2026 Festival Schedule
Try our interactive schedule to view by time, category or location. Or view a PDF of our printed festival schedule here.
Events for October 3, 2026
Food Vendors
Feast on authentic Japanese foods, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.
Sumo Stamp Passport
Collect six stamps. Build one ukiyo-e inspired print. This year’s passport stamp hunt has a twist! Instead of six separate stamps, each stamp will be a layer of the same image!
Woven in Time: The Enduring Legacy of the Kimono Exhibit
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 is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana displays provided by members of the Sogetsu School.
Torii Gate Entryway to the Festival
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 Kids Games – Outdoor
Come and enjoy Japanese kids games, where kids can play traditional festival games and win prizes, hosted by the KC Japanese School.
Japan Festival Merchandise
T-Shirts, Tenugui, and other KC Japan Festival Merch for sale.
Vendor Booths
Throughout the festival, shop artist and merch booths and find information from organizations and sponsors!
Delicate Beauty, Fierce Devotion: Samurai Armor & Festival Dolls of Japan
This 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.
Anime Screening: Tsurune
Minato Narumiya once loved kyudo, the traditional Japanese art of archery, but a difficult experience caused him to leave the sport behind.
Kintsugi Workshops
MTC: 2nd FloorA hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
Bonsai and Suiseki Display
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.
Yukata and Kimono Kitsuke Portraits
Volunteers will dress you in authentic Kimono or Yukata and take your picture with your camera/phone in front of a Japanese Backdrop.
Ikebana Exhibit
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.
Video Gaming Room
Come and play video games!
Japanese Bazaar Shopping
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.
Sumo – More Than a Match: From Ancient Ritual to Modern Ring
Explore the fascinating world of Sumo! We’ll demystify the sport’s sacred Shinto roots, grueling daily training, and emotional retirement ceremonies. From legendary past champions to the exciting new era of current Yokozuna, discover how this ancient ritual thrives today.
Japan Festival Opening Ceremony
The Opening Ceremony 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, plus a special performance from Three Trails Taiko.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop
Nerman: 2nd FloorFuroshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to wrap gifts and everyday objects for transportation.
The Legacy of Japan’s Masked Heroes
This presentation explores the rich history of Japan’s masked heroes—from Kamen Rider and Kikaider to Super Sentai and GARO—and examines the cultural traditions, industries, and ideas that shaped them.
Shakuhachi Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorLearn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
Hidden Ninja Taiko Drumming Workshop
MTC: Courtyard (outside)Hidden Ninja Taiko will offer outdoor Taiko workshops.
The Games of Go and Shogi
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.”
Anime Screening: Azumanga Daioh
Follow a wonderfully eccentric group of students through the funny, strange, and surprisingly memorable moments of everyday high school life.
Fun Japanese for Kids
In this Japanese for Kids workshop, kids will learn to say various everyday phrases and how to read some basic Japanese, all through fun activities.
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.
Out of the Ring: The Lesser-Known History of Sumo
What do celebrity culture, religious institutions, and strong women have in common? Surprisingly, the answer is sumo. During the Edo period, sumo was a very popular form of entertainment. Star wrestlers were celebrities, and their portraits circulated widely in colorful prints that captivated devoted fans.
Japanese: Meeting, Greeting & Daily Expressions
Attend this language workshop to learn important phrases for meetings, greetings and other daily Japanese expressions.
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
GEB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Sumo Performance
Featuring TATSUOSHO, a former professional sumo wrestler from Japan, and the Shōgeki Sumo Team, this action-packed 45-minute performance brings audiences up close to one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. The performance also features live taiko drumming and plenty of audience participation.
Beginners Origami Workshop
Fold and build the simple – bit impressive – Sonobe cube. No complicated squash, rabbit ear, or petal folds are involved!
Kids Japanese Cultural Village and Bazaar
Featured again at this year’s Festival is the Kids 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.
Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke
Attendees will have the opportunity to witness, and several attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Anime Screening: Ya Boy Kongming
Legendary Chinese military strategist Zhuge Liang—better known as Kongming—awakens in modern-day Tokyo and discovers an entirely new battlefield: the city’s music scene.
Godzilla! What you (probably) don’t know
In 1954, GODZILLA emerged from the rubble of postwar Japan and forever changed the world of cinema. What inspired Japanese filmmakers to create this iconic movie monster? What challenges did they face in bringing him to life? And how did Japanese audiences respond to this unforgettable creature?
Make Your Own Koinobori! Kids Craft Workshop
MTC: 1st FloorGet creative and bring home a colorful piece of Japan Fest! In this hands-on kids workshop, children will create and decorate their own Koinobori, inspired by the colorful carp streamers traditionally flown in Japan.
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.
Misogi-Ryu Karate Workshop
This workshop will introduce the martial art of Karate as a method of self-defense.
