2025 Festival Schedule
Try our interactive schedule to view by time, category or location. Or view a PDF of our festival schedule here.
Food Vendors
COM: 1st Floor +3 moreFeast on authentic Japanese foods, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.
Video Gaming Room
RC: 1st FloorCome and play video games!
Stamp Passport
MTC: 2nd FloorPick 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!
Woven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono Exhibit
RC: 2nd FloorStep 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
MTC: 1st FloorIkebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana displays provided by members of the Sogetsu School.
Ikebana Exhibit
RC: 1st FloorThis 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: 1st FloorThe 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: 1st FloorThe 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
OCB: 1st FloorYou 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 Cultural Village and Bazaar
MTC: 1st FloorFeatured 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.
Japan Festival Merchandise
MTC: 2nd FloorT-Shirts, Tenugui, and other KC Japan Festival Merch for sale.
Vendor Booths
RC: 1st Floor +4 moreThroughout the festival, shop artist and merch booths and find information from organizations and sponsors!
Hidden Ninja Taiko
OCB: Fountain Square (outside)Hidden Ninja Taiko will offer Taiko workshops throughout the day, as well as short performance sets.
Delicate Beauty, Fierce Devotion: Samurai Armor & Festival Dolls of Japan
RC: 2nd FloorThis exhibit highlights the traditions of Japan’s celebrated warrior culture and family rituals, featuring intricately crafted Samurai armor alongside exquisite dolls displayed for Girls’ Day and Children’s Day.
Yukata and Kimono Kitsuke Portraits
MTC: 1st FloorVolunteers will dress you in authentic Kimono or Yukata and take your picture with your camera/phone in front of a Japanese Backdrop.
Japanese Mask Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorParticipants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
Opening Ceremony
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 festival.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop
Nerman: 2nd FloorFuroshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to wrap gifts and everyday objects for transportation.
Anime Screening: Princess Tutu
Nerman: 2nd FloorPrincess 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.
Godzilla in America: Japan’s Monster in Western Cinema
GEB: 2nd FloorJoin Dr. Michael Charlton for a fun exploration of how Godzilla and Godzilla films have been adapted for Western audiences over the past 70 years.
Shakuhachi Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorLearn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
A Look at Japanese Game Shows on American Television
GEB: 2nd FloorIn 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 Games of Go and Shogi
GEB: 2nd FloorCome 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.”
Fun with Japanese for Kids
MTC: 1st FloorIn this beginning workshop, kids will learn to say various everyday phrases and how to read some basic Japanese, all through fun activities.
The Noh Mask Reimagined: From Tradition to the Mona Lisa
MTC: 2nd FloorThis 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.
Japanese: Meeting, Greeting & Daily Expressions
MTC: 1st FloorAttend this Japanese language workshop to learn important phrases for meetings, greetings and other daily expressions.
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
OCB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Three Trails Taiko Performance
MTC: Yardley HallThree Trails Taiko is a community group with the goal of sharing the tradition, culture and art of Kumi Daiko and Japan with the surrounding community.
Anime Screening: Senryu Girl
Nerman: 2nd FloorSenryu 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 Lecture & Demonstration
MTC: Polsky TheatreExperience 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.
Samurai Armor Lecture
MTC: 1st FloorJimmy Forred's lecture will focus on the history of Japanese armor leading up to the modern era.
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this ticketed Calligraphy workshop, participants will learn about shodou (the way of the brush), and how to engage the brush and ink with the paper while practicing standard brush strokes used in writing kanji characters.
Japanese Mask Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorParticipants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
Masked Superheroes in Japan
GEB: 2nd FloorFrom 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?
Beginners Origami Workshop
GEB: 2nd FloorFold and build the simple – bit impressive – Sonobe cube. No complicated squash, rabbit ear, or petal folds are involved!
Takeshi’s Castle Episode 81 Screening
GEB: 2nd FloorJoin is for a screening of the Japanese Game Show that, for most, defines the genre: Takeshi’s Castle.
Karuta for Kids
MTC: 1st FloorKids will learn how to play Karuta, traditional Japanese playing cards that feature Japanese proverbs and kana characters.
