Japan Fest at NOMA always begins with drum thunder. The Kaminari Taiko Drummers will provide a percussive fanfare for the 2016 festival, which takes over the museum’s galleries, auditorium and front steps, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Now in its 22nd year, the annual gathering is the largest celebration of Japanese culture in the Gulf South. It’s a day to enjoy traditional dance groups, martial arts demonstrations, tours of our Japanese art collection, a fashion show, and much more, including Japanese food. Many visitors come to the festival in Japanese dress, wearing everything from traditional kimonos to Pokemon costumes.

Click here to see some of the guests who showed up as Goth Lolitas and anime figures at this past year’s Japan Fest.

Share your costume plans by tagging NOMA on social media (#JapanFest2016 ) or by commenting on our Facebook page. We will be watching!

Organized by NOMA, the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville and the Japan Club in New Orleans, the 2016 festival brings together more than 30 community groups and presenters. Among the participants are organizations dedicated to every aspect of Japanese culture: haiku, martial arts, bonsai, Zen meditation, the strategic board game of go, and much more.

Admission is free for NOMA members, $5 for the general public.

Costume Guidelines:

For the safety and comfort of all guests, as well as the artwork at NOMA:

• No masks are permitted.
• Accessories or weapons (ex: swords) greater than 2 feet in length will not be permitted.
• No sharp objects.
• Costume components cannot exceed or extend 2 feet in length from body.
• Please keep all costumes family friendly.
• Guests participating in the costume contest are still required to pay the $5 admission fee.

Other restrictions may apply at NOMA’s discretion. A check in room will be available for any items not in compliance. For questions regarding costumes please contact Monique Tourres at 504.658.4143.

Thank you to all of our participants:

• Japan Club of New Orleans
• Café NOMA: Special Japanese Cuisine Items
• New Orleans Haiku Society
• Silly Sweet Shop
• Kawaii NOLA
• UNO – Japan: Study at Doshisha University
• NOLA Lolitas
• Eva Vanrell, author of The Butterfly Crest
• Kate Jensen, Kimekomi instructor
• Aikido of New Orleans
• Japan Society of New Orleans
• Japanese Garden Foundation
• Crane’s Nest Go Club: Learn to play GO!
• NOLA Bonsai
• Japanese Antiques & Textiles
• GNO Suzuki Forum
• Aikido of NO
• Kendo Club of NO
• Jujitsu Club of SLU
• Hakkoryu Shindokai Dojo
• Japan America Society of NW Florida
• Jujitsu Club of SLU
• Louisiana Karate Association
• New Orleans Bujinkan Dojo
• Kaminari Taiko of Houston
• Minyo Dance Group
• Eishin-Ryu Iaido from Baton Rouge
• New Orleans Zen Temple: Meditation Room
• Hakkoryu Jujitsu/Koho Shiatsu Igaku: Traditional Shiatsu Massage
• Japanese Weekend School: Crafts & Shiatsu Massage
• jetaaNOLA: Japanese Fans & Photo Booth
• NOMA Art on the Spot: Japanese Fan Design
• Twootie Tarte
• Ajun Cajun