• Zen Meditation Workshop

    MTC: 2nd Floor

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

  • The Future of Aging: Lessons from Japan and the United States

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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.

  • Poems and Woodblock Prints Workshop

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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.

  • Samurai Armor Up Close: Presentation

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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.

  • Japanese Religion and the Supernatural

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    In this presentation, Dr. Sarah Aptilon will delve into supernatural beliefs in Japanese culture and their connection to Shinto and Buddhism.

  • Godzilla! What you (probably) don’t know

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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?

  • Sumo – More Than a Match: From Ancient Ritual to Modern Ring

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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.

  • Vendor Booths

    RC: 1st Floor +4 more

    Throughout the festival, shop artist and merch booths and find information from organizations and sponsors! 

  • Sumo Stamp Passport

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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!

  • Food Vendors

    COM: 1st Floor +3 more

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

  • 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.

  • Good Luck in Japan

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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.

  • The Human Mask: Yokai and Yurei Wearing Human Faces in Japanese Folklore

    MTC: 2nd Floor

    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 […]

  • Tanka Workshop

    MTC: 2nd Floor

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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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”.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 ever had. View Details and Menus of all Food Vendors on the Food & Refreshments Page.   Oriental Supermarket 10336 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, KS […]