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.

2024 Japanese Fall Festival

Springfield Sister Cities Association, in partnership with the Springfield- Greene County Park Board, proudly presents the 28th Japanese Fall Festival at the beautiful Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in Springfield, Mo.

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Hours and Admission

Tickets available at the gate only; cash or card accepted.

Fri., Sept. 6	5 p.m.-10 p.m.	$9/adult	$4/child ages 3-12
Sat., Sept. 7	11 a.m.-10 p.m.	$14/adult	$4/child ages 3-12
Sun., Sept. 8	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.

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Location

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 – 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 Ave., from Battlefield Rd., and make a right turn into the park. To exit the park, vehicles may only turn right onto Scenic Ave., northbound to Sunshine St. Please plan your trip accordingly, and thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Performers

Zoomadanke

Zoomadanke of Tokyo, Japan, is an internationally acclaimed duo that blends their mastery of kendama (a traditional Japanese cup and ball toy) with dance and music to create a pioneering style of performance.

zoomadanke.com

Candy 5

Candy 5 is an amezaiku (candy sculpture) artist. 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.

Candy 5’s demonstrations will take place at the Japanese Culture Tent.

Seiran Chiba

Seiran Chiba is a world-renowned large-scale Japanese calligraphy (shodo) artist from Fukushima, Japan. She revolutionized the art of shodo by taking it outside and then by using it as therapy, particularly for survivors of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Her modern approach is inspired by hope and peace.

seiran-c.net

Uzumaru

Uzumaru is a Yosakoi dance team from San Jose’s Japantown. Yosakoi is a traditional Japanese dance style that blends traditional Japanese choreography with modern and folk music. It is performed at festivals and events across Japan, typically by large teams.

uzumaru.wixsite.com/website

Yasu Ishida

Yasu Ishida is a magician and storyteller originally from Ube, Japan. He combines traditional Japanese theatre, music, origami, magic and storytelling to bring the enchanting land of Japan to his audiences. He is also serving as the festival’s main emcee!

yasutheatre.com

St. Louis Osuwa Taiko

Osuwa Taiko was founded in 1986 by Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi of Suwa, Japan, St. Louis’ sister city. They perform Japanese ensemble drumming on large drums (taiko) to promote and preserve the art and foster cultural understanding. Children’s workshop to be announced!

stltaiko.com

Kizuna Japan America Friendship Group

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.

Tracy's Kenpo Karate

Tracy’s Kenpo Karate is Springfield’s original, authentic, and traditional Japanese martial arts (kenpo) studio. Chief instructor Anthony Verburgt is a ninth-degree black belt and a direct student of Great Grandmaster Al Tracy. All ages are welcome to participate in their workshop on Sat. or Sun. at 2pm. Pre-register at the souvenir market or at the link coming soon.

tracyskenpo.net

Springfield Cosplay

Springfield Cosplay was formed during the 2015 Japanese Fall Festival and works to connect cosplayers of all ages and skill levels. Costume role play (cosplay) is an art that originated in Japan. Stop by their tent to learn more about their activities throughout the year.

facebook.com/sgfcosplay

KiRa-KiRa Springfield

KiRa-KiRa Springfield is a local cosplay (costume role play) group which performs cover dance routines, particularly dance routines from the popular Japanese series, Love Live!

facebook.com/kirakiraspringfield

Molly Healey

Molly Healey is a looping violinist, cellist, guitarist, pianist, and singer-songwriter from Springfield, Mo. Molly was selected by Springfield Sister Cities to serve as Springfield’s musical ambassador in our Japanese sister city, Isesaki, this September. Learn more and donate to Molly’s trip expenses at peacethroughpeople.org/molly.

MollyHealey.com

Dallas Jones

Dallas Jones is a native of the Ozarks and a prolific musician with eight studio albums and more than 300 original songs. His music is inspired by his life experiences, his love for nature, and his passion for storytelling. He was selected to serve as Springfield’s musical ambassador in our Japanese sister city, Isesaki, in September 2023.

Performance Schedule

Friday

5:00pm	Welcoming Remarks
5:15pm	Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
5:40pm	Opening Ceremony \| Welcome to SPS Ambassadors
6:05pm	St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
6:20pm	Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
6:35pm	Yasu Ishida, magic storyteller
6:55pm	Uzumaru, ensemble Yosakoi dancers
7:25pm	Zoomadanke, Kendama acrobats
7:55pm	St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
8:30pm	Summer Magic, costume role play dancers

Saturday

11:35am	Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
11:55am	Yasu Ishida, magic storyteller
12:15pm	Tracy’s Kenpo Karate, martial arts demonstrators
1:00pm	Molly Healey, local musician traveling to Isesaki in September
1:55pm	Uzumaru, ensemble Yosakoi dancers
2:30pm	Zoomadanke, Kendama acrobats
3:05pm	St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
3:55pm	Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
4:25pm	Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
5:10pm	Magic Beats, costume role play dancers
5:40pm	Uzumaru, ensemble Yosakoi dancers
6:30pm	Zoomadanke, Kendama acrobats
7:20pm	St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
7:55pm	KiRa-KiRa Springfield, costume role play dancers
8:30pm	Pre-Show for Hatsune Miku hologram concert
8:45pm	Hatsune Miku hologram concert

