Busy weekend for young lovers of Japanese culture coming up on Nov.3 to 5:

Tucson Kaiju Festival returns to Bookman’s East, 6230 E. Speedway Blvd,, SW corner of Wilmot Rd.) on November 3, from 9 a.m.to 8 p.m.

” In hibernation since the first festival back in 2019 The Tucson Kaiju Festival is finally back! Join us November 3rd, 2023 at Bookmans East for this kaiju sized festival filled with vendors, panels, trivia and game contests, giveaways and prizes, raffles and more all day long! And it’s FREE!!!!The Tucson Kaiju Festival is about celebrating anything and everything giant monster related: from the well known Godzilla and King Kong, to Gorgo, Reptilicus, Yongary, Gamera, Gappa and Pulgasauri, and also custom/original fan made kaiju, expanding the genre with original ideas. Above all, we want to bring all of us fans of these monsters, films, and special effects together as a joyous kaiju community. And no better day to have this wonderful festival than on November 3rd, which is Godzilla’s official birthday! So please join us November 3rd, 2023 at Bookmans East for a city stomping atomic blast of a day!”

Info on FB:
Tucson Kaiju Festival | Facebook

Con Nichiwa annual 3 day convention is back at Doubletree Hotel at Reid Park on Nov.3 to 5.
“Con-Nichiwa, is an American anime convention held in Tucson, Arizona and organized by Monkey Paw Entertainment. The convention has moved dates and location for 2020 and is held in June now. It is currently hosted at the Double Tree Reid Park in Tucson, Arizona. Con-Nichiwa is the largest anime convention in Tucson Arizona with attendance reaching over 2,000 yearly.”

All info here:
Facebook

And on November 4th at La Encantada shopping plaza (2905 E.Skyline Drive, NW corner of Campbell Ave.) the cute Hello Kitty cafe truck is returning, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

” Hello Tucson! The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is returning to La Encantada on Saturday, 11/4! Come say hello to us in Restaurant Circle between 10am-7pm and pick up some supercute treats & merch, while supplies last! See you there!”

Info here on FB: https://www.facebook.com/events/1008416456877788/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark_calendar%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Enjoy all these Japanese-themed events in Tucson in November, 2023.

Momoka Okada has exhibited her metal pieces and jewelry over the years at the Untitled Gallery (101 W. 6th St.) in Tucson. She is currently teaching a metals program at Pima Community College.

PCC West is at 2202 W. Anklam Rd. in Tucson.

• Thu, Oct 26, 2023 9:30 AM to Sun, Nov 5, 2023. 4:30 PM
• Google Calendar  ICS

“Step into a world of graceful beauty and artistic mastery at our annual Fall Ikebana Festival, where the essence of nature comes to life through exquisite floral arrangements. Admire a stunning array of Ikebana compositions created by talented artists and enthusiasts. Each arrangement tells a unique story and captures the spirit of the seasons. It is a testament to creativity and the deep connection between humans and nature.

Whether you are a skilled Ikebana practitioner or simply curious about this beautiful Japanese traditional art form, our Fall Ikebana Festival promises an enriching and visually stunning experience for all.

Reserve your tickets now and prepare to be mesmerized by the artistry of Ikebana.

Date & Time:

Festival will be held from 10/26 – 11/05. Special event fees apply, please check ticket prices below.”

Our general admission hours are: 

Thursday – Sunday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Tickets:

General admission: $18

Children under 15: $5

Members: $10Purchase Tickets

• Sunday, October 22, 2023
• 1:00 PM  3:00 PM
• Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson (map)
• Google Calendar  ICS

“Oribana is a form of paper art that combines origami and ikebana, which are traditional Japanese art forms. The word “oribana” is a portmanteau of “ori” (fold) from origami and “bana” (flower) from ikebana.  

In this popular workshop, run by origami artist M. Fumie Craig, students gain hands-on experience doing Oribana and they will learn how to fold and create paper flower arrangements in a paper vase.

About the Artist:

M. Fumie Craig has been an origami enthusiast for more than 60 years. Together with David Kha, she became a Co-Founder of Tucson Origami Club in 2004. She is active in Tucson’s community as a member of the Southern Arizona Japanese Cultural Coalition and was past President of the Japan America Society of Tucson. In 2006 she was honored as the Pan Asian Community Alliance Woman of the Year. Her origami artwork has been exhibited at Yume Japanese Gardens of Tucson and the Tucson Botanical Gardens.”

Date/Time:

Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 1pm to 3pm

Advance registration required.

Tickets:

Adults: $20 

Children: $10

All materials included (does not include Gardens admission)

Space is limited. Please reserve your spot!Purchase Tickets

CCP is at 1030 N.Olive Rd. on UA campus, in Tucson.