Free "Hokusai Japan Fest" June 21 at the MAC

The CCMA and the MAC in conjunction with this summer’s “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” exhibition, present "Hokusai Japan Fest," Saturday, June 21 from noon-6 p.m. This free event is filled with traditional Japanese entertainment and cultural activities including ikebana flower arrangement demonstrations by the Ohara School of Ikebana, and additional demos of woodblock printmaking, origami and shodō calligraphy, Japanese food vendors and more. (Due to expected high temperatures, many performances and activities are being moved indoors at the MAC.)

This family-friendly festival, presented by the CCMA and the MAC in conjunction with this summer’s “Hokusai & Ukiyo-e: The Floating World, Artworks from the Chiossone Collection” exhibition, is filled with traditional Japanese entertainment.

Performance Schedule (subject to change)

• 12 p.m. - Tsukasa Taiko (Japanese Drumming)
• 12:30 p.m. - Odori (Traditional Dance)
• 1 p.m. - Shamisen performance (Traditional three-string instrument)
• 1:30 p.m. - Shotokan Karate by JKA Chicago
• 2 p.m. - Aikido by the Aikido Association of America
• 2:30 p.m. - Kendo by Chicago Kendo Dojo
• 3 p.m. - Large Brush Shodō by award-winning master Hekiun Oda Shihan (Genshinkai)
• 4:30 p.m. - Shamisen encore
• 5 p.m. - Odori encore
• 5:30 p.m. - Tsukasa Taiko Grand Finale

Throughout the day, enjoy cultural activities, fare by vendors Izakaya Shinya,Toshiko Sugii Steffes Lu's Fine Asian Cuisine - Wheaton and 2d Restauranti, kebana flower arrangement demonstrations by the Ohara School of Ikebana, and additional demos of woodblock printmaking, origami and shodō calligraphy.

This event will be held outdoors at the MAC's Lakeside Pavilion, located next to the McAninch Arts Center, 425 Fawell Blvd. Fest admission is free; admission ticket for the "Hokusai & Ukiyo-e" exhibition is extra. For more information visit Hokusai2025.org.