Performers & Presenters
as of June 10, 2026
Enjoy Performances on the Main Stage and in the Lobby!
MC: Mimi Katano 交野みみ
Bilingual/Bicultural Theater Artist
Mimi Katano (she/her) came to the US from Tokyo in 1983 alone as a foreign student and never left to pursue a training and career in American Theatre. She served as the Artistic Director of Youth Theatre Northwest for 26 years, and after retiring in June of 2025, Mimi launched Za Transpacific Productions (ZTP), through which works both in Japan and in the U.S. to help promote Japanese American stories and artists. Mimi's recent directing credits include: Seattle Opera (school tour), Union Arts Center (Wooden O), 5th Avenue Theatre (ETC), Pork Filled Productions, SiS Productions, Seattle Public Theatre, Live Girls! Theatre and 14/48 Productions. Mimi would love for you to come see ZTP's summer production of KAIDAN: Japanese Ghost Stories in August.
交野みみ：シアトルを拠点に活動するバイリンガル／バイカルチュラルの舞台芸術家
交野氏は1983年、留学生として東京から単身で渡米し、その後アメリカ演劇界での研鑽とキャリアを積むため残った。26年間にわたり「ユース・シアター・ノースウェスト」の芸術監督を務め、2025年6月に退任した後、「座・トランスパシフィック・プロダクションズ」（ZTP）を設立し、日米両国で活動しながら、日本と日系アメリカ人の物語やアーティストの普及に貢献している。交野氏の演出活動は、シアトル・オペラ（学校ツアー）、ユニオン・アーツ・センター（野外シェイクスピアツアー）、5thアベニュー・シアター（ETC）、ポーク・フィルド・プロダクションズ、SiSプロダクションズ、シアトル・パブリック・シアター、ライブ・ガールズ！シアター、14/48プロダクションズなどがある。2026年８月にはZTPのプロダクション、「怪談」の公演を予定している。
Calligrapher:
Kiho (紀逢)
Born in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kiho is an active calligrapher who performs and teaches both within and outside the prefecture. In October 2011, she founded the Shirusu Hitotoki Calligraphy School. Since 2022, she has been engaged in calligraphy performance art and has also been teaching calligraphy performance to elementary and middle school students. Two years ago, she presented a calligraphy performance featuring messages of support for the recovery of the Noto region in Saitama Prefecture. In addition to her performance activities, she has held solo exhibitions and continues to pursue a wide range of artistic endeavors.
Saika Erhu Ensemble Members:
Kazuaki Ichimori, Junko Nakada, and Terumi Mizude (市森和明、中田順子、水出照美)
Under the direction of renowned erhu performer Li Caixia, the Saika Erhu Ensemble is based in Ishikawa Prefecture and performs both throughout Japan and internationally. The ensemble presents an annual concert and has performed overseas in China, Inner Mongolia, France, and Canada. They continue to actively promote and share the beauty of erhu music through their performances.
Shinobue Flutist:
Suigetsu Yagi (八木粋月)
Suigetsu Yagi began studying the shinobue bamboo flute in 2011 under Shigeru Yagi, a master musician residing in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture. In 2018, she received the professional stage name "Suigetsu Yagi" as a certified member of the Yagi School. She currently teaches and performs extensively in Kanazawa and other regions throughout Japan. YouTube: @suigetu9282
At Cascade Kendo Kai we aim to build an inclusive yet rigorous environment of learning and self reflection through the practice of kendo.
Ikebana International is a non-profit cultural organization dedicated to the promotion and appreciation of Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging. Its motto is “Friendship through Flowers.” The Seattle Chapter 19, chartered March 16, 1959, is dedicated to cultivating and perpetuating the study of Ikebana by demonstrations and public exhibitions, with a deep purpose of establishing a better relationship among all people.
Kimono dressing, cultural experiences, and wedding/portrait styling for special moments—
including Coming‐of‐Age, graduation, and Shichi‐Go‐San.
Sharing the beauty of Japanese tradition with warmth, connection, and refined artistry.
「私たちの色で、あなたの毎日キラメキを✨🎨」
Kirameki Palettes! is a kaigai idol group based in Seattle inspired by the chika idol (地下アイドル) scene in Japan. With each member shining in their own unique color, they come together to brighten your day with kira-kira performances full of energy and sparkle.
In Oct 2007, the O.K.K. Taiko group was officially established as Okinawa Kenjin Kai Taiko, Odori, and Sanshin group for the purpose of bringing knowledge and keeping traditions alive. Our ancestors believed that ocean is like a bridge to meet people and make peace with all nations. Our O.K.K. Taiko drums send forth a wish and feeling of peace to each and every person with our sincere appreciation in harmony with one another.
Cosplay Contest in partnership with Sakura-Con is back to Japan Fair! Registration will be at the convention's table in the lobby. Prizes include memberships to next year's convention!
【𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐫 2026!】
Sunday, June 28
Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue
-
Contest starts at 3 PM on the Main Stage
-
Register at the Sakura-Con table in the lobby area by 2:30 PM!
Sakura-Con is an annual anime convention held in Seattle, Washington, organized by the Asia-Northwest Cultural Education Association (ANCEA). As one of the largest anime conventions in the Pacific Northwest, it attracts thousands of attendees each year. The event features a wide range of activities, including cosplay contests, panel discussions, gaming tournaments, screenings of anime and films, concerts, and vendor halls.
Sakura-Con celebrates Asian pop culture, including anime, manga, music, and fashion, providing a vibrant and immersive experience for fans.
Sakura-Con takes place next March 26th - 28th 2027! We hope to see you there!
Seattle Buddhist Temple is excited to return to Japan Fair 2026 to announce the celebration of their 94th annual Bon Odori. An annual Seafair sanctioned community event, that includes food booths, a beer garden, live entertainment, community performances, and Odori dancing! Visit their booth at Japan Fair to learn more about the history of Bon Odori, and other activities available through the temple like Boy Scouts, Campfire, Dharma School, and so much more.
A community of four Japanese choirs, consisting of Sound Singers, Evergreen Glee Club, Cabin Choir, and Echo Chorus, who started singing together in support of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011.
Sound Singers is a mixed-voice community choir, founded in 2009 with a mission of building friendships and sharing Japanese culture through music.
Evergreen Glee Club (EGC), founded in 2006 is a male-voice choir who enjoys singing together to build personal friendships and comraderies.
Echo Chorus is a Japanese women’s choir based in Bellevue, established in 1990. We sing together to build a fun and supportive community to share Japanese culture through music.
Cabin Choir is also a Japanese women's choir based on the east-side.
We all perform in various community events and concerts.
Seattle Kokon Taiko (SKT), Washington’s first performing taiko ensemble, is based in the local Japanese American community and has performed at schools, arts festivals, street fairs, community programs, corporate events and in concert throughout Washington and Oregon. SKT combines the ancient with the modern; our repertoire is a mix of traditional pieces and contemporary compositions. Through taiko, we hope to contribute to the development of a uniquely Japanese American art form –Japanese in origin, American in expression– that weaves threads of continuity between generations and builds bridges of understanding among people of all nationalities and walks of life.
Shintokan Dojo of Woodinville presents two Koryu Bujutsu, or classical martial traditions. These teachings were created by the warrior class, or bushi, during the feudal period.
Tenshinsho-den Katori Shinto Ryu has taught a comprehensive curriculum for 600 years that includes the use of the sword, staff, glaive, and other weapons.
Shinto Muso Ryu is a 400 year old style that originates in Kyushu, in southern Japan, who's focus is on the use of the jo (stick) and sword, along with other weapons.
Created in 2010, the UV Performing Arts youth performance group offers dance performance opportunities to dancers of all ages to develop strong self-discipline, self-confidence, and professionalism through dance. This strong dance ensemble now delivers positive, high-energy dance pieces that embrace old and modern Japanese cultures. In addition to training daily, our dancers have been offered many opportunities to perform around the state and beyond. UV Performing Arts now offers both in-person and online dance classes in Bellevue and Seattle.
The Washington Association of Teachers of Japanese was founded in November 1991 with the goal of promoting and providing high-quality Japanese language education in Washington state. Today, our members represent over 80 teachers from preschool through university levels in private and public school settings, as well as representatives from partner organizations and contributors.
Imagine drawing a long, elegant Japanese bow and releasing an arrow towards a distant target. That's Kyudo, said to be the oldest form of traditional Japanese martial arts. Through the Sengoku era, Kyudo was used as a weapon in battle until firearms changed warfare. It’s since evolved to an established discipline for cultivating both mind & body. As a discipline, Kyudo provides equal & fair footing for everyone, regardless of age/gender. Whether the arrow hits or misses the target is entirely the responsibility of the archer & depends on their skill & focus. Kyudo isn't just about shooting arrows; it's the culmination of correct posture, proper movements, & inner growth. When these elements come together, you see the true beauty of Kyudo. Our group is dedicated to the practice of this art.
Washington Shotokan Association is a traditional Shotokan Karate dojo serving the Eastside for over 50 years. We welcome students of all ages to our community as we work to continuously uphold the values of the Dojo Kun both on and off the dojo floor.
Kaoru Okumura & Aoi Lee - Butoh Performers
Kaoru Okumura is a Japanese Butoh performer based in Seattle, WA. A devotee of Butoh since the 1970s, she studied at the legendary Asbestos-Kan studio in Tokyo in 1993 with Akiko Motofuji, where she gave her first performance. Beginning her Seattle activities in 2008, she has performed at venues including the Seattle International Dance Festival and collaborated with Google Deep Dream on the innovative "9E2 Seattle" project, Theater X in Tokyo. She conducts annual Japan tours, connecting her Seattle-based practice with her homeland. Okumura brings a unique perspective to her art, balancing her Master of Science degree in mathematical logic with her career as a computer researcher, exploring how the body bridges the soul and the world.
Kotojazz is variations of traditional Japanese koto music and “nature-inspired” melodies with an infusion of western rhythm and jazz.
Neal Colodner - Shakuhachi & Shamisen Player
Neal Colodner studied Japanese folk music with the Chikurei-kai in Yokohama in the 1980’s and 1990’s, learning shakuhachi, shamisen, taiko and song. Since then he has practiced mostly on his own, occasionally performing at Japanese culture festivals and collaborating with other musicians in the Seattle area. He is a teacher and program coodinator at Hospitality Educational Foundation, which brings Japanese students to Edmonds College in Lynnwood, Washington.
Rerin Koto Kai
Rerin Koto Kai Japanese harp player. Laryn is a certified koto harp player through the Sawai Koto Institute in Japan for the Advanced level. She is working on her last certification to become a certified koto instructor so she can have her own koto students. She has been playing the koto for the past eight years performing at various venues such as the Seattle Japanese Garden, Hiroshima To Hope Greenlake, Sakura-Con Seattle Convention Center, Vashon Island Japan Festival, Bainbridge Island Asian Arts and Heritage Festival, and also the Japan Fair at Meydenbauer Center. Laryn enjoys sharing the Japanese culture through her koto playing and hopes to make this a long lasting career.
