2026 Uptown Matsuri Festival - Saturday, Nov 7th from 11am to 4pm

Celebrate Japanese culture with us on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11 AM – 4 PM at Uptown Market on the Independence Square!

Enjoy live performances by Three Trails Taiko, Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dancers, and the Glendale Elementary Japanese Club. Explore cultural booths, hands-on workshops, and demonstrations featuring the KC Kendo Club, Miho Kawashita of the Japan Outreach Initiative, Aki Clothing, Yukari KC, Erika Sekata, and more!

Experience food, crafts, music, and hands-on activities for all ages.

Location

Independence Uptown Market 211 W Truman Rd, Independence, MO 64050

Tentative Schedule of Events

11:10 — Opening Ceremony with Three Trails Taiko

11:30 — Glendale Elementary Japanese Club

12:30 — KC Kendo Club demonstration & workshop with Kurokami Sensei and Drakey Sensei

1:30 — Three Trails Taiko workshop

2:00 — Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dancers

2:45 — Sister City Student Delegate presentation

3:15 — [OPEN SLOT — second workshop or vendor spotlight]

3:45 — Closing Ceremony and remarks

Schedule subject to change.

Vendor Lineup List

**Vendor lineup in progress — more to be announced and subject to change

Artists & Makers

Aki Clothing — Japanese clothing and apparel, founded by a Japanese artist based in Kansas City
Erika Sekata — Local artist
Keiko Furoshiki Fabric Gift Wrapping — Traditional Japanese fabric gift wrapping
Blooming Ohana Garden — Handmade crafts
Isoko Durbin — Japanese-language book author; translation and books

Shops & Collectibles

Taiyaki Collectibles — Gachapon capsule toy machines
Level One Game Shop — Kansas City's board game and tabletop store
Gamers Getaway KC
Game Cafe
Yoki-Store

Cultural & Community Organizations

Miho Kawashita — Japan Outreach Initiative; origami and cultural activities
Yukari KC — Kansas City Japanese community organization
Heart of America Japan America Society
Heartland JETAA — Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme Alumni Association
Naka-Kon — 501(c)(3) hosting a three-day convention celebrating Japanese culture
University of Kansas Center for East Asian Studies
Mid-Continent Public Library

Independence Japan Sister City Committee

Sister City Exchange Info Table — Student exchange, host family, and committee information
Sister City Bazaar Table — Japanese goods; proceeds support the exchange program