COSTA MESA — The OC Japan Fair will take place at the OC Fair & Event Cetner, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, on Friday, Oct. 18, from 5 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 19, from 12 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Enjoy the experience of tasting, shopping, and learning about Japanese culture. There will also be a cosplay show, performances by popular Japanese artists/comedians, traditional instrument performances, games, kimono models meet-and-greet, and more.
This year, enjoy “Oiran Dochu,” or an “alluring procession,” a re-enactment of processions done by the oiran, courtesans of Yoshiwara in the Edo period, to advertise the houses in which they worked.
Kazuhisa Uekusa, known as WES-P, who has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances on”America’s Got Talent” and “Britain’s Got Talent,” will be at the fair.
Also, organizers are bringing back an exciting exhibit from Japan — the Tuna Cutting Show. Attendees can experience some of the freshest and most delicious tuna sushi that you can eat in the U.S.
Food vendors: Wagyu Street, Big and Long Swirl Potato, Rated R Ramen Burger, Lucky Ball Korean BBQ, Mr. Bully, Kyoto Tender, Sukiyaki L.A., Yakitoriyado, All Dat Dumpling, Tanota Takoyaki, Boba Bestie, Jungle Wings, Egghausted, Waffleland, Temaki Time, Bluey & Co., Got Corn?, Ramen & Tsukemen Tao, Hot Bamboo, Kobayashi Noodle, Pizza Studio Japan, Mochill Mochi Crepe, Takoyaki Yamachan, Kanto Filipino Streetfood, Stadon, Hawaiian Honey Cones, Shin-Sen-Gumi, Osaka Hashimaki (Amamiya), Japadog, Honda-Ya, SVR BBQ, HGG Tanghulu, RE&S, Sukiyaki Bowl by Tamuken, Tokyo Yakisoba, Aoki no Chuuka, Kagura, Daikokuya, Kumamoto Shavery, Gong Su Gan, Pillow Talk Café, Ajaj Café, Tokyo Udon, Aki Drinks, Midoh, Sadoitchi, Gohanda-Ze, Mr. Teddy Baker, Lobsterdamus, Nikuman-Ya, Okamoto Kitchen, Wagyu San, and Asahi Beer.
Main Stage Schedule
Friday, Oct. 18
5:30-5:50 p.m.: Sol Squad
5:50-6:10 p.m.: Kanata the Philosopher x Hellataito
6:10-6:30 p.m.: Ari Prado
6:30-6:50 p.m.: Pepper Osaka x Yui Sensational x Reiya
6:50-7:10 p.m.: Koz Geisha
7:10-7:40 p.m.: CA Tricking
7:40-8 p.m.: Arcane Maid Café
8-8:30 p.m.: Ai Haruna
8:40-9 p.m.: WES-P
9-10 p.m.: Layla Lane
Saturday, Oct. 19
12:20-12:50 p.m.: Shishigumi L.A.
12:50-1:20 p.m.: Ryujin Taiko and Little Tokyo Dance Club
1:30-2 p.m.: Tuna Cutting Show
2-2:30 p.m.: L.A. Groove Radio presents City Pop Jam
2:30-3 p.m.: Rie Takahashi
3-3:30 p.m.: Tokyo Mavericks
3:30-4 p.m.: Akiba Sonic — DJ29Meat, DJ Dzizin, DJ Eldora Model
4-4:30 p.m.: Stephanie Yanez
4:30-4:45 p.m.: Cosplay Parade with Kohei
4:45-5:45 p.m.: Cosplay Contest and Live Show
6-6:20 p.m.: Oiran Dochu, Procession of Courtesans
6:20-6:40 p.m.: KND
6:40-7 p.m.: WES-P
7-7:30 p.m.: Ai Haruna
7:40-8:20 p.m.: Wendy
8:30-9:30 p.m.: Minmi
9:30-9:45 p.m.: Koutaro Fujita x Suguru
9:45-10 p.m.: DJBidynasty
Sunday, Oct. 20
11:15-11:30 a.m.: Gravis
11:30-11:50 a.m.: Futaba Preschool
11:50 a.m.-12:10 p.m.: Dance Space AI Vibration
12:15-12:45 p.m.: Tuna Cutting Show
1-1:30 p.m.: Ai Haruna
1:30-2 p.m.: Sazan Yosakoi
2-2:30 p.m.: Anime Theme Singalong Dance Party by Kohei
2:30-2:50 p.m.: Yuri-My Note (speech and taiko)
3-3:30 p.m.: L.A. Koto Ensemble
3:45-4:10 p.m.: Oiran Dochu
4:15-5 p.m.: Yamatogaku with Hayashi
5:10-5:40 p.m.: Akaonidaiko
6:10-6:30 p.m.: Irvine Cheer Cranes
6:30-7 p.m.: Viorhythm
Emcees: Tiffany, Friday and Saturday; Marcus, Sunday.
OC Fair admission: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. Children 6 and under and seniors over 65 are free. No pet allowed; service dogs only.
Parking fee: $12. Use Gate 10 or Gate 1 (gate may change as traffic flow increases and decreases).
For more information, go to: https://www.oc-japanfair.com/