Japanese Fall Festival
The Japanese Fall Festival is a celebration of authentic Japanese culture highlighting Springfield’s sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan (formed in 1986). Each year, a delegation of Isesaki citizens travels to Springfield to contribute to the festival through demonstrations and interactions with attendees.
The 2026 Festival will take place Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13.
This year will be special as SSCA celebrates the 30th annual festival and 40 years since the beginning of our relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Watch here for updates!
2025 Japanese Fall Festival
Springfield Sister Cities Association, in partnership with the Springfield- Greene County Park Board, proudly presents the 29th Japanese Fall Festival at the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, Mo.
The 2025 headliner is Samurai Sword Soul, a New York-based theater company that demonstrates traditional Japanese sword fighting in contemporary and artistic performances mixing comedy, drama and thrilling techniques.
Hours and Admission
Tickets available at the gate only; cash or card accepted.
| Fri., Sept. 5 | 5 p.m.-10 p.m. | $9/adult | $4/child ages 3-12 |
| Sat., Sept. 6 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | $14/adult | $4/child ages 3-12 |
| Sun., Sept. 7 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | $9/adult | $4/child ages 3-12 or person in cosplay |
Pets welcome! Standard park rules apply.
MEMBERS GET IN FREE
Members of Springfield Sister Cities Association receive free entry all weekend. An annual membership ranges in price from $10 for a student to $60 for a family. Join/renew and view additional membership benefits at the link below.
BECOME A MEMBERLocation
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden
Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park
2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.
Parking
Park staff will guide you to a parking space that may or may not be paved. Please alert them of any mobility concerns and they will park you as close to the entrance as possible.
Traffic Notes:
No Left Turns
To minimize traffic congestion during the festival, left turns will not be allowed to enter or exit Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. To enter the park, vehicles must arrive northbound on Scenic Avenue, from Battlefield Road and make a right turn into the park. To exit the park, vehicles may only turn right onto Scenic Avenue, northbound to Sunshine Street. Please plan your trip accordingly, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Sunshine Street Closure
Starting Aug. 4, West Sunshine Street will close between Kansas Expressway and Scenic Avenue for about four months, as the Missouri Department of Transportation replaces the bridge over the railroad tracks. The intersection of Scenic and Sunshine remains open. Some park users may have to adjust their route to and from Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. See the map below.
More Performers
Yasu Ishida, a magician and storyteller originally from Ube, Japan, will return as the festival’s main emcee. He combines traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic and storytelling to bring the enchanting land of Japan to his audiences.
Seiran Chiba is bringing her world-renowned, large-scale calligraphy back to the festival this year from her home in Fukushima, Japan, where her modern approach is inspired by hope and peace.
Kizuna is a local group that works to create bonds (Kizuna) between Japanese and American cultures. They’re available to facilitate Japanese culture workshops on a variety of topics throughout the year. You can also find them leading the festival’s tea café, tea ceremonies, and yukata try-on tent.
BENTENYA, Japanese Chindon Girls from Aichi, will join the festival as part of their travels along Route 66 to meet people, introduce Japanese culture, and perform music.
This year’s festival will showcase two groups – one returning and one new – that practice the ancient style of Japanese drumming.
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko
St. Louis Osuwa Taiko is a community-driven ensemble that celebrates the Japanese art of taiko through education and performance.
Peaceful Forest
This family of five is on a quest to perform at 1,000 places in the United States over five years. Father Takimo trained with Kato Kodo, a renowned Japanese drumming group based in Sado City, Niigata Prefecture.
Miyuki, known as Candy 5, was the world’s first female Japanese candy artist. Her Amezaiku candy-making shows, a 300-year-old art form, are both entertaining and edible.
Students from Tsuda University in Tokyo will make their festival debut to demonstrate the traditional martial art of Japanese archery.
The fourth-generation owner of Kadoya, his family’s sweet shop in Koriyama City, Noriyuki continues its tradition of
award-winning wagashi—beautiful handmade confections crafted from sweet bean paste.
Springfield favorites KiRi KiRi, MoonDance Magic and Summer Magic perform popular cover dance routines in the artform of cosplay, which originated in Japan.
Springfield Cosplay will host a hologram show on Saturday and host its own showcase on Sunday, when the festival admission includes a discount for those dressed for cosplay.
This year’s musical ambassador to Isesaki’s City Festival is singer songwriter Joe Dillstrom, who is influenced by classic American genres.
Full Performance Schedule
Friday, September 5 | 5-10 p.m.
Stage Performances:
5:10 p.m. Welcoming Remarks
5:20 p.m. Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
5:50 p.m. Opening Ceremony | Welcome to SPS Ambassadors
6:10 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
6:25 p.m. Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
6:40 p.m. Yasu Ishida, magic storyteller
7:00 p.m. Bentenya, ensemble Chindon performers
7:25 p.m. Samurai Sword Soul, Japanese sword theater performers
8:00 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
Saturday, September 6 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Stage Performances:
11:20 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
11:30 a.m. KiRa-KiRa Springfield, costume role-play dancers
12:00 p.m. Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
12:20 p.m. Yasu Ishida, magic storyteller
12:40 p.m. Ky?d?, Japanese archery college students from Tokyo
12:45 p.m. Tracy’s Kenpo Karate, martial arts demonstrators
1:30 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
2:20 p.m. Bentenya, ensemble Chindon performers
2:45 p.m. Samurai Sword Soul, Japanese sword theater performers
3:10 p.m. Kyudo, Japanese archery college students from Tokyo
3:20 p.m. Yasu Ishida, magic storyteller
3:40 p.m. Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
4:10 p.m. Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
4:55 p.m. Forest of Nukumori, traveling ensemble taiko performers
5:30 p.m. Bentenya, ensemble Chindon performers
6:05 p.m. Samurai Sword Soul, Japanese sword theater performers
7:00 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
7:40 p.m. MoonMagic Dance, costume role-play dancers
7:55 p.m. Summer Magic, costume role-play dancers
8:30 p.m. Hologram Concert Pre-Show
8:45 p.m. Hatsune Miku Hologram Concert
Sunday, September 7 | 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Stage Performances:
11:20 a.m. Welcoming Remarks
11:30 a.m. Springfield Cosplay, costume role-play organization
12:00 p.m. Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
12:20 p.m. Kyudo, Japanese archery college students from Tokyo
12:25 p.m. Tracy’s Kenpo Karate, martial arts demonstrators
1:10 p.m. Joe Dillstrom, traveling musician to Isesaki Festival 2025
2:00 p.m. St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
2:40 p.m. Bentenya, ensemble Chindon performers
3:05 p.m. Samurai Sword Soul, Japanese sword theater performers
3:45 p.m. Forest of Nukumori, traveling ensemble taiko performers
4:20 p.m. Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
5:00 p.m. Springfield Cosplay, community cosplay showcase
5:55 p.m. Closing Remarks
Isesaki Delegates
Springfield’s Japanese sister city, Isesaki, sends delegates to participate in the festival each year. Stop by the culture tent to meet them and learn what they have to share about their culture!
Delegate and host list to be announced.
Interested in hosting? Click here to learn more!
Activities
In addition to numerous vendor and artisan booths featuring wares authentic to Japanese culture, guests will enjoy the Nihon bunka taiken tent (Japanese culture experience tent), the omiyage and dagashi tents (souvenirs and snacks tents), and concessions.
The festival offers cultural opportunities geared toward children including an activity area featuring traditional Japanese games and crafts led by Japanese language students from Kickapoo High School. These opportunities end by dusk each evening.
Friday, Sept. 5 Activities:
All Day Story Walk: Sadako’s Cranes
6:00 p.m. Bring-Your-Own-Bonsai Workshop (3 hrs) – pre-registration required
Dusk Candlelight Walk and Wishing Lanterns
Saturday, Sept. 6 Activities:
Pre-register here for Workshops
All Day Story Walk: Sadako’s Cranes
11:00 a.m. Bonsai Workshop (3 hrs) – pre-registration required
11:30 a.m. Kintsugi Workshop (2.5 hrs) – pre-registration required
11:30 a.m. Yukata Try-On (until 12:30 p.m.)
12:00 p.m. Tea Café (until 3 p.m.)
1:00 p.m. Kyudo – Japanese Archery Demonstration
1:15 p.m. Calligraphy Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
1:30 a.m. Yukata Try-On (until 3 p.m.)
