FREE ALL DAY
Join us for our 2023 Natsumatsuri Family Festival, an annual summer celebration featuring free cultural performances, crafts, and activities for families and kids of all ages!
- Performances by TAIKOPROJECT and Yu-ki Project
- Interactive storytimes
- Souvenir photos by Cre8tive Outlets
- Fun summer-themed crafts and origami
- Scavenger hunt for prizes
- Free admission all day to see our exhibitions
…and so much more
See below for the complete schedule of performances and activities!
Special Perks for JANM Members
We are thrilled to offer our Members exclusive benefits:
- Members-only giveaways—exclusive prizes just for our valued Members!
- Access to a Members-only entrance for expedited entry
- Priority seating—get the best views during performances
Not a current member? Join/renew Now
To ensure a smooth and swift entry to the event, we encourage all attendees to register for their FREE tickets.
Once you register, you will receive a barcode that you can print or display on your mobile device. This will confirm your spot and provide quick access at the door. For more information on visiting JANM, go to janm.org/visit.
TIP: Download the Bloomberg Connects app prior to visiting JANM! You can view the schedule and location of each activity on JANM’s guide. LEARN MORE
Can’t join us in person? We’ll be posting select performances and activities on our YouTube channel throughout the day!
#Natsumatsuri2023
Sponsored by:
Media Sponsor: 
For press inquiries, email mediarelations@janm.org or call 213.625.0414.
Activities
PHOTO BOOTH
Grab some fun props from Cre8tive Outlets and take a souvenir photo with friends and family.
Express lane for Members!
PAPER HATS
Decorate a hat to keep you cool and stylish this summer.
SCAVENGER HUNT
Explore JANM’s current exhibitions, find all the items on our scavenger hunt list, and win a prize.
One per participant, while supplies last.
LOS ANGELES PUBLIC LIBRARY
Sign up for a library card with friends from the Los Angeles Public Library! Stay for fun crafts perfect for kids!
PATCHES CRAFT
Make summer-themed patches to show off your style.
RUTHIE’S ORIGAMI CORNER
Learn to fold a jumping frog or a yukata (summer kimono), popular attire during Japanese summer festivals
This activity is named in honor of JANM Volunteer Ruthie Kitagawa (1937–2020), who led origami activities for many years.
Schedule
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM
Performance by TAIKOPROJECT
The award-winning TAIKOPROJECT will start the festival with a high-energy performance.
Reserved seating for Members!
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Anzu the Great Listener Book Reading
Join Disney Animator Benson Shum for a reading of Anzu the Great Listener, the follow-up to Anzu the Great Kaiju where Anzu learns a valuable lesson and empathy in the face of sadness.
Reserved seating for Members!
There will be a second reading at 3:30 p.m.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Obon Lecture and Community Dance
Learn about Japan’s obon festivals that honor and celebrate the spirits of ancestors. A group bon odori (traditional dance) will then be led by Elaine Fukumoto.
1:45 PM - 2:15 PM
Kendo Demonstration
Learn about kendo with a demonstration led by Sho Tokyo Kendo Dojo, a member dojo of the Southern California Kendo Federation.
Reserved seating for Members!
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Los Angeles Public Library Storytime
Join friends from the Los Angeles Public Library for a fun storytime session!
Reserved seating for Members!
2:30 PM - 3:15 PM
Cold Tofu Improv and Comedy Group
Enjoy a performance by the nation’s longest running, Asian American improv and sketch comedy group Cold Tofu as they improvise scenes and games based on audience suggestions.
Reserved seating for Members!
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Printmaking Workshop with David Horvitz
Join artist David Horvitz for a special printmaking workshop in collaboration with Printed Matter’s LA Art Book Fair. The workshop will take place outdoors on JANM's plaza.
More details at pmabf.org.
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM
Taiko Workshop
Join JANM Volunteer Hal Keimi for an energetic lesson in basic taiko drumming.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Anzu the Great Listener Book Reading
Join Disney Animator Benson Shum for a reading of Anzu the Great Listener.
Reserved seating for Members!
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Performance by Yu-ki Project
Join Yu Ooka and Kimo Cornwell for some shamisen jazz music.
Reserved seating for Members!