCATION:MTC: Courtyard (outside)
CATEGORIES:Special Activities
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GEO:38.924781845511;-94.728036897336
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260926T200732Z
CREATED:20221001T170704Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T200732Z
UID:10000077-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Torii Gate Entryway to the Festival
DESCRIPTION:MTC 1st Floor Lobby\nTorii Gate Entryway to the Festival\nThe large Torii Gate that leads all visitors into the GKC Japan Festival is a depiction/large model of one of the most famous Torii Gates in all of Japan at the Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima.\nThe Torii gate at the Festival is approximately 14 feet tall and the top crossbar is about 16 feet long.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/torii-gate-entryway-to-the-festival/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibits & Displays
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GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260926T200831Z
CREATED:20221001T170113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260926T200831Z
UID:10000074-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Ikebana Display
DESCRIPTION:MTC 1st Floor Lobby\nIkebana Display\nBy the Sogetsu School\nIkebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana displays in the lobbies of the Midwest Trust Center\, and the Student Center\, provided by members of the Sogetsu School.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/ikebana-display/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibits & Displays
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GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260927T204616Z
CREATED:20221001T165454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260927T204616Z
UID:10000071-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Woven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono Exhibit
DESCRIPTION:RC 270 • Regnier Center • The Cube • Second Floor\nView a PDF of the Exhibit Brochure\nWoven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono Exhibit\nStep into the beauty and tradition of Japan’s most iconic garment at the Woven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono exhibit. Explore exquisite kimono styles—from elegant to casual—and learn about the intricate accessories and artistry that give each piece meaning. This exhibit showcases how kimono reflect Japanese history\, craftsmanship\, and cultural identity across the centuries.\n\n\n  \nThe word Kimono simply means “things to wear” and is the traditional clothing of Japan. It is a long robe with wide sleeves worn as an outer garment. A sash\, called an Obi\, complements the kimono. The Obi is worn around the mid-section of the body. \nToday\, there are many different types and styles of Kimono worn by men\, women and children. The color\, cut\, fabric and decorations of a Kimono may vary according to sex\, age and marital status of the wearer\, the season of the year and the occasion for which the Kimono is worn. \nKimonos are made of silk and are usually very expensive. Today they are worn at formal or traditional occasions such as weddings and tea ceremonies. To put on a Kimono takes much practice and time. Tying the belt or Obi alone is so difficult that it may require assistance from a friend.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/kimono-and-obi-display/
LOCATION:RC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Exhibits & Displays
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/kimono-display.jpg
GEO:38.924339003741;-94.72682117767
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20260929T222127Z
CREATED:20250925T183607Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T222127Z
UID:10000240-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Sumo Stamp Passport
DESCRIPTION:Festival Wide\nSumo Stamp Passport\nCollect six stamps. Build one ukiyo-e inspired print.\nThis year’s Festival stamp hunt has an ukiyo-e inspired twist! Instead of six separate stamps\, each stamp will be a layer of the same image! Travel throughout the Festival to find six stamp stations\, with each stop adding a new layer to your Sumo Stamp Passport. Watch the image gradually come together in a process inspired by the layered color printing of Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints. \nShow the completed card to the Japan Festival Booth (MTC 2 Floor Merchandise Table) to receive a sticker of the printed image.  \nYou may obtain stamps in any order\, but to maintain stamp quality\, we recommend visiting the 2nd floor MTC stamp station last!  \n\n Find the 6 layers of the stamps: \n\nGEB 202 Turnsol Books on the 2nd Floor\nCOM 201: JCCC Global Engagement Office\nSC (Student Center) 1st Floor Lobby\nOCB 100 1st Floor Japanese Bazaar\nRC (Regnier Center) 2nd Floor\n2nd Floor MTC Alzheimer’s Association Table\n\n  \n\nAbout the Artwork:\nSumo in the Heartland\nOriginal artwork by Meghan May \nInspired by traditional Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints\, this original illustration features a sumo wrestler framed by the torii gate displayed at the entrance to the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival. Japanese maple leaves symbolize the festival’s autumn season\, while sunflowers\, the state flower of Kansas\, and Big Bluestem\, Missouri’s state grass\, represent the natural heritage of the two neighboring states. The Kansas City skyline highlights the enduring connection between Kansas City and Japan through cultural exchange and friendship. Created for the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival\, the piece celebrates the shared traditions\, landscapes\, and relationships that bring the two communities together. \n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/stamp-passport/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Special Activities,Sumo Theme
