SPRINGFIELD, MO. — Springfield Sister Cities Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board proudly present the 28th Japanese Fall Festival, happening Friday-Sunday, Sept. 6-8, 2024, at Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden in the Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park, 2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, Mo.

The Japanese Fall Festival celebrates authentic Japanese culture and highlights Springfield’s 38-year sister city relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Citizens from Isesaki will attend to share their culture and connect with guests.

New this year, 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.

Zoomadanke, Tokyo’s renowned acrobatic Kendama duo, headlines this year’s festival. Known for their dynamic blend of traditional Kendama (wooden cup and ball toy) and modern pop dance, Zoomadanke has captivated audiences worldwide since 2010.

Returning acts include Uzumaru, a Yosakoi dance ensemble from San Jose’s Japantown; Yasu Ishida, a storyteller and magician from Ube, Japan; and Seiran Chiba, a large-scale calligrapher from Fukushima. Other favorite performers include St. Louis Osuwa Taiko ensemble drummers; Kizuna, Springfield’s Japan America friendship club; Tracy’s Kenpo Karate Studios, martial arts demonstrators; Springfield Cosplay costume role play demonstrators; and KiRa-KiRa Springfield cosplay dance team.

Guests may explore numerous vendor and artisan booths, enjoy the Japanese culture experience tent, browse the souvenir market, and eat at the food court. Register for a variety of workshops including wagashi, amezaiku, bonsai, kokedama, ikebana, kintsugi, and martial arts.

Children may enjoy traditional Japanese games and crafts led by Kickapoo High School’s Japanese language students until dusk each evening. 

At dusk on Friday and Saturday, hundreds of torches light the garden pathways, creating a romantic strolling atmosphere with soft Japanese music. Purchase a wishing lantern to set your dreams afloat on one of the koi ponds.

Festival hours are Friday, Sept. 6, 5 p.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 7, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 8, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission is $14 for adults on Saturday and $9 on Friday and Sunday. Children ages 3-12 are $4 any day. Cosplay Day is Sunday, Sept. 8; come in costume for $4 admission.

Members of Springfield Sister Cities receive free entry all weekend. Memberships range from $10 for students to $60 for families. Join and view benefits at peacethroughpeople.org/membership.

Support for the festival is provided by Missouri Arts Council, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Chase, City of Springfield, Mid-Missouri Bank, Neale & Newman, Renewal by Anderson, Leaf Filter, Pinegar Honda and Fisk Transportation. 

Half of the festival’s admission proceeds support the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, sponsored by Simmons Bank. The remaining proceeds benefit Springfield Sister Cities’ cultural programs promoting “Peace Through People.”

For more information, visit peacethroughpeople.org or check the Facebook event. For media inquiries, contact Lisa Bakerink, executive director of Springfield Sister Cities Association, at 417-864-1341; or Jenny Fillmer Edwards, public information administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, at 417-224-5510.

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Springfield Sister Cities Association is a nonprofit organization encouraging goodwill between the people of Springfield, Mo., and its sister cities by creating and promoting opportunities to foster multi-cultural awareness and appreciation. Springfield has sister city relationships with Isesaki, Japan (formed in 1986) and Tlaquepaque, Mexico (formed in 2003).