The Japan-America Society of DFW (JASDFW) welcomed more than 18,000 attendees to Haggard Park for its 2026 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival, setting a new attendance record for the annual event. Plano Mayor John Muns delivered welcoming remarks at the celebration, which has become a signature occasion for the region's Japanese and Japanese-American communities.
The festival's main stage featured Emi Lo, an acclaimed anime English voice actress known for roles in popular series including The Apothecary Diaries. Lo's appearance and a special screening drew fans of all ages, reflecting the rising influence of Japanese pop culture in the United States. Traditional Japanese culture was equally prominent, with Dallas Kiyari Daiko performing taiko drumming and the Dallas Sumo Club staging multiple sumo wrestling demonstrations that attracted large, enthusiastic crowds.
Additional entertainment included a concert of classic Studio Ghibli songs by Nova Pangea, dance performances by Okinawa Eisa Ryukyu-damashii and Lonestar Yosakoi, the Dallas Cherry Blossom Children's Chorus, and a live J-pop set by Sallad that concluded with a song from The Apothecary Diaries. Beyond performances, thousands explored Japanese and Asian cuisine, a marketplace of artists and vendors, anime and pop-culture experiences, traditional children's games, and hands-on activities such as calligraphy, flower arranging, and tea ceremony. Event photos are available at View Event Photos.
The festival's success was supported by volunteers, performers, vendors, partners, and sponsors. JASDFW recognized Toyota as its Community Impact Partner, alongside key sponsors EZ On Coat, SpotOn, H-E-B, Kawai, 7-Eleven, NEC, i Fratelli Pizza, Dimaco, Art Centre of Plano, The Original Pancake House DFW, Crunchyroll, The Time Group, and FC Dallas.
Now in its 27th year, the Otsukimi festival advances JASDFW's mission of strengthening friendship and understanding between Japanese and Americans by creating opportunities for North Texans to experience Japanese culture firsthand. With more than 18,000 attendees in 2026, Otsukimi has grown into the region's largest public celebration of Japanese culture and a defining community event for the organization. More information is available at www.jasdfw.org.
The record turnout signals broadening interest in Japanese traditions and contemporary culture across North Texas. For businesses, the festival's scale highlights a robust market for Japanese cuisine, merchandise, and entertainment. For cultural organizations, it demonstrates the potential of large-scale public events to foster cross-cultural exchange. As JASDFW continues to expand its programming, the Otsukimi festival's success may encourage similar initiatives that bridge communities and drive economic and cultural engagement in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