Taiko Workshop
MTC: Yardley HallLearn all about Taiko drumming from members of Three Trails Taiko. This is a hands-on workshop for those wanting to learn the basics of Taiko drumming.
Anime Screening: Jellyfish Can’t Swim in the Night
Nerman: 2nd FloorJellyfish Can't Swim in the Night is an anime about four young women who form an anonymous art group in the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo.
Kendo Workshop
OCB: Fountain Square (outside)Learn the martial art of Kendo in this outdoor workshop, using a bamboo sword called a shinai.
Tanka Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorLearn the art of Tanka, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines.
Lecture: The Masks of Kagura Musume
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this fascinating lecture, dancer Asuka Iijima unveils the history, artistry, and cultural significance of the masks featured in her performance of Kagura Musume.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop
Nerman: 2nd FloorFuroshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to wrap gifts and everyday objects for transportation.
Shodou: Japanese Calligraphy Performance
MTC: Polsky TheatreA live performance of Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink.
Street Nihonga: The Art of Jimmy Tsutomu Mirikitani
GEB: 2nd FloorDr. 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.
Japanese Language Workshop for Beginners
MTC: 1st FloorAttend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language.
Anime Screening: Shirobako
Nerman: 2nd FloorShirobako 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.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorThis ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
Japanese Religion and the Supernatural
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this presentation, Dr. Sarah Aptilon will delve into supernatural beliefs in Japanese culture and their connection to Shinto and Buddhism.
Shakuhachi Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorLearn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan Workshop
OCB: Fountain Square (outside)This outdoor workshop focuses on Tessenjutsu (鉄扇術), or “iron fan technique” – the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen).
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
OCB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Miniature Trees: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai
SC: 1st FloorThis 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.
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.
Madoka Koguchi: Singer
MTC: Yardley HallMadoka is an actor, singer, dancer and co-founder of Natsu Matsuri KC from Tokyo, Japan.
Screening: JCCC Japanese Shorts Festival
Nerman: 2nd FloorWatch fourteen original Japanese-language shorts created by Japanese language students at schools in Kansas and Missouri. Topics of the shorts included a historically factual samurai assassination, the adventures of a team of ghost hunters, an unsuccessful cloning experiment, magical teleporting bedroom slippers, an illustration of Kawaii girl culture, the renewed inspiration of a music student, a murder by a demon cat, the guilt of a careless pet sitter, talking horses in the news, a magical teleporting doorway, a skeletal clothes salesman who upsets a witch, a parody of the JSF itself, an original love song, and a philosophical lesson about stoicism.
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this ticketed Calligraphy workshop, participants will learn about shodou (the way of the brush), and how to engage the brush and ink with the paper while practicing standard brush strokes used in writing kanji characters.
From Art to Anime: Myths and Perceptions of the Ainu in Japan and the West
GEB: 2nd FloorSince the earliest records of the Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people, have often been viewed through myths rather than reality. This presentation by Dr. Jennifer Welsh examines how the Ainu have been portrayed across myths and historical sources.
Karuta and Conversation Workshop
MTC: 1st FloorJoin Karuta tables for those who want to practice their character recognition skills, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.
Influence of Western Fantasy Gaming on Japanese Anime, Novels & Manga
Nerman: 2nd FloorThis 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.
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.
Yosakoi Dance Workshop
MTC: Polsky TheatreEnjoy trying the Yosakoi style of dance, which is highly energetic and combines traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Japanese Mask Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorParticipants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
The Inner Life of Monsters: Noh, Godzilla and Japanese Culture
MTC: 2nd FloorDuring the talk "The Inner Life of Monsters: Noh, Godzilla and Japanese Culture", Japanese History Scholar Bill Tsutsui will explore the monsters, demons, and spirits that appear on the Noh stage.
Feature Film Anime Screening: A Letter to Momo
Nerman: 2nd FloorA 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.
Monster Mask Origami
GEB: 2nd FloorIn this intermediate workshop, participants will use their folding skills to make Monster Mask Origami.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorThis ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
Their Land is Still a Forest: Ainu in Contemporary Japan
GEB: 2nd FloorThis 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.
Zen Meditation Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this workshop, we will explore the basics of Zen meditation and how to practice it.
