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.
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.
In 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.
Koji Morimoto will show how to balance all aspects of a Japanese garden and explain the techniques and principles of making an outdoor living space.
A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
This ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
In this Zen meditation workshop, we will explore the basics of Zen meditation and how to practice it.
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.
This ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
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.
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.
Learn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
In 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.
A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
In this presentation, Dr. Sarah Aptilon will delve into supernatural beliefs in Japanese culture and their connection to Shinto and Buddhism.
This ticketed workshop offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the intriguing ritual of sadou (the way of tea) as a special guest.
Koji Morimoto will show how to balance all aspects of a Japanese garden and explain the techniques and principles of making an outdoor living space.
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?
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.
In 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.
Learn how to play the Japanese bamboo flute during this workshop with master David Kansuke Wheeler.
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.
A hands-on workshop about Kintsugi 金継ぎ, the ancient Japanese art of repairing broken pottery by mending with powdered gold or other metal.
Throughout the festival, shop artist and merch booths and find information from organizations and sponsors!
T-Shirts, Tenugui, and other KC Japan Festival Merch for sale.
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!
Feast on authentic Japanese foods, snacks, drinks, and other goodies.
Davisson’s presentation, like his book, will illuminate the vast realm of kaibyo, or supernatural cats, with historical and modern cultural context.
In 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.
MTC 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, Zack will explain how Yokai are both the mask and the wearer of them. Many early tales from Noh theater and Buddhist literature featured supernatural […]
During 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.
Participants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
In this fascinating lecture, dancer Asuka Iijima unveils the history, artistry, and cultural significance of the masks featured in her performance of Kagura Musume.
Learn the art of Tanka, a Japanese poem consisting of five lines.
Participants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
This 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.
Participants in this ticketed Japanese Mask workshop will explore the fascinating world of Japanese folklore linked to prominent masks in Japanese culture and stories.
Participants will experience Japanese Yokai Mask Decorating to create their own Kitsune or Yokai Cat.
Is there something you’ve always wanted to know about Yokai? This is your chance to ask the experts!
Participants will experience Japanese Yokai Mask Decorating to create their own Kitsune or Yokai Cat.
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.
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.
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”.
Andrea Thimesch will help audiences explore the frequency of Yokai appearances in anime and manga that may have gone unnoticed.
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.
Find these artist and merch vendors throughout the festival!
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 ever had. View Details and Menus of all Food Vendors on the Food & Refreshments Page. Oriental Supermarket 10336 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS […]