Anime, aikido, candy art and more: Kansas City’s Japan Festival is back in person this year

Joseph Hernandez
RICH SUGG / The Kansas City Star

Believe it; the Greater Kansas City Japan Festival is back in-person at Johnson County Community College for the first time since 2019. The festival was canceled due to COVID-19 in 2020, and 2021’s edition was virtual.

The one-day event happens Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 12345 College Blvd. in Overland Park. You’ll see Japanese musical performances, enjoy traditional foods, exhibits and more.

You can get tickets to the festival here:

  • Adults: $15

  • Students in high school and college: $10 with proper ID

  • Children 6 to 13: $5

  • Children 5 and under: Free

WHAT CAN I SEE AT THE FESTIVAL?

Festival organizers have put together a wide variety of entertainment for people to enjoy. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture throughout the day by checking out what’s on site. Check out a sample of what you can see below and look at the full schedule here:

Aikido Workshop - 11 a.m. to noon

Aikido is a fighting technique containing mostly blocks, locks and takedowns. These techniques are mostly defensive and you can learn how to apply some in the Outside Plaza at Johnson County Community College’s campus.

An aikido demonstration takes place from 4 to 4:15 p.m. at the Polsky Theatre.

Japanese game show discussion 2 to 3 p.m.

Joshua Murphy, a historian who’s studied Japanese game shows for over a decade, will look at how game shows have impacted 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 in room 338 in the Midwest Trust Center building.

Aya Uchida and Jo Yamanaka - 2:45 to 3:15 p.m. and 5 to 5:30 p.m.

Japanese pop artist Aya Uchida comes back to Kansas City for two live performances in Yardley Hall. The music videos for her songs “Long Road” and “MAHALO~ALOHA” were performed in Kansas City.

Guitarist Jo Yamanaka joins Uchida for both performances.

Japanese Candy Art - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.

Watch candy artist Miyuki Sugimori shape candy material into flowers and animals by blowing air into it. She finishes sculpting the candy by shaping it with her fingers and using scissors.

You can watch Sugimori craft all types of creatures and floral designs in room 211 of the Midwest Trust Center building.

Japanese Hina Doll display - all-day

Japanese traditional dolls are known as “Ningyo” in Japan, which means human shape. There are various types of Japanese dolls, and one type is the Hinanatsuri, used for festival celebrations.

A traditional Hinanatsuri doll set is on display at the festival this year in the Midwest Trust Center building in room 107.

From 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., watch these anime films in room 331 in the Midwest Trust Center building:

  • 10:30 a.m: Bananya

  • 11 a.m: Hakumei and Mikochi

  • Noon: Chihayafuru TV Season 1

  • 1 p.m: Belle

  • 3 p.m: Magic Knight Rayearth

  • 4 p.m:Gourmet Girl Graffiti

  • 5 p.m: Kabukibu

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