Kids play with toy swords during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026.

Sumo wrestlers pose for a picture with a family outside at the JCCC courtyard during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026

Couples sharing food at the JCCC cafeteria during the Japan festival on October 3rd, 2026

-Manahil Fatima

Ethen Cook, a game design major, and his younger cousin Liam Cook at the end of their game of Go, a game that has challenged humans and machines into creative thinking for nearly 3000 years, at the JCCC Japan Festival on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. 

Sensei John Hileman, Japanese Karate Academy establisher, lets JCCC Japan Festival participants practice elbow strikes at his martial arts demonstration on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

-Mya Roberts

A girl plays the Senbonbiki string pulling game during the Japan Festival at Johnson County Community College on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

Two festival workers stand at their station during the Japan Festival at Johnson County Community College on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

A girl practices kendo during the Japan Festival at Johnson County Community College on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026.

–Jordan Soltz

This Riidā teaches her curious pupils how to play nagadō-daiko, a large Japanese drum played with bachi sticks. Excited in the event, they were fervent in learning how to play. 

–Bryce Vincik