Events
Discover and attend our educational presentations and connect with us at festivals and other events!
Embark on a journey of learning by discovering and attending our wide array of enriching educational presentations on the topic of kimono. Whether you’ve never worn kimono before, are just beginning to explore this beautiful Japanese fashion, or have years of experience, our offerings cater to enthusiasts at every stage of their kimono-wearing journey.
Matsuri are Japanese festivals that serve as vibrant gatherings where the local community comes together to celebrate traditions, savor delicious foods, and enjoy lively performances. Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and join us while adorned in kimono, fostering connections and creating lasting memories.
2025
An educational presentation on the topic of kimono.
Are you not really sure how to wear a kimono? Have you been swooning over a particularly beautiful one but wonder if it will fit? Do you just want the alluring sleeves but do not want to take the time to learn to wear a kimono traditionally? This presentation discusses where to start and what to consider when exploring kimono fashion, including traditional kitsuke and fusion fashion. Let’s learn how to transform yourself through the exploration of kimono fashion with Traeonna, The Kimono Kitsune!
Isshocon: Friday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Garden Marquee (Main Events)
An educational presentation on the topic of kimono.
Fusion fashion combines clothing and accessories from two or more different styles (e.g., Lolita+Kimono) or cultures (e.g., Japanese+American) to create a unique look. This fashion presentation is influenced by a Japanese aesthetic while appreciating and respecting the traditions associated with these garments. Fusion fashion is an excellent way to get started in wearing kimono as it may require fewer pieces, can be easier to wear, and utilizes pieces from your existing wardrobe. The spectrum of coordinations will include primarily traditional styles incorporating non-traditional accessories to mostly non-traditional styles incorporating traditional clothing pieces and accessories. For this presentation, kimono, which translates loosely as “a thing to wear,” was originally an umbrella term that covered wide a range of garments worn by Japanese women and men; however, it now is generally understood to be an outer robe (kimono) tied with a wide sash (obi).
Isshocon: Saturday, 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM, Auditorium 1 (Workshop Panel)
An educational presentation on the topic of kimono.
Learn how to tie several simple obi musubi (knot) using a hanhaba (half-width) obi. Possible musubi include chouchou (蝶蝶), bunko (文庫), karuta (カルタ), and more… These musubi for hanhaba obi are suitable for informal (e.g. komon) and casual (e.g. yukata) kimono any time of the year. Bringing your own hanhaba obi is highly encouraged, but not required (availability of lending hanhaba is not guaranteed).
Isshocon: Sunday, 12:00 N – 2:00 PM, Auditorium 1 (Workshop Panel)
An adult educational presentation on the topic of kimono.
From using a tasuki to tie back your sleeves to using a himo to tie up your partner, this presentation explores the many tying skills required for kitsuke (the act and art of wearing kimono), various accessories used to keep yourself bound in this beautiful fashion, and discover the more naughty ways you can use this fashion’s accessories for some bondage amusement.
Indy Rope Expo: Friday, 7:00 PM – 8 PM, Lower Floor
“Not a con(vention)” featuring a maid cafe, music performances, panels, anime viewings, as well as artists and vendors.
Funded by the University of Michigan SOFC and supported by the University of Michigan Center for Japanese Studies. Hosted by Animania, the Japanese Animation Film Society at the University of Michigan (Modern Languages Building, E Washington St @ S Thayer St, Ann Arbor MI), 12:00 N to 8:00 PM. Free admission.
If you are in the Toledo area, why not become a member of the Japanese Association of Toledo? This organization promotes Japanese Culture in American Society and strives to share and exchange ideas and cultures between America and Japan.
Hosted at Arlyn’s Good Beer (520 Hankey Ave, Bowling Green OH), 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Hinamatsuri is a festival also known as Doll Festival or Girl’s Day. This wonderful event features several cultural displays, performances, demonstrations, and even workshops! This year includes a special performance by Bentenya, a lively music group practicing the 150-year-old street art of Chindon.
Sponsored by Japan Cultural Development. Hosted at Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI), 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Festival is free with general admission. General admission is $23.50 for adult non-members, $8.00 for youth non-members, and FREE for museum members and residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
This cherry blossom festival celebrates Japanese culture and customs and features taiko performances, martial arts demonstrations, tap dance, bon-odori, origami, games, calligraphy, ikebana, tea ceremony with tea tasting, Japanese refreshments including sushi, and more!
Organized by the BGSU Japanese Club and the Asian Studies Program. Hosted at Bowling Green State University (Lehard Grand Ballroom, Bowen-Thompson Student Union, Bowling Green OH), 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free Admission.
This Japanese Culture Festival will feature activity booths (kendama, calligraphy, fishing, tossing game, photo booth, origami, etc.), performances (Japanese music, taiko drums, light show, dances, etc.), and Japanese food!
Organized by the Japan Student Association. Hosted at University of Michigan (Mason Hall Posting Wall, 419 S State St, Ann Arbor MI), 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free Admission.
An educational presentation and workshop on the topic of kimono.
Yukata are casual, unlined kimono typically worn year-round while staying at traditional Japanese inns, while visiting hot springs, around the home, or in the summertime to festivals. There will be a short presentation on the difference between casual kimono like yukata and informal styles like komon or tsumugi, followed by a dressing demonstration. Finally, you’ll learn how to dress yourself in a yukata and tie an obi.
Organized by the Japanese Association of Toledo. Hosted at Arlyn’s Good Beer (520 Hankey Ave, Bowling Green OH), 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Free admission. Registration requested.
Join us this summer—whether you come as you are or dressed in festive attire like a yukata or happi coat—for an exciting celebration featuring the powerful rhythms of taiko drumming, followed by a lively presentation of Bon Odori festival dances. Performers will offer brief instructions and invite everyone to dance along. The Japanese Garden will be open for leisurely exploration and informal tours, with a special musical interlude in the open meadow between activities.
Organized by Great Lakes Taiko Center. Hosted at Cranbrook Japanese Garden (550 Lone Pine Rd, Bloomfield Hills MI), 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Free Admission. Advanced Registration Required.
An 18+ presentation on the topic of kimono.
From using a tasuki to tie back your sleeves to using a himo to tie up your partner, this presentation explores the many tying skills required for kitsuke (the act and art of wearing kimono), various accessories used to keep yourself bound in this beautiful fashion, and discover the more naughty ways you can use this fashion’s accessories for some bondage amusement.
Motor City Ecchi: Saturday, TBA, TBA
Annual matsuri (festival) will feature stage performances (taiko, koto, etc.), demonstrations (bonsai, ikebana, origami, etc.), tea ceremony ($10/ticket), children’s games, refreshments, and so much more!
Supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit and hosted at Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House, and Gardens (527 Ezra Rust Dr, Saginaw MI), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free Admission.
Annual matsuri (festival) will feature presentations and performances (taiko drumming, traditional dance, kendo, martial arts), cultural workshops (tea ceremony, calligraphy, origami, flower arrangement, kimono dressing), and attractions (traditional games, Japanese foods), and more!
Co-organized by the Japan Business Society of Detroit and Japan Society of Detroit Women’s Club. Hosted at Novi High School (24062 Taft Rd, Novi MI), 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Free Admission.
Do you organize an event in the region? Let us know about it!