2024 Festival Schedule

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Food Vendors

Food Vendors

COM: 1st Floor +2 more

Feast on authentic Japanese foods, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.

Go and Shoji Game

The Games of Go and Shogi

COM: Lower Level

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.”

Kimono Display

Kimono and Obi Display

MTC: 1st Floor

The word Kimono simply means “things to wear” and is the traditional clothing of Japan. A sash, called an Obi, complements the kimono.

Japanese Hina Doll Display

Japanese Hina Doll Display

MTC: 1st Floor

A traditional doll set is on display at the festival, usually displayed for celebrations such as Hinanatsuri, the doll festival, or Kodomo no Hi, Children’s Day.

Samurai Armor Display

Traditional Samurai Armor Display

MTC: 1st Floor

The Samurai armor on display in our exhibit area is a replica of traditional Samurai armor worn many centuries ago in Japan.

Ikebana Display

Ikebana Displays

MTC: 1st Floor +1 more

Ikebana is the art of Japanese flower arrangement. Take time to enjoy the Ikebana displays provided by members of the Sogetsu School.

Ikebana Exhibit

Ikebana Exhibit

RC: 1st Floor

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

Bonsai and Suiseki Display

SC: 1st Floor

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.

Japanese Torii Gate

Torii Gate Entryway to the Festival

MTC: 1st Floor

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.

Anime and Manga Vendors

Anime and Manga Vendors

MTC: 3rd Floor +2 more

Enjoy Anime and Manga with the vendors displaying your favorite Anime and Manga products.

Japanese Bazaar Shopping Extravaganza

Japanese Bazaar Shopping

OCB: 1st Floor +1 more

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.

Kids at the Cultural Village

Japanese Cultural Village and Craft Bazaar

MTC: 1st Floor

Featured 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.

Boys Day Doll

Children’s Day (Boy’s Warrior) Doll

MTC: 1st Floor

Enjoy this 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.

Kansas City Japan Festival T-Shirt: Yokai

Festival T-Shirts

MTC: 2nd Floor

Festival T-Shirts will be located this year on the 2nd floor lobby of the Midwest Trust Center.

CapFed Vendor Booths

RC: 1st Floor

Shop vendor booths and get information from local organizations.

Yokai Hunt

Yōkai Hunt

Pick up a passport at the info table and enjoy collecting 12 Yōkai Stamps at various locations throughout the festival. Hint: look for red and white lanterns!

Yukata and Kimono Kitsuke Portraits

MTC: 1st Floor

Volunteers will dress you in authentic Kimono or Yukata and take your picture with your camera/phone in front of a Japanese Backdrop.

Oriental Supermarket

Oriental Supermarket

MTC: 2nd Floor

MTC 219 • 2ND FLOOR Packaged Japanese snacks and treats will be available. Get a little taste of the fun and variety of modern Japan. Often, it’s unlike anything you’ve […]

Taiko Drum, crafted in Kansas City by Hidden Ninja Taiko.

Locally Hand-Crafted Taiko Drum

MTC: 1st Floor

Classified as a Nagado/Chu-Daiko, this Taiko Drum was crafted here in Kansas City by Hidden Ninja Taiko and follows the traditions of the Japanese Taiko builders.

Opening Ceremony

MTC: Yardley Hall

The 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.

Meditation Workshop

MTC: 2nd Floor

In this workshop, we will explore the basics of Zen meditation and how to practice it.

Japan Foundation’s Marugoto Course Books

MTC: 1st Floor

Come 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.

Tea Ceremony Demonstration at the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival

Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Omote Senke

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Experience 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.

Three Trails Taiko Performance

MTC: Yardley Hall

Three 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.

Visualizing the Invisible: Hokusai, Yokai, Manga

Visualizing the Invisible: Hokusai, Yokai, & Manga

MTC: 2nd Floor

Hokusai, famed for his iconic print Under the Wave off Kanagawa (often called the Great Wave), was much more than a master of landscapes. He also delved into the mystical realms of yōkai.

Shakuhachi Workshop

Shakuhachi Workshop

GEB: 2nd Floor

Learn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.

Sojutsu Workshop

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

This workshop features Sōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).

Aikido Workshop – Aikijuku Dojo

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

Fun with Japanese for Kids 2

MTC: 1st Floor

This is a continuation of Fun with Japanese 1. In these workshops, kids will learn to say various everyday phrases, how to read some basic Japanese, and learn some Hiragana all through fun activities.

A Look at Japanese Game Shows on American Television

MTC: 1st Floor

In 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.

Kanji Made Easy

MTC: 1st Floor

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.

Origami Workshop

Beginners Origami Workshop

GEB: 2nd Floor

Fold and build the simple – bit impressive – Sonobe cube. No complicated squash, rabbit ear, or petal folds are involved!

Yokai in Anime & Manga

MTC: 2nd Floor

Andrea Thimesch will help audiences explore the frequency of Yokai appearances in anime and manga that may have gone unnoticed.

Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke, Demonstrated by Yuri, Asuka and Hitoshi Iijima

Tea Ceremony Demonstration – Edo-senke

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Attendees will have the opportunity to witness, and several attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

Kendo Workshop

Kendo Workshop

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

Learn the martial art of Kendo in this outdoor workshop, using a bamboo sword called a shinai.