Karuta and Conversation Workshop
MTC: 1st FloorJoin Karuta tables for those who want to practice their character recognition skills, as well as conversation tables with KU international students from Japan to practice conversation skills.
Beyond Words: Nonverbal Language
MTC: 1st FloorAttend this workshop to learn about nonverbal language used in Japan.
The Dance of Kagura Musume: Princess of Masks
MTC: Yardley HallIn this performance, master dancer Asuka Iijima brings to life the tale of Kagura Musume, the maiden princess of the Shinto festival, and dons five different masks, each transforming her dance and identity into a new character: the beautiful princess, the fearsome eight-headed serpent, the mighty Shinto god of storm and sea, and the comical duo Hyottoko and Okame.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Dance Workshop
MTC: Polsky TheatreThe Kizuna Friendship group will hold a workshop showcasing authentic Japanese dances, and how to wear yukata.
The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore
MTC: 2nd FloorMTC 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, […]
Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging
Nerman: 2nd FloorLean about Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement.
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
OCB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Madoka Koguchi: Singer
MTC: Yardley HallMadoka is an actor, singer, dancer and co-founder of Natsu Matsuri KC from Tokyo, Japan.
Introduction to Martial Arts
MTC: Polsky TheatreAn introduction to Martial Arts demonstrations being given at the festival.
Himawari Japanese Choir
MTC: Yardley HallHimawari is a local choral group in which members enjoy experiencing Japanese culture and tradition through singing Japanese songs.
Zuihitsu, Haibun, and New Possibilities of Genre
GEB: 2nd FloorZuihitsu 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.
Kendo Demonstration
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.
Japanese Garden Design
MTC: 2nd FloorKoji Morimoto will show how to balance all aspects of a Japanese garden and explain the techniques and principles of making an outdoor living space.
Kenjutsu Demonstration
MTC: Polsky TheatreKenjutsu-Marishiten-kai Martial Arts Demonstration.
Kamishibai – Paper Theater Storytelling
MTC: 1st FloorKamishibai “paper theater” is a traditional form of storytelling from Japan.
Yosakoi Dance Club Performance
MTC: Yardley HallYosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Anime Screening: Flying Witch
Nerman: 2nd FloorFlying 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.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorThis ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
Good Luck in Japan
MTC: 2nd FloorIn 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.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan Demonstration
MTC: Polsky TheatreTessenjutsu (鉄扇術), “iron fan technique” is the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen).
Karate Demonstration: Do Ryobu-Kai
MTC: Polsky TheatreA demonstration of the martial art Karate from Fabio Rodriguez of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai.
Kanji Made Easy
MTC: 1st FloorIs 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.
Iaido Demonstration
MTC: Polsky TheatreA demonstration of the martial art of Iaido.
Koto, Shamisen, and Shakuhachi: Instrumental Performance
MTC: Yardley HallEnjoy a performance by Yoko Hiraoka and David Wheeler, featuring three traditional Japanese Instruments.
Aikido Demonstration: Aikijuku Dojo
MTC: Polsky TheatreAikido Demonstration by Neil Segal of Aikijuku Dojo: techniques containing mostly blocks, locks and takedowns by the proper use of grappling techniques.
Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorIn this ticketed Calligraphy workshop, participants will learn about shodou (the way of the brush), and how to engage the brush and ink with the paper while practicing standard brush strokes used in writing kanji characters.
Kaibyou – Supernatural Cats of Japan
MTC: 2nd FloorDavisson’s presentation, like his book, will illuminate the vast realm of kaibyo, or supernatural cats, with historical and modern cultural context.
Rakugo (Japanese Comedy): Performance and Lecture
GEB: 2nd FloorRakugo 落語 is a traditional form of Japanese verbal comedy storytelling commonly staged in theaters.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Obon Dance
MTC: Yardley HallKizuna showcases authentic Japanese culture at local events through performances, obon dances, tea ceremonies, and showing people how to wear yukata.
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.
Three Trails Taiko Performance
MTC: Yardley HallThree Trails Taiko is a community group with the goal of sharing the tradition, culture and art of Kumi Daiko and Japan with the surrounding community.