Japanese Festival in Western Montana 2025
May 2nd and 3rd will be the 3rd year of Dillon, Montana being the site for the Japanese Festival. This year, Nao Fukumoto has been busy getting the event set up, with the help of others. The event will be at Dillon businesses, the Dillon Public Library and the University of Montana-Western. Friday and Saturday will have programs throughout the the town, library and college. All programs are free and everyone is welcome.
Please stop by the Dillon Public Library to pick up your “passport” to see where and when programs are scheduled.
Some of the programs do have limited spots for hands-on activities, so reservations may be needed to participate. Reservations for the following event start today, Monday, April 28!
Visit or call Dillon Public Library 406-683-4544 to reserve your spot!
(The library opens 9am-6pm on weekdays.):
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at UMW Lewis & Clark Room
Friday May 2nd 3:30pm-4:30pm
Limit 15 people, Ages 10 and up
The School of Taiko provides “Real experiences of performing arts programs” for sharing Japanese culture to promote mutual understanding by bilingual high quality learning opportunities based in Seattle, Washington since 2009. In the Taiko workshop, Ringtaro and Sohshun will perform drumming and give workshops in which the audience can participate. Experience Japanese Taiko drumming.
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Shinobue Workshop
at Dillon Public Library
①Saturday May 3rd 11am-11:30am
②Saturday May 3rd 12pm-12:30pm
Limit 7 people per session, Ages 10 and up
Ringtaro will demonstrate and allow participants to try out this instrument and other instruments used in Japanese folk songs.
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Paper Armor Craft for Kids
at Dillon Public Library
①Friday May 2nd 4pm-5pm
②Saturday May 3rd 12pm-12:30pm
Limit 10 kids per session, Ages 4-10
*Children must come with adults. Adult help is required for crafts.
It is a tradition to display samurai armor on May 5th for Children’s Day in Japan. Lynn Miyauchi will teach how to make samurai armor out of paper.
Please stop by the Dillon Public Library to pick up your “passport” to see where and when programs are scheduled.
Koto Workshop by Nanako Takakura
Nanako Takakura is a koto performer and lecturer from Niigata, Japan. She studied traditional Japanese music at Tokyo University of the Arts. She currently performs koto across Japan while teaching the instrument in Niigata. In the workshop, she will teach how to play the koto, and participants will have the chance to try it themselves.
Koto & Taiko Performance by Nanako Takakura, Ringtaro Tateishi, Sohshun Tateishi
Please enjoy the vibrant performance that blends the grace and energy of taiko drums and koto harp.
Samurai Armor Demonstration by Lynn Miyauchi
The cultural influence of samurai can be seen widely in comics, anime, and video games. Come to our presentation to learn about what was beneath their armor, figuratively and literally! Watch a demonstration to see how their armor was worn and get a look at some typical items that a samurai may have carried into battle.
Furoshiki Workshop by Lynn Miyauchi
Since ancient times, the Japanese have used a simple square cloth called a furoshiki to wrap and carry anything and everything. Learn the basics of how to use this “eco-friendly” alternative to plastic bags and wrapping paper. Join us for a hands-on introduction to fun and functional Japanese furoshiki wrapping techniques!
Saito Family & Japanese History Exhibit and Presentation by Morgan McLaren and Lee Graves
Learn about the Saito Family and the bombing of Beaverhead County during World War 2.
Bracelet Making by The Thomas Co Jewelers
Join us for making bracelets using traditional Japanese-style beads.
Dillon Public Library 