OC JAPAN Fair 2026 | NAKAMISE STREET Returns to OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, October 16-18 | Authentic Asakusa-Inspired Japanese Cultural Experience
Posted on October 8, 2026 by Cultural News
COSTA MESA, CA — KIMONO CON, a California-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting authentic Japanese culture through immersive cultural experiences, is proud to present NAKAMISE Street at the OC Japan Fair 2026, taking place October 16–18, 2026, at the OC Fair & Event Center.
Inspired by Tokyo’s historic Asakusa Nakamise Street, KIMONO CON’s NAKAMISE Street recreates the atmosphere of one of Japan’s most beloved cultural destinations while bringing together traditional performing arts, kimono, Japanese crafts, food, and interactive cultural experiences.
This fall’s NAKAMISE Street will feature an extensive three-day program of performances and cultural activities, including Kabuki, Rakugo, Oiran Dochu, Taiko, Aikido, Japanese dance, Omotesenke Tea ceremony, calligraphy, Ikebana, Bon Dance, and Tokyo Rickshaw experiences.
A Three-Day Celebration of Japanese Culture
Featured performers and programs include:
- Takafuji Ukon × Takafuji Sakon — Kabuki and traditional Japanese performance
- Katsura Sunshine — Rakugo, traditional Japanese storytelling
- Gia — Shinbuyo and special collaborations
- Shishigumi LA — Traditional Japanese Shishimai performance
- OTAKU NEON BON DANCE featuring Takafuji Ukon × Sakon New style Ani-son (Anime song) bon odori
- Tokyo Rickshaw — Rickshaw experience inspired by Asakusa
- Japanese Calligraphy Performance by Lisa Suzuki
- Aikido Performance & Workshop
- Taiko performances by Kizuna Taiko, Akaoni Daiko, Seishun Taiko, Ryujin Taiko and others
- Ikebana by Sogetsu
- Honu Sumo
- LA Kimono Club
- Michael Murata J-pop
- Yamato Kimono Group & Heartbeat 5678! Dancers
- LA Taiko Ichiza
- Grand Finale featuring an all-star collaboration
The NAKAMISE Stage will present performances throughout all three days, offering visitors opportunities to experience Japanese traditional and contemporary culture in a lively festival setting.
Discover Japanese Culture Through Interactive Experiences
In addition to the stage performances, NAKAMISE Street will feature a variety of cultural experiences and specialty vendors.
Akane Banashi Manga Lounge will introduce visitors to the world of Akane-banashi, the popular manga centered around the traditional Japanese performing art of Rakugo.
Visitors can also experience KIMONO CON Mikuji, where they can receive traditional-style Japanese fortune slips.
At the Omotesenke Domonkai Southern California booth, guests can learn about Japanese tea culture through a Tea Ceremony Demonstration.
耀風 Flash Calligraphy will offer personalized Japanese calligraphy, creating visitors’ names in Japanese characters.
Tokyo Rickshaw will bring an authentic Asakusa-inspired rickshaw experience to NAKAMISE Street, allowing guests to experience one of the iconic sights associated with Asakusa.
Kimono, Japanese Crafts & Fashion
NAKAMISE Street will also feature a carefully selected group of Japanese-inspired fashion, kimono, crafts, and lifestyle vendors, including:
- MITA KIMONO — KIMONO Haori Jackets
- Rag Reserve — Japanese-inspired wearable premium fashion
- Second Bloom Tokyo — Kimono Pocket T-Shirts, Obi Bags and Scrunchies
- KIMONOYALA — Kimono
- Kimono Suishin (着物翆眞) — Kimono
- Ed Concepcion — Women’s and Men’s Kimonos, Yukatas and Resort Wear
- Yamato Kimono — Vintage Kimono, Obi and Yukata
- Dear Vanilla — Antique Japanese artifacts
- Pin Cushion Junko — Handmade Sashiko, Boro clothing and bags
- Japanology Fair — Handmade beeswax candles and gemstone jewelry
These vendors offer visitors opportunities to discover traditional Japanese textiles and craftsmanship alongside contemporary Japanese-inspired fashion and design.
Japanese Food & Sweets
The NAKAMISE Street experience will also include Japanese and Japanese-inspired food, sweets, beverages and desserts, including:
- Beard Papa — Cream Puffs, Desserts and Japanese bottled drinks
- K. Minamoto — Japanese Confectionery
- Aiya Matcha — Matcha Drinks
- MORI-NU — Asian Dessert Tofu, including Mango and other natural flavors
- Mochimas — Hawaiian Butter Mochi
- Bread, Espresso & — Japanese Bakery Pastries and Drinks
- Dream of Japan — Sumiyaki Coffee and Premium Japanese Green Tea
- Hoshi Chocolat — Japanese-French Luxury Chocolates & Desserts
Together, these food and beverage offerings create a marketplace atmosphere reminiscent of the shops and food culture found along Asakusa’s historic streets.
Bringing Asakusa to Southern California
“NAKAMISE Street is our way of bringing a piece of Asakusa to Southern California,” said Saya Kawai, President of KIMONO CON. “Our goal is not simply to showcase Japanese culture, but to create an environment where visitors can experience it, interact with it, and discover something new.”
From traditional performing arts and kimono to manga, food, tea, calligraphy, and rickshaw experiences, NAKAMISE Street offers something for both longtime lovers of Japanese culture and visitors experiencing these traditions for the first time.
Event Information
NAKAMISE Street at OC Japan Fair 2026
October 16–18, 2026
OC Fair & Event Center
Costa Mesa, California
Friday, October 16: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM
Saturday, October 17: 12:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sunday, October 18: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM
About KIMONO CON
KIMONO CON is a California-based nonprofit organization established in 2024 to promote kimono and Japanese culture through immersive events, performances, workshops, cultural exchange, and community partnerships. Through collaborations with artists, cultural organizations, local communities, and businesses, KIMONO CON strives to share authentic Japanese culture and create meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange on the West Coast.