The University of Montana Western and the Dillon Public Library invite the community to celebrate the third annual Japanese Festival in Western Montana, with a variety of events taking place May 2–3, 2025.

Festival activities for all ages will be held across Dillon, including at the University of Montana Western, the Dillon Public Library, and several local businesses.

This year’s festival will feature performances of koto (Japanese harp) and taiko (Japanese drum), as well as cultural tables with hands-on activities. Additional events throughout downtown Dillon include a presentation by a renowned manga translator, a traditional tea ceremony, a paper armor craft activity, and a samurai demonstration.

Performers and guest speakers will travel from Seattle, Wyoming, and Japan. Nao Fukumoto, the Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator, has played a key role in organizing this celebration of Japanese culture.

Schedule:

9AM-12PM - PASSPORT PICK-UP
Dillon Public Library

9AM-3PM - JAPANESE DOLL & CULTURAL DISPLAY
Dillon Public Library

9:30AM-10:30AM - PAPER ARMOR CRAFT FOR KIDS*
Lynn Miyauchi
Dillon Public Library

10AM-11AM - KOTO WORKSHOP 3 (JAPANESE HARP)*
Nanako Takakura
UMW Lewis & Clark Room

11AM-12PM - MANGA TRANSLATION PRESENTATION
Mari Morimoto
The Bookstore

SHINOBUE WORKSHOP (JAPANESE FLUTE)*
Ringtaro Tateishi
11AM-11:30AM
12PM-12:30PM
Dillon Public Library

11:30AM-12:30AM - SAMURAI ARMOR DEMONSTRATION
Lynn Miyauchi
Badger Archery

1PM-3PM - CULTURE TABLE (CALLIGRAPHY, CRAFT, SUSHI SAMPLING, TAIKO & KOTO EXPERIENCE, KUMAMOTO SISTER STATE and MORE!)
Andrus Hotel

3:30PM-4:30PM - TEA CEREMONY
Nao Fukumoto
Sweetwater Coffee

KOTO & TAIKO PERFORMANCE
Nanako Takakura, Ringtaro Tateishi, Sohshun Tateishi
Doors open 6PM
6:30PM-7:30PM
Depot Theater

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