Hidden Ninja Taiko Drumming Workshop
MTC: Courtyard (outside)Hidden Ninja Taiko will offer outdoor Taiko workshops.
The Shakuhachi, Shamisen and Koto: A Window into Japanese Music
This presentation focuses on the shakuhachi as both a traditional and contemporary Japanese instrument. It will introduce the instrument's history, repertoire, aesthetics, and performance practice, while also providing an overview of other traditional Japanese instruments, including the koto and shamisen, to place the shakuhachi within the broader context of Japanese music.
Sumo Origami Event
In this workshop participants will use their folding skills to make Sumo Origami.
Furoshiki Gift Wrapping Workshop
Nerman: 2nd FloorFuroshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to wrap gifts and everyday objects for transportation.
Japanese Language Workshop for Beginners
Attend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language.
Madoka Koguchi Sings Ghibli Favorites & J-Pop
MTC: Yardley HallSinger Madoka Koguchi returns to the KC Japan Fest stage for two performances featuring beloved Studio Ghibli songs, J-Pop, anime favorites, and more.
Screening: JCCC Japanese Shorts Festival
Watch fourteen original Japanese-language shorts created by Japanese language students at schools in Kansas and Missouri.
Sumo Panel Discussion & Lecture
Sumo is much more than what happens inside the ring. Join Nicholas Tôn, Director and Co-Founder of Shōgeki Sumo, and Ryu (TATSUOSHO), a former professional sumo wrestler from Japan, for a deeper look at the traditions, values, and culture behind one of Japan’s most iconic sports.
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
In this presentation, Dr. Sarah Aptilon will delve into supernatural beliefs in Japanese culture and their connection to Shinto and Buddhism.
Kendo Workshop
Learn the martial art of Kendo in this outdoor workshop, using a bamboo sword called a shinai.
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
GEB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Miniature Trees: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai
This 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.
Kintsugi Workshops
MTC: 2nd FloorA hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
Open Origami Folding
GEB: 2nd FloorCome fold origami in this open folding session.
Children’s Mikoshi Parade
Participating in the parade, students from the Saturday Kansas City Japanese School will carry a traditional-style festival float, accompanied by taiko performers.
Japanese Dance: Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden)
Experience one of the most celebrated works of Japanese classical dance as Fuji Musume (The Wisteria Maiden) comes to life on stage, performed by Nihon-buyō (Japanese Dance) Master Asuka Wakayagi Kichi Iijima.
Make Your Own Koinobori! Kids Craft Workshop
MTC: 1st FloorGet creative and bring home a colorful piece of Japan Fest! In this hands-on kids workshop, children will create and decorate their own Koinobori, inspired by the colorful carp streamers traditionally flown in Japan.
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.
Japan’s Women Warriors – The Onna-Bushi
The onna-bushi represent the women of Japan’s warrior tradition. From stories predating the samurai class, through the centuries of samurai history, and into the present day, accounts of female warriors have continued to shape and preserve this legacy.
Shakuhachi Workshop
MTC: 2nd FloorLearn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
Shodou: Japanese Calligraphy Performance
A live performance of Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan Workshop
This outdoor workshop focuses on Tessenjutsu (鉄扇術), or “iron fan technique” – the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen).
Samurai Armor Up Close: Presentation
Step into the world of the samurai and experience Japanese armor up close. Using a full set of samurai armor from a private collection, you’ll explore its major components and learn how each piece was worn, its purpose, and the craftsmanship behind it.
Anime Screening: The Dangers in My Heart
Quiet middle school student Kyotaro Ichikawa prefers keeping to himself, until he begins spending time with Anna Yamada, a cheerful and popular classmate who isn’t quite what he expected.
Poems and Woodblock Prints Workshop
This workshop introduces the basics of Japanese poetry (waka) and woodblock printing (mokuhanga). Each participant will print their own woodblock image and compose a poem inspired by it.
Aya Uchida (Japanese Pop Singer) and Jo Yamanaka (Guitar)
The 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
Enjoy trying the Yosakoi style of dance, which is highly energetic and combines traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Katakana: Key to Instant Japanese
Attend a Japanese language workshop to learn about the Japanese language, and with the aid of the instructor, learn some basics of the language using Katakana.
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.
Large-Scale Origami: Think Big, Fold Bigger
The Greater KC Japan Festival’s first ever LARGE-SCALE origami demonstration. Teams will work together to fold a 7-foot square of paper in 45 minutes or less. Experience origami on a whole new scale!
Anime Screening: My Love Story!
Takeo Gouda is a big-hearted high school student whose imposing appearance hasn’t exactly helped his romantic prospects. But after he rescues the kindhearted Rinko Yamato, an unexpected romance begins.
The Future of Aging: Lessons from Japan and the United States
What does it mean to age with dignity, and how can communities help older adults live fuller, more connected lives? This presentation explores the changing landscape of aging and dementia in Japan and the United States, examining how cultural attitudes, community support, and technology shape the experiences of older adults.
Himawari Japanese Choir
Himawari is a local choral group in which members enjoy experiencing Japanese culture and tradition through singing Japanese songs.
Make Your Own Koinobori! Kids Craft Workshop
MTC: 1st FloorGet creative and bring home a colorful piece of Japan Fest! In this hands-on kids workshop, children will create and decorate their own Koinobori, inspired by the colorful carp streamers traditionally flown in Japan.
Hidden Ninja Taiko Drum Performance
Experience taiko up close and in the open air! Hidden Ninja Taiko brings powerful rhythms, dynamic movement, and high-energy Japanese drumming to the festival for an outdoor performance you can feel as much as hear.
Zen Meditation Workshop
In this Zen meditation workshop, we will explore the basics of Zen meditation and how to practice it.
Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging
Lean about Ikebana, the art of Japanese flower arrangement.
Japanese Travel Conversation Workshop
GEB: 2nd FloorA language workshop to learn about the basic travel conversations in Japanese.
Sumo Performance
Featuring TATSUOSHO, a former professional sumo wrestler from Japan, and the Shōgeki Sumo Team, this action-packed 45-minute performance brings audiences up close to one of Japan’s most iconic traditions. The performance also features live taiko drumming and plenty of audience participation.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Traditional and Modern Japanese Dance
Kizuna showcases authentic Japanese culture at local events through performances, obon dances, tea ceremonies, and showing people how to wear yukata.
Anime Screening: Dungeon People
Skilled thief Clay ventures deep into a mysterious dungeon in search of her missing father, only to discover there is much more happening behind the scenes than monsters and treasure.
Open Origami Folding
GEB: 2nd FloorCome fold origami in this open folding session.
Kizuna Friendship Group: Japanese Dance Workshop
The Kizuna Friendship group will hold a workshop showcasing authentic Japanese dances, and how to wear yukata.
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.
Rakugo (Japanese Comedy): Performance and Lecture
Rakugo 落語 is a traditional form of Japanese verbal comedy storytelling commonly staged in theaters.
Kintsugi Workshops
MTC: 2nd FloorA hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
Madoka Koguchi Sings Ghibli Favorites & J-Pop
MTC: Yardley HallSinger Madoka Koguchi returns to the KC Japan Fest stage for two performances featuring beloved Studio Ghibli songs, J-Pop, anime favorites, and more.
Sumo Meet and Greet
MTC Courtyard • Outside Sumo Meet and Greet Meet the sumo wrestlers of Shōgeki Sumo and former professional wrestler Tatsuosho following their performances at KC Japan Fest! Stop by the MTC […]
Anime Screening: Non Non Biyori
Life moves at a different pace in the tiny rural village of Asahigaoka, where a handful of students of different ages share the same small school.
Introduction to Martial Arts
An introduction to Martial Arts demonstrations being given at the festival.
Karate Demonstration
A demonstration of the martial art Karate.
Kamishibai – Paper Theater Storytelling
Kamishibai “paper theater” is a traditional form of storytelling from Japan.
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.
Kanji Made Easy
Is 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.
Kendo Demonstration
The 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.
Koto, Shamisen, and Shakuhachi: Instrumental Performance
Enjoy a performance by Yoko Hiraoka and David Wheeler, featuring three traditional Japanese Instruments: Koto, Shamisen, and Shakuhachi.
Tessenjutsu – Martial Arts Fan Demonstration
Tessenjutsu (鉄扇術), “iron fan technique” is the martial art of the Japanese war fan (tessen).
Kenjutsu Demonstration
Kenjutsu-Marishiten-kai Martial Arts Demonstration.
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.
Bangumi!!! Japanese Variety Show Impact on the American Market
Japanese game shows and variety programs have long been a fascinating part of the cultural zeitgeist, captivating audiences both in Japan and around the world.
Karate Demonstration: Do Ryobu-Kai
A demonstration of the martial art Karate from Fabio Rodriguez of Japan Karate Do Ryobu-Kai.
Naginata Demonstration
Experience the art of the naginata (薙刀), one of Japan’s most distinctive traditional weapons. The naginata is a long polearm fitted with a curved blade, combining the reach of a spear with the cutting ability of a sword.
Aikido Demonstration: Aikijuku Dojo
Aikido Demonstration by Neil Segal of Aikijuku Dojo: techniques containing mostly blocks, locks and takedowns by the proper use of grappling techniques.
Yosakoi Dance Club Performance
Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.
Three Trails Taiko Performance
Feel the thunder of the drums! Experience the power, rhythm, and energy of Japanese taiko as Three Trails Taiko brings this dynamic performance tradition to the Kansas City Japan Festival.
Cosplay Contest and Fashion Show
Come to Polsky Theatre and enjoy a Cosplay Contest and Fashion Show. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.
Three Trails Taiko Workshop
Learn 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.