28th Annual Greater Kansas City Japan Festival

Celebrate Japanese culture at this year's festival, featuring a special focus on sumo wrestling. Watch former professional sumo wrestler Tatsuosho and the Shōgeki Sumo Team perform live demonstrations that showcase the athleticism, history, and ceremonies behind this centuries-old tradition. You'll also enjoy taiko drumming, a sumo panel discussion, and a meet-and-greet opportunity. Beyond the main event, the festival offers something for every family member: traditional music and dance performances, martial arts exhibitions, authentic Japanese food, cultural exhibits, and shopping. Hands-on workshops let kids and adults dive deeper into Japanese traditions. Children can create koinobori wind socks, while families might explore kintsugi pottery repair, calligraphy, Japanese tea ceremony, or woodblock printing. There's also a Yosakoi dance workshop where you can learn energetic traditional movements. With performances running throughout the day and paid workshop options available, you can customize your experience based on what interests your family most. Tickets are now on sale.