2023 Festival Schedule
Japanese Snacks and Drinks from Oriental Supermarket
RC 101 (Cap Fed Conference Center)Packaged Japanese snacks and treats will be available as well. Get a little taste of the fun and variety of modern Japan. Often, it’s unlike anything you’ve ever had.
Kansas City Japanese Choir Himawari
RC 101 (Cap Fed Conference Center)Himawari is a local choral group in which members enjoy experiencing Japanese culture and tradition through singing Japanese songs. They will perform at various times throughout the day.
Kimono and Obi Display
MTC 107The 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.
Japanese Hina Doll Display
MTC 107Japanese traditional dolls are known by the name Ningyo in Japan, which literally means human shape. There are various types of Japanese dolls, one traditional type is for festival celebrations such as Hinanatsuri, the doll festival, or Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day.
Traditional Samurai Armor Display
MTC 107The 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.
Ikebana Display
MTC First Floor LobbyIkebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana display in the lobby of the Midwest Trust Center provided by members of the Sogetsu School.
Ikebana Exhibit
Regnier Center AtriumLearn 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.
Bonsai and Suiseki Display
SC 103The 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.
Torii Gate Entryway to the Festival
MTC First Floor LobbyThe 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.
Anime and Manga Vendors
MTC Third FloorEnjoy Anime and Manga with the vendors displaying your favorite Anime and Manga products. Follow the signs to experience Anime at its finest.
Japanese Bazaar Shopping Extravaganza
OCB 100 (CoLab)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.
Japanese Cultural Village and Craft Bazaar
MTC 128Featured 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.
Japanese Kid’s Games – Outdoor
MTC Courtyard (outside)Come and enjoy traditional Japanese festival games for kids, hosted by the KC Japanese School.
Children’s Day (Boy’s Warrior) Doll
MTC 107Enjoy the 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.
Japanese School Children’s Games (indoor)
MTC 124Bring the kids to enjoy some traditional Japanese Children's games, hosted by the KC Japanese School.
Festival T-Shirt and Tenugui Sales
RC 101 (Cap Fed Conference Center)Festival T-Shirts and Tenugui (featured in the Kabuki performances) will be located this year in the Capitol Federal Conference Center.
Artist Vendors
OCB 246Shopping from artist vendors.
Thousand Paper Cranes: Origami Activity
OCB 248Come and visit to fold an origami crane as we collectively try to fold 1,000 on festival day.
CapFed Vendor Booths
RC 101 (Cap Fed Conference Center)Shop vendor booths and get information from local organizations.
Video Gaming
MTC 344Come and play video games.
Opening Ceremonies
MTC: Yardley HallThe 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 2023 GKC Japan Festival.
Grand Kabuki Spectacle
MTC: Yardley HallKabuki 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.
Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Omote Senke
MTC: Polsky TheatreExperience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony, performed by Japanese Tea Master Yoko Hiraoka, whose training started in Kyoto as a young child. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the history and practice of the Tea Ceremony.
Japanese Language Workshop for Beginners with Kotoko Grass
MTC 234Attend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language.
Sojutsu Workshop
Library Plaza (outside)Sōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, is the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).
Aikido Workshop
Library Plaza (outside)Like Karate, techniques are practiced to handle attacks of both an armed or unarmed nature. The techniques in Aikido contain mostly blocks, locks and takedowns by the proper use of grappling techniques that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.
Anime Screening: My Master Has No Tail
MTC 338When a young tanuki (a dog-like creature resembling a raccoon) named Mameda tries to disguise herself as a human and cause mischief, it turns out that modern city slickers are […]
Japanese Candy Artist: Miyuki Sugimori
MTC 211Watch candy artist Miyuki Sugimori skillfully shape candy material into flowers and animals by blowing air into it.
The Games of Go and Shogi
MTC 217Come 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.”
Food Vendors
COM: JCCC Cafeteria First Floor)Feast on authentic Japanese foods offered by KC Craft Ramen, Ika Grill and JCCC Food Services.
Three Trails Taiko
MTC: Yardley HallThree Trails Taiko is a community group, currently consisting of approximately twelve volunteers, with the goal of sharing the tradition, culture and art of Kumi Daiko and Japan with the surrounding community.
Shakuhachi Workshop with David Kansuke Wheeler
MTC 234Learn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
The Samurai Sword
RC: Hudson Auditorium (in the Nerman)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.
A Look at Japanese Game Shows on American Television
GEB 240In 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.
Japan Foundation’s Marugoto Course Books
MTC 212Come 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.
Calligraphy Workshop
RC 183Japanese calligraphy is the writing of the Japanese language. Try your hand at writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink with Japanese native experts.
Kendo Workshop
Library Plaza (outside)Kendo practitioners train using a bamboo sword called a shinai. They wear a helmet and body armor called bogu that allows for full-contact sparring with low risk of injury and gives the practitioner the ability to dynamically adjust to real speed attacks to a limited number of targets in a competitive environment.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan Workshop
Library Plaza (outside)Tessenjutsu (鉄扇術), “iron fan technique” is the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen). It is based on the use of the solid iron fan or the folding iron fan, which usually had eight or ten wood or iron ribs.
Haiku Workshop
MTC 232By 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
MTC 338Now 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. […]
Purification, Meditation, and the Realm of Spirit in Japanese Art and Contemporary Calligraphy
GEB 242Please join us as we explore some of the connections between Japanese art, contemporary Japanese calligraphy, and the Realm of Spirit.
Beginners Origami Workshop
GEB 254Fold and build the simple – bit impressive – Sonobe cube. No complicated squash, rabbit ear, or petal folds are involved! This is for rank beginners whose origami skills don’t extend much past folding a receipt in half or dog-earing a page in a book.
Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke
MTC: Polsky TheatreA few members of the audience will be invited to join Yuri and Asuka on stage to experience and learn first-hand the elements and steps of the Japanese tea ceremony. All attendees will gain interesting insights that will help to de-mystify this cultural practice.
Fun with Japanese (For elementary school age children)
MTC 126AThis workshop is for elementary school age children. Participants will learn to say various everyday phrases and how to read some basic Japanese, all through fun activities.
Aya Uchida (Japanese Pop Singer) and Jo Yamanaka (Guitar)
MTC: Yardley HallThe Festival is proud to feature Pop Singer Ms. Aya Uchida to perform for us again. This year, she will be accompanied by Mr. Jo Yamanaka on guitar. Mike Ito will not be performing this year.
Misogi-Ryu Karate Workshop
Library Plaza (outside)John Hileman
Anime Screening: Kabukibu! Complete Collection
MTC 338With 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 […]
Karuta and Conversation Workshop
GEB 256Japanese Instructors Association of the Heartland hosts Karuta tables for future Japanese Language Contests who want to practice their character recognition skills, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.
Kimono Demonstration with Yoshiko Yamanaka and Miyako Fraley
MTC 234Learn all about traditional Japanese Kimono and Yukata. Also, you will be able to see them demonstrate what is involved in putting on a Kimono or Yukata.
The Samurai Sword
RC: Hudson Auditorium (in the Nerman)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.
Evolution of the Samurai
GEB 258Mr. Lawson will discuss the evolution of Samurai culture and how it has survived into the modern era. He will discuss the samurai and how their role as samurai changed throughout their centuries-long rule of Japan.
Japanese Garden Design
MTC 232Koji Morimoto will show how to balance all aspects of a Japanese garden and explain the techniques and principles of making an outdoor living space.
Miniature Trees: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai
SC 101This presentation will provide a general overview of the many aspects in practicing the art of Bonsai, including Chinese and Japanese origins, philosophy, and description of design styles, tools, general horticulture procedures, pot selection and the design process.
Zen Meditation Workshop
MTC 212In this workshop we will explore the basics of Zen meditation and how to practice it. As we try out Zen practice, we will discuss several concepts that help to illustrate how Zen is understood in Japan, including impermanence, “mind-to-mind transmission,” and imperfect beauty.
Calligraphy Workshop
RC 183Japanese calligraphy is the writing of the Japanese language. Try your hand at writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink with Japanese native experts.
Japanese Language Workshop for Beginners with Yosei Sugawara
MTC 126AAttend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language.
Operation! Takeshi’s Castle: The Legacy of the Most Well-known Japanese Game show of All Time
GEB 240Joshua Murphy will tell the story of the Japanese Game Show that, for most, defines the genre: Operation! Takeshi’s Castle.
Japan from the Outside: Writing “The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn”
GEB 242Local 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.
Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Japanese Yosakoi Dance Group Performance
MTC: Polsky TheatreYosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club, is from Kansas State University.
Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Japanese Yosakoi Dance Group Workshop
MTC: Polsky TheatreThis workshop teaches Yosakoi, a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music. Tatsumaki Yosakoi, Japanese Yosakoi Dance Club, is from Kansas State University.
Grand Kabuki Spectacle
MTC: Yardley HallKabuki 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.
Karuta and Conversation Workshop
GEB 256Japanese Instructors Association of the Heartland hosts Karuta tables for future Japanese Language Contests who want to practice their character recognition skills, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.
Children’s Mikoshi Parade
MTC Courtyard (outside)Participating in the parade, students from the Saturday Kansas City Japanese School will carry a traditional-style festival float, accompanied by taiko performers.
Japanese Armor
GEB 258This lecture will focus on the history of Japanese armor leading up to the modern era.
Kanji Made Easy
MTC 212Is it possible to learn to read Kanji in less than a year? Try out the Heisig method of Kanji acquisition in this fast-paced and fun session while exploring the written word from authentic sources. True beginners and seasoned students will all find ways to expand their reading levels from average to extraordinary.
Calligraphy Workshop
RC 183Japanese calligraphy is the writing of the Japanese language. Try your hand at writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink with Japanese native experts.
Leveling Up! Intermediate Origami
GEB 254Have you ever wanted to make an origami dragon before? Well, today is the day! In this intermediate origami workshop, you will be learning how to fold a simple dragon and be introduced to more complicated folds such as rabbit ear, petal, and sink folds.
Japanese Language Workshop for Beginners with Yosei Sugawara
MTC 234Attend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language.
Haiku Workshop
MTC 232By looking at models of both classic and contemporary haiku, we’ll try to find ways to put those qualities into our own writing.
Promoting Kabuki: Edo-Era Prints from the Nelson-Atkins Collection
RC: Hudson Auditorium (in the Nerman)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.
Martial Arts Demonstrations – Introduction
MTC: Polsky TheatreJohn Drakey
Asuka Iijima: Nihon-buyō Dance
MTC: Yardley HallMs. Asuka Iijima will perform a Nihon-buyō dance called Dôjôji. Nihon-buyō (Japanese dance) refers to the classical Japanese performing art of dance.
Anime Screening: Hozuki’s Coolheadedness 2
MTC 338This 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 […]
Karuta and Conversation Workshop
GEB 256Japanese Instructors Association of the Heartland hosts Karuta tables for future Japanese Language Contests who want to practice their character recognition skills, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.
Japanese Candy Artist: Miyuki Sugimori
MTC 211Watch candy artist Miyuki Sugimori skillfully shape candy material into flowers and animals by blowing air into it.
Kansas City Kendo Club – Kendo
MTC: Polsky TheatreThe art of Kendo derives from sword skills developed by the samurai of the 12th century called Kenjutsu. During the 14th to 16th centuries, accomplished swordsmen opened schools to teach the art of the sword.
Denver Taiko Performance
MTC: Yardley HallUsing traditional Japanese drums and other instruments, Denver Taiko combines both modern and ancient rhythms into a style and sound which is uniquely their own.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan
MTC: Polsky TheatreTessenjutsu (鉄扇術), “iron fan technique” is the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen). It is based on the use of the solid iron fan or the folding iron fan, which usually had eight or ten wood or iron ribs.
Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai
MTC: Polsky TheatreTraining in the Japan Karate-Do Ryobu-Kai (JKR) is conducted in the traditional Japanese method, stressing discipline, consistent attendance, etiquette, and hard work. Modern training in Shindo Jinen Ryu karate-do incorporates elements of karate, aikido, jujitsu, and kendo in the formal curriculum, with an emphasis on philosophy and education.
Japanese Garden Design
MTC 232Koji Morimoto will show how to balance all aspects of a Japanese garden and explain the techniques and principles of making an outdoor living space.
Introduction to Reading Japanese
MTC 212Come to this workshop and venture into the world of written Japanese whether you are a student or just curious. Explore the different writing systems, how they came to be, faster methods to learning them, as well as resources and tools to help you explore the written world of Japanese.
Calligraphy Workshop
RC 183Japanese calligraphy is the writing of the Japanese language. Try your hand at writing Japanese characters with a brush and ink with Japanese native experts.
Kimono Demonstration with Yuri and Asuka Iijima
MTC 234In Yuri and Asuka’s demonstration, you will see a demonstration of how to wear four different types of kimono.
Gender and Kabuki: Onnagata and Takarazuka
RC: Hudson Auditorium (in the Nerman)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.
Where the Theatre Meets Origami: Kabuki-themed Origami
GEB 254In this 90-minute-long workshop participants will use their folding skills to make two of following kabuki themed origami models: a Kimono and a traditional Hannya mask.
Denver Taiko Workshop
MTC: Yardley HallAt this workshop, try your hand at 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: Mononoke
MTC 338In 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 […]
Tosa No Shugyo Dojo – Soˉjutsu
MTC: Polsky TheatreSōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, is the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).
Aikijuku Dojo – Aikido
MTC: Polsky TheatreLike Karate, techniques are practiced to handle attacks of both an armed or unarmed nature. The techniques in Aikido contain mostly blocks, locks and takedowns by the proper use of grappling techniques that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.
Aya Uchida (Japanese Pop Singer) and Jo Yamanaka (Guitar)
MTC: Yardley HallThe Festival is proud to feature Pop Singer Ms. Aya Uchida to perform for us again. This year, she will be accompanied by Mr. Jo Yamanaka on guitar. Mike Ito will not be performing this year.
Misogi Ryu Karate
MTC: Polsky TheatreJohn Hileman
Anime Screening: My Master Has No Tail
MTC 338When a young tanuki (a dog-like creature resembling a raccoon) named Mameda tries to disguise herself as a human and cause mischief, it turns out that modern city slickers are […]
Asuka Iijima: Nihon-buyō Dance
MTC: Yardley HallMs. Asuka Iijima will perform a Nihon-buyō dance called Dôjôji. Nihon-buyō (Japanese dance) refers to the classical Japanese performing art of dance.
Grand Kabuki Spectacle
MTC: Yardley HallKabuki 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 Candy Artist: Miyuki Sugimori
MTC 211Watch candy artist Miyuki Sugimori skillfully shape candy material into flowers and animals by blowing air into it.
Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest
MTC: Polsky TheatreCome to Polsky Theatre and enjoy a Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. You must preregister to participate. There will be a judged cosplay contest in Polsky Theatre at 6:00 p.m.
Denver Taiko Performance
MTC: Yardley HallUsing traditional Japanese drums and other instruments, Denver Taiko combines both modern and ancient rhythms into a style and sound which is uniquely their own.