Plano, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival in Plano drew between 5,000 to 6,000 attendees. Organized by JASDFW and the City of Plano, the festival featured traditional Japanese performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The success of the event highlighted the community’s enthusiasm for cultural celebrations, offering educational experiences and engaging activities for all ages.
Plano
The 26th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival took place on October 4, 2025, at Haggard Park in Plano, TX. Estimated attendance ranged from 5,000 to 6,000 people, making it potentially the largest festival in its history.
What happened
The event was organized by The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) in partnership with the City of Plano. The festival drew local residents and visitors to celebrate Japanese culture through performances, food, hands-on activities and community recognition. The record turnout reflected strong interest in cultural events and a broad community response to an evening of family-oriented programming.
Highlights and programming
Festival-goers experienced a variety of traditional and modern Japanese cultural offerings. Performances included taiko drum performances, a live sumo demonstration by the Dallas Sumo Club, and Japanese folk and contemporary dance. Attendees enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine and sweets from over a dozen vendors, such as WaSho United, Weebie Takoyaki, and Mitsuwa Marketplace. The festival showcased numerous family-friendly activities, making it an inclusive event for attendees of all ages.
Children’s activities
The JASDFW activity booth allowed children to craft rabbit ears and learn about the Moon Rabbit legend in Japanese folklore. These hands-on activities aimed to engage younger visitors and connect them to the stories and traditions that are part of the festival’s cultural focus.
Community involvement and recognition
Community leaders and sponsors played a vital role in making the event a success, with special recognition given to Deputy Mayor Maria Tu and Doug McDonald from the City of Plano. Grant Ogata, President of JASDFW, expressed gratitude for volunteers and sponsors at the event, noting it as a memorable cultural celebration. Local vendors also supported the festival through food service and sponsorships, and one attendee, Scott Arakawa, won a $500 drawing giveaway for gift cards sponsored by the vendors.
Purpose and future plans
The festival aims to build cultural bridges between Japan and the local community, celebrating traditions for future generations. JASDFW invited everyone to attend the festival again in 2026 for another celebration. Organizers emphasized the festival’s role in cultural exchange and education, promoting understanding through performances, food, and participatory activities.
Attendance and significance
Estimated attendance ranged from 5,000 to 6,000 people, making it potentially the largest festival in its history. The size of the crowd and the breadth of the program underlined the event’s importance as a community cultural occasion and its continued growth over 26 years.
Practical details
The festival took place at Haggard Park, a public venue in Plano that accommodated the stages, vendor areas, and activity booths. The partnership between The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) and the City of Plano provided the organizational and logistical support needed for a large outdoor gathering.
Background
This was the 26th edition of the Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival. Over more than two decades, the event has combined entertainment, food and educational activities to mark the moon-viewing tradition and to share elements of Japanese culture with the local community.
FAQ
When and where did the festival take place?
The 26th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival took place on October 4, 2025, at Haggard Park in Plano, TX.
Who organized the event?
The event was organized by The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) in partnership with the City of Plano.
How many people attended?
Estimated attendance ranged from 5,000 to 6,000 people, making it potentially the largest festival in its history.
What kinds of performances were featured?
Performances included taiko drum performances, a live sumo demonstration by the Dallas Sumo Club, and Japanese folk and contemporary dance.
What food options were available?
Attendees enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine and sweets from over a dozen vendors, such as WaSho United, Weebie Takoyaki, and Mitsuwa Marketplace.
What activities were offered for children?
The JASDFW activity booth allowed children to craft rabbit ears and learn about the Moon Rabbit legend in Japanese folklore.
Were community leaders recognized?
Community leaders and sponsors played a vital role in making the event a success, with special recognition given to Deputy Mayor Maria Tu and Doug McDonald from the City of Plano.
Did the festival include any giveaways?
Scott Arakawa won a $500 drawing giveaway for gift cards sponsored by the vendors.
What is the festival’s purpose?
The festival aims to build cultural bridges between Japan and the local community, celebrating traditions for future generations.
Will the festival be held again?
JASDFW invited everyone to attend the festival again in 2026 for another celebration.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and location | The 26th Annual Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival took place on October 4, 2025, at Haggard Park in Plano, TX. |
| Organizer | The event was organized by The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth (JASDFW) in partnership with the City of Plano. |
| Attendance | Estimated attendance ranged from 5,000 to 6,000 people, making it potentially the largest festival in its history. |
| Performances | Performances included taiko drum performances, a live sumo demonstration by the Dallas Sumo Club, and Japanese folk and contemporary dance. |
| Vendors | Attendees enjoyed authentic Japanese cuisine and sweets from over a dozen vendors, such as WaSho United, Weebie Takoyaki, and Mitsuwa Marketplace. |
| Children’s activity | The JASDFW activity booth allowed children to craft rabbit ears and learn about the Moon Rabbit legend in Japanese folklore. |
| Community recognition | Community leaders and sponsors played a vital role in making the event a success, with special recognition given to Deputy Mayor Maria Tu and Doug McDonald from the City of Plano. |
| Giveaway winner | Scott Arakawa won a $500 drawing giveaway for gift cards sponsored by the vendors. |
| Next year | JASDFW invited everyone to attend the festival again in 2026 for another celebration. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- North Dallas Gazette: Food Trucks, Fashion, and Fun at the 21st Annual Plano International Festival
- Wikipedia: Otsukimi
- Community Impact: Kauboi Japanese BBQ Izakaya Now Open in West Plano
- Google Search: Japanese Food Festivals
- Dallas News: 20th Plano International Festival Shows Community’s Growth in Diversity
- Google Scholar: Japanese Culture Festivals
- Community Impact: Ichika to Offer Japanese Cuisine Interactive Dining Experience in Plano
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Japanese Culture
- Local Profile: Top Things to Do This Weekend
- Google News: Plano Community Events
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