2:00 p.m. Ikebana Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
2:00 p.m. Kokedama Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
2:30 p.m. Wagashi Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
3:00 p.m. Bonsai Workshop (3 hrs) – pre-registration required
3:30 p.m. Kyudo – Japanese Archery Demonstration
3:45 p.m. Candy Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
4:00 p.m. Kintsugi Workshop (2.5 hrs) – pre-registration required
Dusk Candlelight Walk and Wishing Lanterns
Sunday, Sept. 7 Activities:
Pre-register here for Workshops
All Day Story Walk: Sadako’s Cranes
11:30 a.m. Kintsugi Workshop (2.5 hrs) – pre-registration required
11:30 a.m. Yukata Try-On (until 12:30 p.m.)
12:00 p.m. Tea Café (until 3 p.m.)
12:30 p.m. Bonsai Workshop (3 hrs) – pre-registration required
1:00 p.m. Kyudo – Japanese Archery Demonstration
1:15 p.m. Calligraphy Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
1:30 p.m. Yukata Try-On (until 3 p.m.)
2:00 p.m. Kokedama Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
2:30 p.m. Wagashi Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
3:00 p.m. Kintsugi Workshop (2.5 hrs) – pre-registration required
3:30 p.m. Kyudo – Japanese Archery Demonstration
3:45 p.m. Candy Workshop (1 hr) – pre-registration required
Traditional Tea Ceremonies
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer tea ceremonies this year.
Tea Cafe
Purchase a hot or cold serving of the same matcha tea that is served in traditional tea ceremonies. Brought to you by Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club.
Schedule and Fee information to be announced.
Yukata Try-On
Choose from a variety of cotton kimonos to try on with assistance. Led by Mika Logan of Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club.
Open on Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 1:30 to 3 p.m.
Cost is $5 per try on; cash or card accepted.
Workshops
Saturday or Sunday at 3:45 p.m.
1 hour
Workshop takes place at the Botanical Center; meet at the festival front gate at 3:30 p.m. for a shuttle.
Amezaiku is the ancient Japanese art of candy making. Learn how to mold hot candy into intricate shapes before it hardens from instructor Candy 5.
Taught by candy artist Sir Takeo Kimura in 1994, Candy 5 is the first Japanese female candy artist in the 300 years of the history of candy art. From 1996 to 2013, she performed candy art at the Japan Pavilion at Disney World’s Epcot. In 2017, she moved to New York, and today, she performs at events, parties, and Japanese festivals worldwide.
Workshop registration does not include the price of festival admission.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATIONCosplay
Cosplay Day is Sunday, September 7; come to the festival in your cosplay (costume role play) to receive $4 admission!
Cosplay activities in partnership with Springfield Cosplay to be announced.
Candlelight Walk and Wishing Lanterns
Beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday, September 5 and 6, hundreds of torches light the garden pathways and soft Japanese music fills the air to create a romantic strolling atmosphere. Purchase a wishing lantern and set your dreams afloat on one of the koi ponds.
Volunteer
Hundreds of volunteers are needed to work the Japanese Fall Festival; volunteers receive free entry to the festival on the day of their shift. We welcome volunteers of all ages, but we ask that volunteers ages 15 and younger be accompanied by an adult (both should occupy only one volunteer slot).
VOLUNTEER FORMVendors
Vendor applications are closed. SSCA is delighted to offer a great mix of sweet and savory Japanese-inspired and U.S. food and drink choices. Watch for more information.
Sponsorships
Many thanks to this year’s sponsors! The 2025 Presenting Sponsor is:
Current Sponsors include:
Creative Sound and Music
Help bring this cultural event to the community and take advantage of its high visibility!
| BRONZE $600 | SILVER $1,500 | GOLD $3,000 | PLATINUM $6,000 | PRESENTING $20,000 |
| Name Listing 2 weekend passes 2 food tickets | Small Logo 4 weekend passes 4 food tickets | Medium Logo 8 weekend passes 8 food tickets | Large Logo 10 weekend passes 10 food tickets | Prominent Large Logo 20 weekend passes 20 food tickets |
About
The Japanese Fall Festival is a celebration of authentic Japanese culture highlighting Springfield’s 39-year-old sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Each year, Springfield and Isesaki exchange performers to entertain and share culture at each other’s festivals.
Springfield Sister Cities Association contributes half of the Japanese Fall Festival’s admission proceeds to the maintenance and development of the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, sponsored by Simmons Bank. The remaining proceeds benefit cultural programs which further Springfield Sister Cities Association’s mission of “Peace through People.”
The festival is produced in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board.
For more information regarding the Japanese Fall Festival or Springfield Sister Cities Association, please contact us.