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261003
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261004
DTSTAMP:20261002T205252Z
CREATED:20221001T213646Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T205252Z
UID:10000092-1790985600-1791071999@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Food Vendors
DESCRIPTION:View Details and Full Menus of Food Vendors on the Food & Refreshments Page. \n\nCOM 1ST FLOOR\nCOM 152 & 153 DINING AREAS • JCCC FOOD COURT\nKC Craft Ramen: Takoyaki\, Chicken Karaage\, Yakisoba\, Yakitori Bowls\, Shrimp Tempura Bowls\, Onigiri\, Kushi Dango\, Taiyaki\, Mochi Ice Cream\, and Ramune drinks. See Full Menu.  \nKiwami Ramen & Sushi: Japanese Curry with Chicken or Beef\, Tempura Shrimp or Chicken Sushi Tacos\, Spicy Edamame\, Pork and Beef Buns\, Fried Dumplings Takoyaki\, Salmon Avocado Rolls\, California Rolls\, and Boba Tea. See Full Menu.  \nJCCC Dining: Yakisoba with Teriyaki Chicken or Ginger Beef\, Noodle Bowls\, Tempura Shrimp\, Pork Gyoza\, Vegetable Egg Rolls\, and Boba Tea. See Full Menu. \n\nMTC 1ST FLOOR\nJCCC Encore Espresso: Serving Hot Coffee\, Iced Coffee\, Lattes\, Chai\, Matcha\, Mocha\, Smoothies\, and Sushi\, along with Coca-Cola beverages. See Full Menu.  \n\nMTC 2nd Floor\nMTC Second Floor Landing\n Mari’s Custom Cookies: Japanese-inspired sweets including Decorated Sugar Cookies\, Cake Pops\, Matcha Brownies\, Matcha Strawberry Cookies\, Ube Marble Cookies\, and Mochi & Black Sesame Flan. See Full Menu.  \nMTC 219\nOriental Supermarket: Packaged Japanese snacks\, treats\, and goodies\, including breads\, chips\, mochi\, candy\, drinks\, and more. See Full Menu. \n\nRegnier Center: CapFed Conference Center\nRC 101 • 1ST FLOOR\nBoba Love: BBoba Milk Tea\, Boba Refresher Tea\, and Mochi Donuts. See Full Menu. 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/food-vendors/
LOCATION:COM: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Food & Refreshments
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/KCRamen3.jpg
GEO:38.924353968704;-94.729853391843
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T175000
DTSTAMP:20250925T223813Z
CREATED:20240921T223710Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T223813Z
UID:10000199-1759597200-1759600200@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Kaibyou - Supernatural Cats of Japan
DESCRIPTION:MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 5:00 PM\nKaibyou – Supernatural Cats of Japan\n(back by popular demand!)\nZack Davisson\, New York University\nAll cats are magical but the cats of Japan have their own secrets. \n\nIf they live long enough\, their tails split\, they stand on their hind legs\, and they start to dance. Bakeneko\, nekomata\, kasha\, and even the ubiquitous “lucky cat” called the Maneki Neko—come learn some of the secrets of these magic cats from Zack Davisson\, yokai scholar and author of Kaibyo: The Supernatural Cats of Japan. \n  \n\n\n\nAbout Zack Davisson\nZack Davisson is an award-winning writer\, translator\, and lecturer. He is on faculty at NYU in the Translation and Interpretations department and active in his fields.  He has won multiple Eisner awards and the Bram Stoker award. Respected in both academic and popular culture circles\, Davisson played a significant role in making Japanese folklore\, entertainment\, and literature accessible to English-speaking audiences. \n\n\nHe is a regular lecturer at universities\, museums\, and cultural institutes\, as well as appearing on podcasts\, on documentaries\, and as a guest at comic and anime conventions. \n\n\nCurrent projects include ULTIMATE X-MEN for Marvel Comics\, CAT + CRAZY for Dark Horse\, and THE ART OF SHIGERU MIZUKI for Drawn and Quarterly.  \n\n\nDavisson has worked with National Geographic and the Smithsonian\, and has been featured on NPR\, the BBC\, and The New York Times. His original works have been translated into multiple languages.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/kaibyou-supernatural-cats-of-japan/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/supernatural-cats.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T164000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T165500
DTSTAMP:20250924T151548Z
CREATED:20240919T204653Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250924T151548Z
UID:10000174-1759596000-1759596900@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Iaido Demonstration
DESCRIPTION:MTC: Polsky Theatre\nIaido Demonstration\nWilliam Perkins\nA demonstration of the martial art of Iaido.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/iaido-demonstration/
LOCATION:MTC: Polsky Theatre
CATEGORIES:Demonstrations
GEO:38.925458397354;-94.727636310904
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T165000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221420Z
CREATED:20250925T225006Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221420Z
UID:10000243-1759593600-1759596600@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Good Luck in Japan
DESCRIPTION:MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 4:00 PM\nGood Luck in Japan\nTalk by Dr. Alisa Freedman\, University of Oregon\nCome learn more about Japanese lucky myths\, gods\, creatures\, charms\, holidays\, and rituals and how they inspire us in the US.\n  \n\nAbout Dr. Alisa Freedman\n \nAlisa Freedman is an Associate Professor of Japanese Literature and Film at the University of Oregon. She has published articles and edited special journal issues on Japanese modernism\, Tokyo studies\, youth culture\, gender\, television\, humor as social critique\, teaching pedagogies\, and intersections of literature and digital media\, along with translations of Japanese literature. She is Editor-in-Chief of the U.S.-Japan Women’s Journal. \n  \n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/good-luck-in-japan/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T164500
DTSTAMP:20250929T154942Z
CREATED:20250929T154942Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T154942Z
UID:10000272-1759593600-1759596300@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Anime Screening: Flying Witch
DESCRIPTION:Nerman • Hudson Auditorium • Second Floor\nAnime Screening: Flying Witch\nFlying 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. The story focuses on Makoto’s everyday experiences\, her relationships with her family and friends\, and the subtle\, hidden magic within the natural world\, rather than flashy spellcasting. It is known for its beautiful\, realistic animation\, charming characters\, and relaxing\, heartwarming atmosphere\, with a core theme of finding wonder in the ordinary
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/anime-screening-flying-witch/
LOCATION:Nerman: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Anime Screenings
GEO:38.924880809544;-94.726821038974
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T162000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221326Z
CREATED:20250926T223633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221326Z
UID:10000250-1759591800-1759594800@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Zuihitsu\, Haibun\, and New Possibilities of Genre
DESCRIPTION:GEB 233 • Craig Auditorium • 3:30 PM\nZuihitsu\, Haibun\, and New Possibilities of Genre\nTalk by Dr. Andrea Stover\nZuihitsu 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. \n  \n\nAbout Dr. Andrea Stover\n \nDr. Andrea Stover is a Professor of English\, Belmont University and Director of Writing at Belmont University and the Japan Studies Association Conference Co-Chair. \n\n  \n\n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/zuihitsu-haibun-and-new-possibilities-of-genre/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/writing-with-brush.jpg
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T155000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221224Z
CREATED:20250925T223254Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221224Z
UID:10000242-1759590000-1759593000@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore
DESCRIPTION:MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 3:00 PM\nThe Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore\nZack Davisson\, New York University\nIn a flip of perspective\, Zack will explain how Yokai are both the mask and the wearer of them.\nMany early tales from Noh theater and Buddhist literature featured supernatural creatures disguised as humans\, with the dénouement coming from when the human mask was dropped and the spirit revealed. This was continued through the Edo period and extends into today’s modern entertainment\, as yokai seek to infiltrate human culture for reasons entirely of their own. \n  \n\n\nAbout Zack Davisson\nZack Davisson is an award-winning writer\, translator\, and lecturer. He is on faculty at NYU in the Translation and Interpretations department and active in his fields.  He has won multiple Eisner awards and the Bram Stoker award. Respected in both academic and popular culture circles\, Davisson played a significant role in making Japanese folklore\, entertainment\, and literature accessible to English-speaking audiences. \n\n\nHe is a regular lecturer at universities\, museums\, and cultural institutes\, as well as appearing on podcasts\, on documentaries\, and as a guest at comic and anime conventions. \n\n\nCurrent projects include ULTIMATE X-MEN for Marvel Comics\, CAT + CRAZY for Dark Horse\, and THE ART OF SHIGERU MIZUKI for Drawn and Quarterly.  \n\n\nDavisson has worked with National Geographic and the Smithsonian\, and has been featured on NPR\, the BBC\, and The New York Times. His original works have been translated into multiple languages.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/the-human-mask-yokai-and-yurei-wearing-human-faces-in-japanese-folklore/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/zack-davisson-duke-university-manga-translator.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T153000
DTSTAMP:20250928T205915Z
CREATED:20250928T205915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250928T205915Z
UID:10000256-1759588200-1759591800@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Beyond Words: Nonverbal Language
