KIMONO CON, a newly established non-profit organization in Los Angeles, will present The NAKAMISE Street in the Orange County Japan Fair at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, from Friday, April 19 through Sunday, April 21, 2024.

From Shishimai to Oirandochu courtesan parades and captivating calligraphy performances, the NAKAMISE Street promises a rich tapestry of events for attendees to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Japanese tradition and culture.

Inspired by the lively atmosphere of Tokyo Asakusa's Nakamise-dori, the NAKAMISE Street aims to recreate the charm of this iconic location at the entrance of the OC Japan Fair.

Visitors can explore four kimono shops lining the area, attend demonstrations of tea ceremony, calligraphy, and ikebana, as well as enjoy kimono fashion shows. Another highlight of the event will be the electrifying performances by talented musicians, set to enliven the NAKAMISE Street atmosphere!

Additionally, the Support for ISHIKAWA booth, sponsored by the Ishikawa Prefectural Association will offer items such as Wajima lacquerware for sale in order to raise relief fund for January 2024 Earthquake damaged Ishikawa Prefecture.

The mission of KIMONO CON is to provide the public events centered around culture and traditional attire of Japan.

OC Japan Fair: https://www.oc-japanfair.com/

NAKAMISE Street by KIMONO CON at OC Japan Fair entrance area

Date: 4/19/24 (Friday) 5:00PM~11:00PM

          4/20/24 (Saturday)12:00PM~10:00 PM

          4/21/24 (Sunday) 11:00AM~ 7:00PM

NAKAMISE Vendors

N1 Support for ISHIKAWA (Ishikawa Kenjinkai)

N2 Koala Tea (Tea leaf shop)

N3 KIMONO CON   (Ticket Booth)

N4 Tea ceremony (Tea ceremony Demonstration)

N5 Shuji Nishimura  Live Art (Akira Toriyama Tribute)

N6 Flash Calligraphy (Sho do Booth)

N7 Kimonoyala (Kimono Shop)

N8 Kimono Suishin  (Kimono Shop)

N9 Sogetsu Ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement)

N10 Shoyu Drip (Japanese clothing)

N11 Mochimas (Mochi sweets)

N12 Omiso   (Miso Shop)

N13 Vintage Treasures by KAA (Kimono Shop)

N14 MITA SKY + MITA KIMONO (Kimono Shop)

 

NAKAISE Stage performance

4/19/24 (Friday)

MC: Derek Mio: Actor, Comedian (Fourth generations of Japanese American)

6:00PM~6:30PM:  Kuniharu Yoshida’s Sho (calligraphy) art with Kozue Matsumoto Koto

6:30PM~7:30PM: Tea Ceremony

7:30PM~8:00PM: Eleanor Dunbar Violin “Senbon Zakura” (A Thousand Cherry Trees)

8:15PM~ Kuniharu Yoshida’s Art hanging ceremony

8:30PM~9:00PM Micheal Murata Piano show (music of Joe Hisaishi, composer of Miyazaki amine’s soundtrack)

4/20/24 (Saturday)

1:00PM~1:30PM *Ryujin Taiko and The Little Tokyo Dance Club

1:30PM~2:00PM *SHISHIGUMI LA

2:15PM~2:45PM Katori Shinto Ryu Traditional Martial Art

2:45PM~2:55PM Shuji Nishimura

4:00PM~5:00PM Kimono Show ~Kitsukeshi Showcase~

6:15PM~7:30PM *Oiran Dochu (Procession of Courtesans)  Photo Opportunity

7:30PM~8:30PM Tea Ceremony

8:45PM~9:00PM Shuji Nishimura Art

4/21/24 (Sunday)

11:05AM~   Shuji Nishimura Signing an Art

11:15AM ~11:45AM   KIZUNA Taiko

11:50AM~12:05PM  Shosa Lesson with Shinobu

12:30PM~1:00PM   Sogetsu Ikebana

1:00PM~1:30PM   Kozue Koto Ensemble

1:30PM~2:00PM   Eleanor Dunbar Violin

2:30PM-3:00PM   Akaonidaiko(Taiko Performance)

3:15PM ~4:30PM *Oiran Dochu (Procession of Courtesans) Photo Opportunity

4:45PM ~5:15PM  Team Imada (Japanese Judo Performance)

5:30PM ~6:15PM  *Fujima Kan Ayano Nihon Buyoh (Traditional Japanese Dance)