Information and scheduled locations on the exhibits available below for the Kansas City Japan Festival.

KIMONO AND OBI DISPLAY

Kimono and Obi
Kimono and Obi

The 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.

Today, 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.

Kimonos 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.

 

TRADITIONAL JAPANESE DOLL DISPLAY

Japanese traditional dolls are known by the name “Ningyo” in Japan, which literally means human shape. There are various types of Japanese dolls, some representing children and babies, some of the imperial court, warriors and heroes, fairy-tale characters, gods and (rarely) demons, and also people representing the daily life of Japanese cities. Many have a long tradition and are still made today, for household shrines, for formal gift-giving, or for festival celebrations such as “Hinanatsuri,” the doll festival, or “Kodomo no Hi,” Children’s Day. Some are manufactured as a local craft, to be purchased by pilgrims as a souvenir of a temple visit or some other trip.

TRADITIONAL SAMURAI ARMOR DISPLAY

Samurai Armor Display
Samurai Armor Display

The Samurai armor on display in our exhibit area is a replica of traditional Samurai armor worn many centuries ago in Japan. The manufacturer of the armor, Marutake Sangyo, is Japan’s, and the worlds’, premier producer of fine Samurai Yoroi Armor. Located in Satsuma-Sendai city of Japan’s southwestern Kagoshima prefecture, the firm’s reputation for creating products of unparalleled quality has given them more than a 90-percent share of the Japanese armor market.

From television dramas, such as Yoshitsune, to feature films, including Akira Kurosawa’s classics, Kagemusha, and Ran, Marutake Sangyo has shared the spirit of the Samurai with the world. Having produced thousands of suits of armor, their clientele extends from the entertainment industry to temples, museums and even the Queen of England.

 

 

MINIATURE JAPANESE TEAROOM AND GARDEN DISPLAY

A miniature authentic Japanese Tearoom and Garden display is available for viewing this year. The exhibit was at one time displayed at the Toy and Miniature Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, on the UMKC campus.

The detail of the Tearoom and the Garden is outstanding. The display takes you to the heart of a traditional Tearoom like those found in gardens throughout Japan.

 

DIORAMA DISPLAY OF FAMOUS JAPANESE SITES

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) seeks to encourage the identification, protection, and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites around the world that are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. UNESCO has recognized a number of these historical sites throughout Japan.

The dioramas on display at the Festival this year are depictions/models of some of these famous sites in Japan. One of the diorama is of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine where one can see the massive Torii gate standing in the bay. Compare the diorama display with the Torii gate you walked through to enter the Festival, which is a large-scale depiction of the Torii gate at the Itsukushima Shrine.

 

IKEBANA DISPLAY BY THE SOGETSU SCHOOL

All day in the lobby of the Carlsen Center

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana display in the lobby of the Carlsen Center provided by members of the Sogetsu School.

 

IKEBANA EXHIBIT BY THE SOGETSU SCHOOL OF IKEBANA

All day in the lobby Regnier Center East Lobby

Learn about the Japanese art of flower arranging (Ikebana) from masters of the Sogetsu School and their students. 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. Members and students of the Sogetsu School will be on hand at the exhibit to answer questions and explain the techniques used so that attendees can better appreciate this increasingly popular style of flower arranging.

 

BONSAI AND SUISEKI DISPLAY BY THE BONSAI SOCIETY OF GREATER KANSAS CITY

Carlsen Center Second Floor Lobby

bonzai displayAll day in the second-floor lobby of the Carlsen Center the Bonsai Society of Greater Kansas City has been in existence since 1968 and was formed to promote the interest and appreciation of the art of bonsai through education, training, information, and exhibitions.

We are privileged to have the Society provide an exhibition of a wide variety of bonsai styles and plant material 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.

You will also enjoy their Suiseki displays. Suiseki (sui = water, seki = stone) is the study and enjoyment of naturally formed stones as objects of beauty.

 

TORII GATE ENTRYWAY TO THE FESTIVAL

All day in the first-floor lobby of the Carlsen Center

Tori Gate
Tori Gate

The 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. The Torii gate at the Festival is approximately 14 feet tall and the top crossbar is about 16 feet long.