Special Activities
Japanese Candy Art
MIYUKI the Candy Artist
Midwest Trust Center Room 211
11am–2pm, 3pm–5pm, and 6pm–7pm
Miyuki Sugimori is a candy artist and the only female professional who can skillfully shape candy material into flowers and animals by blowing air into it. Ms. Sugimori then finishes the candy by shaping it with her fingers and scissors and colors her creations with edible dye. She has been a favorite at past Japan festivals.
Children’s Mikoshi Parade
The Saturday Kansas City Japanese School
2:30 pm Starting Point: Outside South Door of MTC
A mikoshi is a divine palanquin (also translated as portable Shinto shrine). Shinto followers believe that it serves as the vehicle to transport a deity in Japan while moving between main shrine and temporary shrine during a festival or when moving to a new shrine. Often, the mikoshi resembles a miniature building, with pillars, walls, a roof, a veranda and a railing.
During a matsuri (Japanese festival) involving a mikoshi, people bear the mikoshi on their shoulders by means of two, four (or sometimes, rarely, six) poles. They bring the mikoshi from the shrine, carry it around the neighborhoods that worship at the shrine, and in many cases leave it in a designated area, resting on blocks called uma (horse), for a time before moving it from side to side to “amuse” the deity (kami) inside.
Participating in the parade will be Japanese children carrying the traditional-style festival float and accompanied by taiko performers. Please come to watch and enjoy this traditional Japanese tradition.
The Mikoshi Parade will start outside the south door of the Midwest Trust Center, then proceed to the Regnier Center and on to the cafeteria (Commons Building (COM) then finally come back to the MTC, if good weather.
The Games of Go and Shogi
Steve Woodsmall
Greater Kansas City Go Club (Daniel Gentry)
11:00 am–6:00 pm • MTC 217
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.”
Learn about the game “go” that inspires laughter and anger, love and obsession; that creates and destroys worlds. Based on three simple rules, it is the game that inspired the world-famous series “Hikaru no Go.”
Steve Woodsmall is an international attorney who lived and worked in Japan for 12 years. He learned to play “go” and “shogi” during that time.
Daniel Gentry has played “go” for over 23 years and has achieved a ranking of Shodan. Daniel started playing “go” in 1999 and has taught and promoted “go” at the KC Japan Festival and in the Kansas City area for many years.
One Thousand Paper Cranes
ORIGAMI ACTIVITY
10:00 am–7:00 pm • OCB 248
The crane is a symbol of loyalty, good fortune, honor, and longevity. The patience and commitment to fold 1,000 paper cranes is believed to bring good fortune and a granted wish. Come and visit to fold an origami crane as we collectively try to fold 1,000 on festival day.
Japanese Cultural Village
10:00 am–7:00 pm
Featured again at this year’s festival is the Japanese Cultural Village operated by the Kansas City Japanese School. All proceeds from sales are used to support the Kansas City Japanese School. Young and old attendees will be entertained with many opportunities to experience the “real” Japan here in Kansas City. No babysitting services will be provided. Adult supervision is required for all children ages 10 and under.
KC Japanese School Children’s Games
All Day • MTC 124
Enjoy children’s traditional Japanese games.
Japanese Handmade Craft Bazaar
All Day • MTC 128
Enjoy shopping for beautiful Japanese handicraft items at the “Village” Bazaar including Japanese toys, books and more.
Kansas City Japanese School Activities and Games for Children
All Day • Outside South Door of MTC
More info to come!