Sunday

11:35am	Springfield Cosplay, costume role play demonstrators
12:05pm	Seiran Chiba, large-scale calligrapher
12:35pm	Tracy’s Kenpo Karate, martial arts demonstrators
1:20pm	Uzumaru, ensemble Yosakoi dancers
1:55pm	Zoomadanke, Kendama acrobats
2:30pm	St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, ensemble drummers
3:05pm	Dallas Jones, local musician who performed in Isesaki in 2023
3:55pm	Kizuna, traditional dance demonstrators
4:40pm	KiRa-KiRa Springfield, costume role play dancers
5:10pm	Community Cosplay Showcase organized by Springfield Cosplay
5:55pm	Festival 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.

Traditional Tea Ceremonies

Participate in a traditional tea ceremony led by Hiromi Elliston of Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club. The ceremonies take place in the Stroll Garden’s tea house. Tickets are very limited and must be purchased in person on the same day as the ceremony.

Fee: $15/person; cash or card
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday, 12:30pm and 2pm

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.

Fee: $5/drink; cash or card
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday, Noon-3pm

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. Limited availability.

Fee: $5/try on; cash or card
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday, 11:30am-12:30pm and 1:30pm-3pm

Workshops

Kintsugi Workshop ($60/piece)

Saturday at 11:30am or 4pm; Sunday at 11:30am or 3pm
2.5 hours

Kintsugi is the ancient Japanese art of mending broken ceramic vessels with gold. Learn the basic processes and spend time reflecting as you mend a hand-crafted tea bowl to take home.

Instructor: Kurt Caddy

Ikebana Workshop ($40/arrangement)

Saturday at 12:30pm
1 hour

Gain basic understanding of the Japanese art of flower arranging. Discover some of the tricks and tools for arranging stems, leaves, and flowers in ways that may seem to defy gravity. Create and keep a fresh flower arrangement of your own design along with all the necessary tools.

Instructor: Katie Keith is the coordinator for the Springfield Botanical Gardens. She has a master’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design from the University of Tennessee. 20 years of experience in the public garden field. She has studied floral design with the Springfield Council of Federated Garden Clubs.

Amezaiku Workshop ($30/person)

Saturday or Sunday at 2pm
1 hour
Workshop takes place at the Botanical Center; meet at the festival front gate at 1:45pm 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.

Baduanjin Workshop ($10/person)

Saturday or Sunday at 2pm
45 minutes

Baduanjin is primarily designated as a form of qigong, meant to improve health. The name generally refers to how the eight individual movements of the form characterize and impart a silken quality (like that of a piece of brocade) to the body and its energy.

The class is presented by Anthony Verburgt, son-in-law of Shan, Chuan Ming, past instructor at the Purple Blossom Park in Beijing, China.

Kokedama Workshop ($45/ball)

Saturday or Sunday at 2pm
1 hour

Kokedama translates to “moss ball” in Japanese. A kokedama is a living plant in its own ball of soil, wrapped in moss and held together with string. A typical house plant can be transformed into a sculptured art form and display piece for your home or office. Kokedama balls can be hung from string or wire, placed on a tray of rocks, or set on a piece of bark or driftwood.

Learn the history of kokedama and get your hands dirty as you craft your own unique 3-4in moss ball to enjoy for years to come!

Instructor Brandon Fear is co-owner of The Plant Room, Springfield’s one-stop house plant shop that also features the work of 40+ local artists.

Bonsai Workshop ($60/tree)

Saturday at 11am or 3pm; Sunday at 12:30pm
1 hour

Learn the Japanese art of training miniature trees from members of the Ozarks Bonsai Society. Many members of this society participate in national bonsai competitions.

Wagashi Workshop ($20/person)

Saturday or Sunday at 3pm
1 hour
Workshop takes place at the Botanical Center; meet at the festival front gate at 2:45pm for a shuttle.

Learn the intricate techniques of crafting traditional Japanese confections made from ingredients like rice flour and sweet beans. The sweets are delicious as well as beautiful and are associated with tea ceremonies and special occasions. The history of wagashi dates back to the 6th century.

Instructor Noriyuki Kamiyama is among Japan’s most artistic wagashi makers. His creations reflect the traditions of the art and a chance for visitors to experience this extraordinary aspect of Japanese culture.

Workshop registration does not include the price of festival admission.

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

Cosplay

Cosplay Day is Sunday, September 8; 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 6 and 7, 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 FORM

Vend

Vendor applications are welcome; proposed booths must be authentic to Japanese culture for consideration. The priority deadline to apply is Friday, July 12.

VENDOR INFORMATION

Sponsorships

Help bring this cultural event to the community and take advantage of its high visibility! Pledge by Wed., July 17 for guaranteed inclusion in print materials.

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

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About

The Japanese Fall Festival is a celebration of authentic Japanese culture highlighting Springfield’s 38-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.

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