Greater KC Japan Festival

Kansas City Japan Festival
2024 Theme: Yōkai & Japanese Folklore

Yokai, those enigmatic beings of Japanese folklore, have long danced at the edges of human understanding, offering whispered explanations for the inexplicable. Picture them lurking in the shadowy corners of desolate mountain pathways, their presence invoked to rationalize the eerie whispers and inexplicable sensations that haunt travelers. Yet, their influence stretches far beyond mere ghost stories; these spectral denizens inhabit the very fabric of Japan’s rural landscapes, weaving themselves into the tapestry of its folklore. From quaint countryside hamlets to bustling towns, yokai lurk just behind the veil of what is real, their myriad forms inspiring generations of imaginative tales and cautionary whispers.

Tickets available now!

SPECIAL YOKAI THEMED ACTIVITIES
Traditional Japanese dance performances (Nihon Buyou) about a fox spirit, yokai lecture series, plus a yokai parade through the festival.
CULTURAL WORKSHOPS
Learn origami, taiko drumming, calligraphy, martial arts, Japanese language, and kintsugi (the art of repairing broken pottery) from the experts.
FASCINATING LECTURES
Dive into fascinating topics like the history of Yokai, Godzilla, Candy Art, and more.
COSPLAY CONTEST & PARADE
Participate in a yokai-themed cosplay contest and parade.
EXCITING PERFORMANCES
Enjoy traditional Japanese dancing and singing, comedy storytelling (Rakugo) martial arts demonstrations, and Taiko drumming!
JAPANESE FOOD
Savor delicious offerings from food vendors and the oriental supermarket.
KIDS ACTIVITIES
Fun activities and traditional Japanese games for children, craft shop, origami kits, shopping booths, and more.
EXHIBITS & DISPLAYS
Ikebana, Bonsai, Samurai armor, kimonos, and Japanese dolls.