DESCRIPTION:MTC 126B • 1st Floor\nBeyond Words: Nonverbal Language\nInstructed by Yosei Sugawara\nAttend this workshop to learn about nonverbal language used in Japan.\n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/beyond-words-nonverbal-language/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T153000
DTSTAMP:20250928T203053Z
CREATED:20231003T141854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250928T203053Z
UID:10000253-1759588200-1759591800@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Karuta and Conversation Workshop
DESCRIPTION:MTC 124 • 1st Floor\nKaruta and Conversation Workshop\nHeld by JIAH – Japanese Instructors Association of the Heartland\nJoin Karuta tables for future those who want to practice their character recognition skills\, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.\n\nKaruta tables for future Japanese Language contestants who want to practice their character recognition skills.\nConversation tables will be hosted by native speakers and KU international students from Japan and are open to any level of student looking for practice.\n\nMembers of JIAH are instructors of Japanese at high schools and colleges in Kansas and Missouri. JIAH meets every 3-4 months to discuss Japanese pedagogy\, upcoming Japan-related events\, and plan the annual Heartland Japanese Language Contest. \nInstructors outside Kansas and Missouri are also welcome to join.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/karuta-and-conversation-workshop/2025-10-04/2/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T152000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221154Z
CREATED:20250926T154029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221154Z
UID:10000248-1759588200-1759591200@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Their Land is Still a Forest: Ainu in Contemporary Japan
DESCRIPTION:GEB 233 • Craig Auditorium • 2:30 PM\nTheir Land is Still a Forest: Ainu in Contemporary Japan\nTalk by Dr. Stacia Bensyl\, Missouri Western State University\nThis 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.\n  \n\nAbout Dr. Stacia Bensyl\n \nDr. Bensyl is a Professor of English at Missouri Western State University\, who also teaches postcolonial and world literatures\, she is a guest lecturer with the Japan Studies Association. \n\n  \n  \n\nImage: Hokkaido\, Japan – Shiraoi Ainu Museum is one of the country’s best museums about the Ainu\, the indigenous people of northern Japan.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/ainu-in-contemporary-japan/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Shiraoi-Ainu-Museum.jpg
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T170000
DTSTAMP:20251001T150651Z
CREATED:20250929T134553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T150651Z
UID:10000262-1759586400-1759597200@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Monster Mask Origami
DESCRIPTION:GEB 254 • 2nd Floor\nMonster Mask Origami\nInstructed by Michaela Blank\nIn this workshop participants will use their folding skills to make Monster Mask Origami.\nAlthough the models are not overly complex\, we still recommend that participants have previous folding experience and basic folding skills. Due to a limited number of helpers with origami experience\, and seats available\, we will be limiting the number of attendees to 30.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/monster-mask-origami/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/folding-origami.jpg
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T160000
DTSTAMP:20250929T154656Z
CREATED:20250929T154656Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T154656Z
UID:10000271-1759586400-1759593600@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Feature Film Anime Screening: A Letter to Momo
DESCRIPTION:Nerman • Hudson Auditorium • Second Floor\nFeature Film Anime Screening: A Letter to Momo\nA 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. The film beautifully blends lighthearted humor\, drama\, and the spiritual themes of Japanese folklore\, with stunning hand-drawn animation and a focus on emotional depth.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/anime-screening-a-letter-to-momo/
LOCATION:Nerman: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Anime Screenings
GEO:38.924880809544;-94.726821038974
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T145000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221132Z
CREATED:20250925T215918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221132Z
UID:10000241-1759586400-1759589400@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:The Inner Life of Monsters: Noh\, Godzilla and Japanese Culture
DESCRIPTION:MTC 211 • 2nd Floor • 2:00 PM\nThe Inner Life of Monsters: Noh\, Godzilla and Japanese Culture\nBill Tsutsui\, Japanese History Scholar\nNoh theater and Godzilla may seem like an unlikely combination\, even though monsters\, demons\, and spirits appear frequently on the Noh stage.\nBy diving deeply into Zeami’s fifteenth century play Nue\, the heroic warrior tale of Minamoto no Yoritomo slaying a monster\, and the 1954 classic Gojira\, this talk will explore the surprising cultural continuities between a rich and ancient theatrical tradition and a popular cinematic form seldom associated with great artistry or sophistication. \n\nAbout Bill Tsutsui\nBill Tsutsui has served as Chancellor and Professor of History at Ottawa University since 2021\, after more than 30 years teaching modern Japanese history and holding a variety of administrative positions at the University of Kansas\, Southern Methodist University\, Hendrix College\, and Harvard University.  Among the eight books he has written or edited are Godzilla on My Mind: Fifty Years of the King of Monsters (called a “cult classic” by the New York Times) and Japanese Popular Culture and Globalization.  He continues to speak\, write\, and teach on the Godzilla movies\, monster culture in Japan\, and the environmental history of Japan and the Pacific Ocean.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/noh-godzilla-and-japanese-culture/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/bill-tsutsui.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T145000
DTSTAMP:20251004T000730Z
CREATED:20250911T204717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251004T000730Z
UID:10000237-1759586400-1759589400@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Japanese Mask Workshop
DESCRIPTION:THIS IS A TICKETED WORKSHOP\nMTC 234 • 2nd Floor • 10:00 AM\, 11:30 AM\, 2:00 PM\nPurchase your ticketed workshops here. \nJapanese Mask Workshop\nParticipants in this workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to the prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.\nEach participant will design and paint either a fox or a cat mask with additional options to personalize their mask with elastic\, tassels\, and decorative bells. All supplies are provided. \nEach workshop is 50 min in length\, limited to 25 participants\, and is best suited for ages 6 or older. One guardian is allowed to be admitted with a youth age 12 or younger.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/japanese-mask-workshop/2025-10-04/3/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Japanese-Mask-Workshop.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T143000
DTSTAMP:20251001T142634Z
CREATED:20250929T144733Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T142634Z
UID:10000265-1759584600-1759588200@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Influence of Western Fantasy Gaming on Japanese Anime\, Novels & Manga
DESCRIPTION:NMOA 212 • Nerman • Second Floor\nInfluence of Western Fantasy Gaming on Japanese Anime\, Novels & Manga\nTalk by Ai Namima-Davison & Shawn Davison\nJoin Ai Namima-Davison & Shawn Davison from Level One Game shop as they 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.\n  \n\nImage: Main characters for the novel Record of Lodoss War: The Grey Witch. Illustrated by Yutaka Izubuchi.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/influence-of-western-fantasy-gaming/
LOCATION:Nerman: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Record-of-Lodoss-War-Characters.jpg
GEO:38.924880809544;-94.726821038974
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T143000
DTSTAMP:20250928T203053Z
CREATED:20231003T141854Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250928T203053Z
UID:10000252-1759584600-1759588200@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Karuta and Conversation Workshop
DESCRIPTION:MTC 124 • 1st Floor\nKaruta and Conversation Workshop\nHeld by JIAH – Japanese Instructors Association of the Heartland\nJoin Karuta tables for future those who want to practice their character recognition skills\, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.\n\nKaruta tables for future Japanese Language contestants who want to practice their character recognition skills.\nConversation tables will be hosted by native speakers and KU international students from Japan and are open to any level of student looking for practice.\n\nMembers of JIAH are instructors of Japanese at high schools and colleges in Kansas and Missouri. JIAH meets every 3-4 months to discuss Japanese pedagogy\, upcoming Japan-related events\, and plan the annual Heartland Japanese Language Contest. \nInstructors outside Kansas and Missouri are also welcome to join.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/karuta-and-conversation-workshop/2025-10-04/1/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T133000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T142000
DTSTAMP:20250930T221102Z
CREATED:20250926T152213Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T221102Z
UID:10000247-1759584600-1759587600@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:From Art to Anime: Myths and Perceptions of the Ainu in Japan and the West
DESCRIPTION:GEB 233 • Craig Auditorium • 1:30 PM\nFrom Art to Anime: Myths and Perceptions of the Ainu in Japan and the West\nTalk by Dr. Jennifer Welsh\nSince the earliest records of the Ainu\, Hokkaido’s indigenous people\, have often been viewed through myths rather than reality.\nEarly Japanese accounts depict the “Ezo” as dangerous\, uncivilized\, and easily tricked. In the late 19th century\, Isabella Bird’s writings depicted them sympathetically but still framed their culture through Western ideas of noble savages. Today\, increased awareness and revival efforts\, including cultural centers and portrayals in manga like “Golden Kamuy\,” aim to present the Ainu more accurately. This presentation examines how the Ainu have been portrayed across myths and historical sources. \n  \n\nAbout Dr. Jennifer Welsh\n \nDr. Welsh is a professor at both University of Alaska Southeast  and also assistant professor of history at Eastern New Mexico University. \n\n  \n\n  \nImage: Shiraoi-cho\, Hokkaido\, Japan: Ainu woman making traditional clothes at the open-air Shiraoi Ainu Museum. \n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/myths-and-perceptions-of-the-ainu/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ainu-woman.jpg
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T124500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T133000
DTSTAMP:20250929T153256Z
CREATED:20250929T153256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T153256Z
UID:10000269-1759581900-1759584600@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Anime Screening: Shirobako
DESCRIPTION:Nerman • Hudson Auditorium • Second Floor\nAnime Screening: Shirobako\nShirobako 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. The story follows Aoi Miyamori as a production assistant at the fictional Musashino Animation\, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the anime production process through a comedic and dramatic lens. The title “Shirobako” refers to the “white box” containing pre-release videos distributed to the production staff.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/anime-screening-shirobako/
LOCATION:Nerman: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Anime Screenings
GEO:38.924880809544;-94.726821038974
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T123000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T132000
DTSTAMP:20250930T220834Z
CREATED:20250925T230442Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T220834Z
UID:10000244-1759581000-1759584000@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
DESCRIPTION:GEB 233 • Craig Auditorium • 12:30 PM\nStreet Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani\nDr. Maki Kaneko\, Kansas University Spencer Museum of Art\nAssociate Professor of Japanese Art\nStreet Nihonga presents 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.\nHis work conveys a profound narrative of resilience and creativity\, set against the complex history of Japan and the United States in the twentieth century. With more than 120 works on view\, this exhibition offers the first major opportunity for the public to encounter a substantial body of Mirikitani’s art. It highlights both his artistic achievements and his innovative approaches to storytelling through drawing\, painting\, and collage. The exhibition is co-curated with Kris Ercums\, Curator of Global Contemporary and Asian Art at the Spencer Museum of Art and will open in February 2026 \n\nAbout Dr. Maki Kaneko\nMaki Kaneko teaches courses on the history of Japanese modern/contemporary art\, print\, manga\, and architecture from the seventeenth-century to the present and the arts of Asia Americans and Asian diasporas. Her research concerns the politics of memory\, race\, and gender in twentieth-century Japanese visual culture and the Asia-Pacific region. Her book Mirroring the Japanese Empire published in 2014 examines the representation and signification of the male figure in Japanese oil painting and cinema between 1930 and 1950\, the decades when Japan engaged with a series of imperialist wars. Kaneko’s current research includes Japanese American diaspora artists\, the history of “outsider art” in Japan\, and gender and sexuality in contemporary visual culture. \n\nAbout Kris Imants Ercums\nKris Imants Ercums is Curator of Global Contemporary and Asian Art at the Spencer Museum of Art\, where he has curated over 30 exhibitions and 12 artist residencies since 2007. His curatorial practice focuses on Japanese art and visual culture\, with recent projects engaging contemporary ceramics\, postwar painting\, and performance. Upcoming exhibitions include Form and Flux: Contemporary Ceramics from Asia and Brush\, Block\, and Blood: Three Generations of Yoshida Women Printmakers. He earned his PhD in Chinese art history from the University of Chicago in 2014 and is currently co-curating Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani with Maki Kaneko\, opening February 2026. \n\n\nImage Credit: Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani\, Cat Looking at Fish\, circa 2001 \n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/street-nihonga-the-art-of-jimmy-tsutomu-mirikitani/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Art-Nihonga.png
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T121500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T124500
DTSTAMP:20250930T220743Z
CREATED:20250905T210348Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250930T220743Z
UID:10000228-1759580100-1759581900@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Lecture: The Masks of Kagura Musume
DESCRIPTION:MTC 211: Second Floor • 12:15 PM\nLecture: The Masks of Kagura Musume\nLecture by Asuka Iijima\nDiscover the hidden stories behind the masks.\n\nIn this fascinating lecture\, dancer Asuka Iijima unveils the history\, artistry\, and cultural significance of the masks featured in her performance of Kagura Musume. These authentic masks—sourced from a professional Kabuki prop house in Japan—represent a maiden princess\, a fearsome serpent\, a storm god\, and comical festival figures. \nThrough images\, demonstrations\, and storytelling\, Asuka will guide you into the world of Japanese festival traditions\, explaining how masks shape the characters\, movements\, and spirit of Kagura dance. You’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the symbolism and craftsmanship that bring this legendary tale to life. \n\nABOUT THE PERFORMER\nAsuka Iijima (Wakayagi Kiku Asuka) began her study of Japanese Dancing at age seven\, studying under Master Wakayagi Kichikomae. She has over twenty years of dance training. Her stage performances include: Hane no Kamuro\, Fuji Musume\, Kioi Jishi\, and Shigure Saigyo. She studied abroad for advanced academic degrees from 2000 to 2005 completing both master’s and PhD degrees. Since 2007\, she has been performing to popular Japanese ballads and local folk songs such as Yagibushi rather than traditional kabuki style music. \nIn 2021\, she was certified as Shihan (Master of Japanese Dancing ) and is preparing to open a school of dance. She received a bachelor’s degree in Linguistics and English Education from Keio University; a master’s degree in composition and TESOL (a certificate for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; and a PhD Degree in Composition and TESOL from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Currently\, she is an English instructor at Keio University in Tokyo and serves as an English instructor and tutor for various academic institutions. \n 
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/lecture-the-masks-of-kagura-musume/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/masks-of-Kagura-Musume.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T130000
DTSTAMP:20250928T212651Z
CREATED:20240918T220502Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250928T212651Z
UID:10000160-1759579200-1759582800@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Tanka Workshop
DESCRIPTION:MTC 224 • 2nd Floor\nTanka Workshop\nInstructed by Linda Galvane\nLearn the art of Tanka\, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines\, the first and third of which have five syllables and the other seven\, making 31 syllables in all and giving a complete picture of an event or mood.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/tanka-workshop/
LOCATION:MTC: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/tanka2.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T124500
DTSTAMP:20250929T153042Z
CREATED:20250929T152946Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250929T153042Z
UID:10000268-1759579200-1759581900@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Anime Screening: Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night
DESCRIPTION:Nerman • Hudson Auditorium • Second Floor\nAnime Screening: Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night\nJellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night is an anime about four young women — an artist who gave up drawing\, a retired idol\, a VTuber\, and a composer — who form an anonymous art group in the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo. The group\, called JELEE\, creates music and content to become a global phenomenon\, with the story exploring their personal struggles with past traumas\, identities\, and finding their place in the world.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/anime-screening-jellyfish-cant-swim-in-the-night/
LOCATION:Nerman: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Anime Screenings
GEO:38.924880809544;-94.726821038974
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T114500
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T121500
DTSTAMP:20251001T151642Z
CREATED:20250928T204814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T151642Z
UID:10000254-1759578300-1759580100@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Karuta for Kids
DESCRIPTION:MTC 126A • 1st Floor\nKaruta for Kids\nMiki Shono\, University of Kansas\nKids will learn how to play Karuta\, traditional Japanese playing cards that feature Japanese proverbs and kana characters.\n  \n\nImage Source: Takahiro Maruyama
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/karuta-for-kids/
LOCATION:MTC: 1st Floor
CATEGORIES:Workshops
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/kids-playing-karuta-1.jpg
GEO:38.9251032;-94.7281012
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251004T123000
DTSTAMP:20251001T140344Z
CREATED:20231002T220739Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251001T140344Z
UID:10000130-1759577400-1759581000@www.kcjapanfestival.org
SUMMARY:Takeshi’s Castle Episode 81 Screening
DESCRIPTION:GEB 258 • Second Floor\nTakeshi’s Castle Episode 81 Screening\nJoshua Murphy\nJoin is for a screening of the Japanese Game Show that\, for most\, defines the genre: Takeshi’s Castle.\nThe Japanese game show that went from being a television footnote\, to airing in over 100 different countries was remade in over a dozen places. The recent Takeshi’s Castle Amazon revival will also be touched upon. This lecture will explain the history of one of the most successful Japanese game show franchises–the history of how a segment on a sports competition show became the worldwide phenomenon of Ninja Warrior.
URL:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/event/the-history-of-takeshis-castle/
LOCATION:GEB: 2nd Floor
CATEGORIES:Cultural Presentations
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.kcjapanfestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Takeshis-Castle-image.jpg
GEO:38.924261110731;-94.729228437157
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR