OC Japan Fair returns to the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, from Oct. 16 to 18 with an expanded focus on Japanese anime and pop culture.
The three-day festival will bring together anime, cosplay, live idol performances, Japanese foods, shopping, and traditional cultural experiences, offering visitors a wide-ranging celebration of Japan in Southern California.
At the center of this year’s expanded pop culture programming is the new Japan Pop Culture Zone, a dedicated area occupying approximately half of the festival’s indoor space. The zone will feature internationally popular anime titles including “Dan Da Dan” and “Blue Lock,” with additional titles to be announced.
The festival will also expand its Cosplay & Ai♡Fes Idol Festival, with Saturday programming featuring cosplay, live performances by Japan- and Southern California-based idols, and meet-and-greet opportunities. Nagoya-based idol group Sakura Graduation will perform throughout all three days.
Akihabara Electric Town will also return, recreating the colorful atmosphere of Tokyo’s famous pop culture district with attractions including an Akihabara-style maid café.
Beyond pop culture, visitors can take part in Bon Odori around a traditional yagura tower and explore the Asakusa & Nakamise Street area, featuring traditional performances and cultural programming.
Ukonya and Sakon will perform throughout the three-day festival, while English-language rakugo performer Katsura Sunshine will introduce audiences to the Japanese art of comic storytelling.
Powerful taiko drum performances, koto music, Nihon buyo (traditional Japanese dance), as well as live demonstrations of shodo (calligraphy), kado (flower arranging), and sado (tea ceremony) will be featured. Kimono models will be present to showcase traditional Japanese attire.
On Saturday and Sunday, the alluring Oiran Dochu (Procession of Courtesans) will walk from the main stage to Nakamise Street. Oiran Dochu is a re-enactment of processions once held by the oiran, the courtesans of Yoshiwara in the Edo period, to advertise the houses where they worked. The re-enactment involves men and women dressed up in Edo-period costumes.
Meet Nishiki, the official character of OC Japan Fair, with appearances throughout the festival.
Food will remain a major part of the OC Japan Fair experience, with more than 60 Japanese dishes and festival favorites, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, ramen, tonkatsu sandwiches, taiyaki, shaved ice, and more.
On Saturday and Sunday, the main stage will host an exciting Tuna Cutting Show performed by a chef from a famous Japanese tuna company.
Shop a variety of booths offering anime merchandise, collectibles, traditional Japanese crafts, and other Japanese goods.
Hours:
Friday, Oct. 16, from 4 to 10 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 17, from 12 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission prices have been reduced to make the festival even more accessible to families and fans of Japanese culture.
Presale (through Sept. 30): $13.58 (including fees); (Oct. 1-15): $15.71 (including fees)
General admission (starting Oct. 16 at 12 a.m.): $17.58 (including fees)
Free admission is available for children under 6 and seniors 65 and over.
For more information, visit www.oc-japanfair.com.