Aikido Workshop – Zanshin Aikido School

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

Fun with Japanese for Kids 1

MTC: 1st Floor

In this beginning workshop, kids will learn to say various everyday phrases and how to read some basic Japanese, all through fun activities.

Zack Davisson

A Brief History of Yōkai

MTC: 2nd Floor

From Godzilla to Pokemon, Japan is monster country. All of Japan’s monsters have their roots in the bizarre menagerie of the creatures called “Yokai”.

Tessenjutsu - Martial Arts Fan Workshop

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).

Karate Workshop

Misogi-Ryu Karate Workshop

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

This workshop will introduce the martial art of Karate as a method of self-defense.

Kimono Demonstration

Kimono for all Occasions

MTC: 2nd Floor

Learn all about the traditional Japanese Kimono, including steps involved in dressing and wearing various kinds of kimono for different occasions including men’s formal kimono.

Kirigami Workshop

GEB: 2nd Floor

Learn Kirigami, a variation of origami, in which the paper is cut as well as folded. This results in a 3-D design that stands away from the page.

Aikido Workshop – AiShinKan Aikido

OCB: Fountain Square (outside)

This outdoor martial art workshop showcases Aikido techniques, practicing defensive moves that are applied by trying to harmoniously get in tune with the attacker’s efforts.

Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dance Club

Yosakoi Dance Club Performance

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Yosakoi is a unique style of dance that is highly energetic, combining traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.

J.M. “Tora” Lawson

Evolution of the Samurai

GEB: 2nd Floor

Mr. Lawson will discuss the evolution of Samurai culture and how it has survived into the modern era.

bonsai

Miniature Trees: An Introduction to the Ancient Art of Bonsai

SC: 1st Floor

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.

Introduction to Reading Japanese

MTC: 1st Floor

Come to this workshop and venture into the world of written Japanese whether you are a student or just curious.

Bill Tsutsui

Kaiju, Character Goods, Pokemon in the World of Yōkai

MTC: 2nd Floor

Dr. Bill Tsutsui, renowned Japanese history scholar, will explore how “commercial monsters” created by Japanese corporations since WWII fit within Japan’s rich heritage of folkloric creatures and spirits.

Children's Mikoshi Parade

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.

Calligraphy Demonstration

MTC: 2nd Floor

A live performance of Japanese calligraphy using brush and ink.

Tanka Workshop

Tanka Workshop

GEB: 2nd Floor

Learn the art of Tanka, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines.

Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dance Club

Yosakoi Dance Workshop

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Enjoy trying the Yosakoi style of dance, which is highly energetic and combines traditional Japanese dance movements with modern music.

Kaibyou - Supernatural Cats of Japan

Kaibyou – Supernatural Cats of Japan

MTC: 2nd Floor

Davisson’s presentation, like his book, will illuminate the vast realm of kaibyo, or supernatural cats, with historical and modern cultural context.

Taiko Workshop

Taiko Workshop

MTC: Yardley Hall

Learn all about Taiko drumming from the experts, members of Denver Taiko. This is a hands-on workshop for those wanting to learn the basics of Taiko drumming.

Kansas City Japanese Choir Himawari

RC: 1st Floor

Himawari is a local choral group in which members enjoy experiencing Japanese culture and tradition through singing Japanese songs.

Introduction to Martial Arts

MTC: Polsky Theatre

An introduction to Martial Arts demonstrations being given at the festival. 

Martial Arts Demonstrations at the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival

Kendo Demonstration

MTC: Polsky Theatre

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.

Leveling Up! Intermediate Origami

GEB: 2nd Floor

In this intermediate origami workshop, you will learn how to fold a simple dragon and be introduced to more complicated folds.

Yokai Panel Discussion

Yokai Panel Discussion

MTC: 2nd Floor

Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about Yokai? This is your chance to ask the experts!

Rakugo – Japanese Comedy

MTC: 1st Floor

Rakugo 落語 is a traditional form of Japanese verbal comedy commonly staged in theaters.

Kenjutsu Demonstration

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Kenjutsu-Marishiten-kai Martial Arts Demonstration.

Aikido Demonstration by Aikijuku Dojo

Aikido Demonstration – Aikijuku Dojo

MTC: Polsky Theatre

A demonstration of the techniques in Aikido, containing mostly blocks, locks and takedowns by the proper use of grappling techniques.

Karate Demonstration

MTC: Polsky Theatre

A demonstration of the martial art Karate. 

Sojutsu Demonstration

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Sōjutsu (槍術), meaning “art of the spear”, is the Japanese martial art of fighting with a Japanese spear (槍, yari).

Yokai Parade

Yōkai Parade

MTC: Courtyard (outside)

Join the mystical magic of the Yokai Parade at the KC Japan Festival, where everyone is invited to embrace their inner demon!

Iaido Demonstration

MTC: Polsky Theatre

A demonstration of the martial art of Iaido.

Kizuna Friendship Group

Kizuna Friendship Group: Obon Dance

MTC: Yardley Hall

Kizuna showcases authentic Japanese culture at local events through performances, obon dances, tea ceremonies, and showing people how to wear yukata.

Naka-Kon Cosplay Parade

Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest

MTC: Polsky Theatre

Come to Polsky Theatre and enjoy a Cosplay Fashion Show and Contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners.