Japanese Fall Festival
Nihon Bunka Taiken (Japanese Culture Experience) Tent
Brought to you by partnership with Kizuna Japan America Friendship Club
Meet delegates visiting from Springfield’s sister city of Isesaki, Japan, and festival performers and artists and try your hand at their Japanese art forms.
Children’s Activity Area
Brought to you by Kazumi Holcomb’s Japanese language classes at Kickapoo High School
Participate in traditional Japanese games and crafts designed for children.
Art Tent
Brought to you by partnership with Springfield Regional Arts Council
Try your hand at gyotaku (the Japanese art of fish printing).
Cosplay (Costume Role Play) Showcase
Brought to you by partnership with Springfield Cosplay
Walk the stage in the Cosplay (costume role play) Showcase on Sunday, September 8 at 4:45 p.m. Cosplayers typically portray characters from Japanese pop culture. All are invited to participate; you may enter the contest (judging takes place throughout the day) or just walk the stage with the contestants in the showcase. Register prior to the festival by e-mailing springfieldcosplay@gmail.com or register during the festival at the Springfield Cosplay booth.
Candlelight Walk
Beginning at dusk on Friday and Saturday, hundreds of torches light the garden pathways and soft Japanese music fills the air to create a romantic strolling atmosphere until 10 p.m.