Arizona Aikido

Demonstrating Aikido, Japanese 'Gentle Way' Grappling

Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, who trained under many classical teachers, aikidō is unusual as a Martial Art where both the well being of the initiator and the responder are of equal importance to the technique. Established in the early 70s by Jon Mamoru Takagi, a student of Yukiso Yamamoto-sensei, Arizona Aikidō continues Takagi-sensei's legacy of teaching with classes and seminars here in the Valley but other Arizona cities as well.　The dojo was started in 1968 by Takagi Sensei.

Arizona Bujinkan Ninpo & Budo Kai

Demonstrating Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu

Using the training methods of Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the Arizona Bujinkan Ninpō & Budō Kai has been training and teaching in Tempe, Arizona for over twenty years. Beginning classes emphasize taijutsu or unarmed fighting. Advanced classes may be offered in traditional Japanese battle field weapons as a student progresses.

Arizona JKA

Demonstrating Shotokan Karate

Founded in 1961, Arizona Karate practices traditional Shotokan Karate under the direction of Shojiro Koyama, hatchi dan.

Arizona Kyudo Kai  Demonstrating Kyudo, Japanese Archery

Japanese archery differs from Western forms in that the bow (yumi) is over two meters tall, the upper arm is much longer than the lower arm, and the arrow (ya) is drawn back behind the ear with the thumb, and on the side of the bow away from the archer.   Space and safety concerns limit this demonstration to short range makiwara shooting at a target a bow's length from the archer.  Founded in 1992, the Arizona Kyudō Kai offers classes in Tucson, Arizona.

Arizona Shotokan Karate

Demonstrating Shotokan Karate

Arizona Shotokan Karate offers training in Glendale, Arizona under the direction of Tom Hyder-sensei, a 7th Dan instructor with over 40 years of teaching.

GCC Japanese Culture Club

presenting Soran Bushi, a traditional Japanese Fisherman's Dance

Soran Bushi are cadence songs associated with the fishermen of Hokkaidou, the northern island of Japan. During the dance, watch for "the sailors" to haul-in their day's catch and gather their nets together. Like military marching rhymes, these songs are meant to help a group of people work together in rhythm.

Kenshin Dojo

Demonstrating laido, Sword Drawing/Sword Dancing

Training in iaidō, or Sword Drawing, involves drawing the sword from the saya or Japanese scabbard; a waza or specific sequence of cuts; the chiburi, a figurative or ceremonial cleaning the blade; then finally, returning the sword to the scabbard. Ken-bu, or Sword-Dance, uses the sword during the story telling of a song, or poem. Many of these songs or poems describe specific battles or specific samurai. The Kenshin Dōjō was established in 1985 and is located in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ryushinkan Dojo

demonstrating Shin Shin Sekiguchi Ryu, Classical Japanese Swordsmanship

Keiko, or practice, at the Ryushinkan is led by Dan Keupp the head instructor and owner of the Ryushinkan Dōjō. Keupp-sensei started his Martial Arts training in 1983 and has trained in various forms of Martial arts.

Nansei Dojo

Arizona's Nansei Dojo has been in Arizona as early as 1993 and is a licensed branch of the International Shinkendo Federation (国際真剣道連盟 Kokusai Shinkendō Renmei). The dojo is currently led by Jared Lizano-sensei. Shinkendo teaches the authentic way of samurai swordsmanship; the meaning of the name Shinkendo can be interpreted as the "way of the real sword".

Renshinkan

The Renshinkan is a Jiyushinkai dojo in Mesa, Arizona teaching both classical and modern Japanese martial arts using modern educational methods including Shinto Muso-ryu Jo, said to be the oldest Japanese style of using a short staff in combat.

Saito Ninjitsu

Saito Ninjitsu is led by Master Maui Saito, who has been teaching in the US and internationally for 40 years. Located in Scottsdale, the school offers classes for men, women, youth, law enforcement, and all backgrounds, whether they are just starting out, or have existing training.

MUGEN 無限

Comprised of lead singer Jam and guitarist/arranger Zerø, MUGEN (無限) seeks to show that the boundaries of music are limitless. Featuring Kai on bass, join them as they deliver a taste of Japanese rock exclusively for Arizona Matsuri.

Cosplay Contest

Arizona Matsuri hosts a cosplay event each year, on both days! More details coming soon!
-Upon arrival at the festival, cosplayers should proceed directly to the Cosplay and Prop Check-In Booth located near the Monroe Stage.

While normally not permitted at the festival, if your cosplay requires props, including plastic swords, knives, or other weapons or props, you may have them for the duration of the contest only.  Any type of weapon is not permitted while on festival grounds and must remain at the bonding table with the exception of time spent on stage during the contest.

Due to high attendance and congestion throughout the Festival grounds, we have a "No Prop and Weapon" Policy. This includes plastic swords, knives, or other weapons or props including those used for Cosplay. Please refer to the Festival Dress Code Rules and Regulations and FAQ page for further details.

SPC Dance of Sugar Pink Cafe

Following the theme of the festival, SPC Dance will be performing a selection of dances featuring both traditional and modern influences in all aspects: music, choreography, and attire. We hope you enjoy their performance this year.

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Shohei Hattori

A singer from Tokyo, Japan, Kohei is many things: Apollo winner, finalist in McDonald’s Gospelfest 2016-2018, official MC at Japan Fest 2017 and 2018, featured on M-On TV with Japanese recording artist The Rampage from Exile Tribe, guest at Anime Expo, AnimeNEXT, San Japan Texas, Anime Iowa, Mechacon, Delta H Con and more. He has also been commended as an IFA United Nations NGOOCCAM International Ambassador-Singer for his efforts in encouraging cultural exchanges between Japan and the United States

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