Japan Fest

Celebrate Japanese culture through art, performances, food, and more at Japan Fest, organized by NOMA, the Japan Club in New Orleans, and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville.

Sample Japanese cuisine, enjoy traditional dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, and tours throughout the day. Shop a variety of vendors offering unique goods in a festive atmosphere. Costumes are welcome, please see costume guidelines below.

Please note: The expansion of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is not included in the Japan Fest festivities but will be open to the general public.

Purchasing tickets on NOMA’s website in advance is strongly recommended. Tickets are available for purchase at the admissions tables in front of the museum and in front of the main gate of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Visitors are strongly encouraged to bring cash for vendor purchases.

Schedule of Events:

10:00 am | Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

10:45 am | Welcoming remarks by the Japanese Consulate of Nashville & NOMA on the front steps

11:00 am | Shogun Martial Arts in the Great Hall

11:00–11:30 am | Japanese garden tour with the Japanese Garden Foundation at the Japan Society of New Orleans table

11:00 am–2:30 pm (ongoing) | Intro to Zazen meditation with New Orleans Zen Temple in the 2nd floor Contemporary galleries

11:00 am–12:00 pm | PuriKura Panic!! performance in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts

11:30 am–3:00 pm (ongoing) | Japan Society of New Orleans samurai suit fitting on the second floor

11:30 am—12:00 pm | New Orleans Kendo in the Great Hall

11:30 am–12:00 pm | Guided tour of the Japanese gallery on the third floor

12:30–1:00 pm | Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

1:00–1:30 pm | Performance by Japanese Weekend School on the front steps

1:00–1:30 pm | Baton Rouge Iaido swordsmanship demonstration in the Great Hall

1:00–1:30 pm | Candy Mix Maids performance in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts

1:30–2:00 pm | Louisiana Karate Association demonstration in the Great Hall

1:30–2:00 pm | Guided tour of the Japanese gallery on the third floor

2:00–2:30 pm | Performance by Japan Club of New Orleans Minoyo Dance Group in the Great Hall

2:00–3 pm | Fashion show and cosplay costume contest in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts

2:30–3:30 pm | Performance by Miki Fuji on the front steps

2:30–3:00 pm | NOLA Aikido demonstration in the Great Hall

2:30–3:00 pm | Japanese garden tour with the Japanese Garden Foundation at the Japan Society of New Orleans table

3:00–3:15 pm | New Orleans Zen Temple ceremony in the Great Hall

3:00–3:30 pm | Guided tour of the Japanese gallery on the third floor

3:00–3:45 pm | Performance by the Greater New Orleans Suzuki Forum in NOMA’s Lapis Center for the Arts

3:30–4:00 pm |Kaminari Taiko on the front steps

Cost:

$10 General Admission | $5 for NOMA Members | Free for 19 years old and under

Purchase Tickets