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.
Don’t miss the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow with us! Check out the schedule below so you don’t miss the next event or presentation!
If you are looking for opportunities to shop in person, then please check out our Pop-up Shops schedule! Additionally, all of our confirmed events, pop-up shops, presentations, etc., also appear on our Calendar.
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
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!
Organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, Japan Business Society of Detroit, and 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 $21.50 for non-members, free for museum members and residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
Celebrate the 450+ cherry blossom trees that bloom along the Towpath Trail in downtown Akron and Ohio & Erie Canal Park, with activations at multiple points along the trail.
Organized by the Downtown Akron Partnership. Hosted along Towpath Trail in downtown Akron and Ohio & Erie Canal Park (Akron OH), 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Free Admission.
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 cherry blossom festival celebrates Japanese culture and customs. Enjoy the blooming of the nine cherry trees in the Japanese Garden while being entertained by live music, games, and activities.
Organized by the Lima Sister Cities Association. Hosted at LSCA Japanese Garden (202 W Eureka St, Lima OH), 1:00 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! This year’s theme is City Pop!
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 4:30 PM. Free Admission.
This annual festival features performing groups (vocal, instrumental, dance, and martial arts) that represent not only the 12 countries of Toledo’s sister cities (Brazil, China, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Pakistan, Poland, Spain, and Tanzania) but also many of the other ethnic communities of the Toledo area. There will also be a variety of food from at least 4 different countries, a Language Corner where a little bit of a different language is taught every half hour, activities, and much more!
Organized by Toledo Sister Cities International and hosted at Oak Shade Grove (3624 Seaman Rd, Oregon OH), 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM [11A-6P (Family Time), 6P-10P (Adult Time)]. Cost of admission is $9 (for ages 16+).
Come as you are this summer—or wear your favorite festive clothing, like a Japanese yukata kimono or happi jacket—and join the spirited energy of taiko drumming leading into a presentation of festive Bon Odori songs during which the performers will provide the audience with brief instructions and encourage them to join the dances. The Japanese Garden will be open throughout the festival for exploration and informal tours, including a musical interlude between activities in the open meadow.
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.
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!