OC Japan Fair Returns This October with Expanded Anime and Pop Culture Programming

New JAPAN POP CULTURE ZONE Featuring DAN DA DAN and BLUE LOCK Joins Live Idol Performances, Cosplay, 60+ Japanese Foods, and Traditional Cultural Experiences

COSTA MESA, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- OC Japan Fair returns to the OC Fair & Event Center October 16–18, 2026, with an expanded focus on Japanese anime and pop culture. The three-day festival will bring together anime, cosplay, live idol performances, more than 60 Japanese foods, shopping, and traditional cultural experiences, offering visitors a wide-ranging celebration of Japan in Southern California.

At the center of this year's expanded pop culture programming is the new JAPAN POP CULTURE ZONE, a dedicated area occupying approximately half of the festival's indoor space. The zone will feature internationally popular anime titles including DAN DA DAN and BLUE LOCK, with additional titles to be announced.

The festival will also expand its Cosplay & Ai♡Fes Idol Festival, with Saturday programming featuring cosplay, live performances by Japan- and Southern California-based idols, and meet-and-greet opportunities. Nagoya-based idol group SAKURA GRADUATION will perform throughout all three days. AKIHABARA ELECTRIC TOWN will also return, recreating the colorful atmosphere of Tokyo's famous pop culture district with attractions including an Akihabara-style maid café.

Beyond pop culture, visitors can take part in Bon Odori around a traditional yagura tower and explore the Asakusa & Nakamise Street area, featuring traditional performances and cultural programming. Ukonya and Sakon will perform throughout the three-day festival, while English-language rakugo performer Katsura Sunshine will introduce audiences to the Japanese art of comic storytelling.

Food will remain a major part of the OC Japan Fair experience, with more than 60 Japanese dishes and festival favorites, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, ramen, tonkatsu sandwiches, taiyaki, shaved ice, and more.

Festival Highlights at OC Japan Fair:

JAPAN POP CULTURE ZONE

• A new dedicated area occupying approximately half of the festival's indoor space, featuring internationally popular anime titles including DAN DA DAN and BLUE LOCK with additional titles to be announced.

Cosplay & Ai♡Fes Idol Festival

• Expanded Saturday programming featuring cosplay, live idol performances, and meet-and-greet opportunities.
• Nagoya-based idol group SAKURA GRADUATION will perform throughout all three days.

AKIHABARA ELECTRIC TOWN

• The returning Akihabara-inspired area brings the atmosphere of Tokyo's famous pop culture district to the festival, including an Akihabara-style maid café and other attractions.

NISHIKI — OC Japan Fair's Official Character

• Meet NISHIKI, the official character of OC Japan Fair, with appearances throughout the three-day festival.

Japanese Bon Odori Experience

• Visitors can dance around a traditional yagura tower and experience Bon Odori together at the heart of the festival.

Asakusa & Nakamise Street Traditional Culture Area

• Experience the atmosphere of historic Asakusa through traditional performances and cultural programming.
• Ukonya and Sakon will perform throughout all three days.
• Internationally acclaimed English-language rakugo performer Katsura Sunshine will bring traditional Japanese storytelling to the festival.
• Powerful Taiko drum performances, Koto music, Nihon Buyo [traditional Japanese dance], as well as live demonstrations of Shodo [calligraphy], Kado [Japanese flower arranging], and Sado [Japanese tea ceremony]. Kimono models will also be present to showcase traditional Japanese attire!

Oiran Dochu

• On 10/17 (Sat.) and 10/18 (Sun.), The Alluring Oiran Dochu (Procession of Courtesans) will walk from the main stage to Nakamise Street. Oiran Dochu is a reenactment of processions once held by the oiran, the courtesans of Yoshiwara in the Edo Period, to advertise the houses where they worked. The reenactment involves men and women dressed up in Edo period costumes.

Japanese Food, and Shopping

• Explore more than 60 Japanese dishes and festival favorites, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, ramen, tonkatsu sandwiches, taiyaki, shaved ice, and more.
• Shop a variety of booths offering anime merchandise, collectibles, traditional Japanese crafts, and other Japanese goods.

Tuna Cutting Show

• World class sushi! On 10/17 (Sat.) & 10/18 (Sun.) the main stage will host an exciting Tuna Cutting Show performed by a chef from a famous Japanese Tuna Company. Traditional Japanese street foods such as Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki, Yakisoba, Yakitori, Shaved ice, Ramen, Pork cutlet sandwiches, Taiyaki and much more will be available on site.

When/Where:

Date and Time:

• October 16 (Fri.), 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• October 17 (Sat.), 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• October 18 (Sun.), 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Venue: OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626)

OC Japan Fair Admission: This October, admission prices have been reduced to make the festival even more accessible to families and fans of Japanese culture.

• Presale (Sep 1 – Sep 30): $13.58 (including fees), (Oct 1 – Oct 15): $15.71 (including fees)
• General Admission (starting October 16, 12:00 a.m.): $17.58 (including fees)
• Free admission is available for children under 6 and seniors ages 65 and over.

OC JAPAN FAIR Official: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

Media Contact

Ikuko Shimizu, Adentope.Inc. / DBA: Japan Product Promotion, 1 617-875-9602, [email protected], https://www.jpp-usa.com/

SOURCE Adentope.Inc. / DBA: Japan Product Promotion