A wide variety of Japanese street foods will be available.
The 18th annual OC Japan Fair and Freedom LA Music Festival will take place at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, bringing together music, cuisine, and cultural experiences from across Japan for a three-day celebration.
One of Southern California’s most popular Japanese cultural festivals, OC Japan Fair showcases the best of Japan’s music, food, and art in a vibrant and immersive setting. Guests can explore over 200 booths featuring traditional crafts, anime merchandise, and interactive games, while enjoying more than 60 varieties of Japanese food.
The Freedom LA Japanese Music Festival will once again be featured as part of OC Japan Fair, with an exciting lineup including Minmi, Naoto Inti Raymi, Genki Iwahashi, Yuriyan Retriever, Aonyan, Britany Tokyo, and additional artists representing the dynamic sounds of Japan’s music scene.
A special Lantern Release Ceremony will take place on April 4. Since its debut in 2025, this moving moment has quickly become a fan-favorite tradition, symbolizing hope and the cultural connection between Japan and Los Angeles as lanterns rise into the night sky.
One ticket provides access to both Freedom LA and OC Japan Fair, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Japanese music, cuisine, and culture in one destination.
Cosplay Contest
OC Japan Fair highlights:
Cosplay and Ai♥Fes Idol Festival, Anime Merchandise
Fans of anime and cosplay can experience a lively Akihabara-inspired zone. A section of the venue will be transformed into Akihabara Electric Town, recreating the vibrant atmosphere of Tokyo’s famous pop culture district, complete with maid cafés and themed attractions.
The area will feature a wide selection of anime merchandise, collectible figures, and cosplay booths, offering visitors a chance to explore the latest in Japanese pop culture. On April 4, the festival will also host a live Cosplay Contest and Ai♥Fes idol performance, bringing high-energy entertainment to the stage.
Oiran Dochu Procession
On April 4 and 5, visitors can witness the elegant Oiran Dochu (Procession of Courtesans) as it moves from the main stage to Nakamise Street.
The procession recreates the historical tradition of the Edo period, when oiran courtesans of the Yoshiwara district paraded through the streets to advertise the houses where they worked. Participants dressed in elaborate Edo-period costumes recreate the beauty and pageantry of this historical custom.
Traditional Japanese Tuna Cutting Show, Japanese Street Food
On April 4 and 5, the main stage will host a Tuna Cutting Show, performed by a chef from a renowned Japanese tuna company. The demonstration will showcase the traditional technique of preparing and carving whole tuna.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of Japanese street foods, including okonomiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, yakitori, shaved ice, ramen, pork cutlet sandwiches, taiyaki, and many other festival favorites available throughout the venue.
Asakusa-Inspired Nakamise Street, Traditional Cultural Performances
The indoor venue will be transformed into a vibrant Nakamise-style street inspired by Asakusa, where visitors can experience a wide range of traditional Japanese culture.
The program will feature interactive Bon odori dancing, taiko drumming, koto music, and Nihon buyo (traditional dance), along with live demonstrations of shodo (calligraphy), kado (flower arranging), and sado (tea ceremony). Kimono models will also showcase traditional Japanese attire throughout the event. Oshare Japan will return with Asakusa-inspired stage performances throughout the weekend.
Two sumo wrestlers and their stablemaster from Ajigawa Stable will appear, serving authentic chanko stew, offering photo opportunities, and presenting live sumo demonstrations.
Visitors can also explore the Japan O booth, which will showcase regional products from Japan, including specialties from Kumamoto and other regions.
Freedom LA Japanese Music Festival
Entering its second year, the Freedom LA Japanese Music Festival returns to Los Angeles with a dynamic lineup celebrating the energy and diversity of Japan’s music scene.
New this year, the festival will introduce a different theme each day. It opens with “Kawaii Friday,” highlighting Japan’s beloved kawaii culture and idol music. Idol groups traveling from Japan will headline the evening with colorful live performances.
Minmi: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X – 341K followers
Naoto Inti Rayme: Website | Instagram | TikTok | X – 791K followers
Genki Iwahashi: Website | Instagram | TikTok | X – 1.52M followers
Yuriyan Retriever: Instagram | TikTok – 1.01M followers
Hippy: Instagram – 107K followers
775: Instagram – 63.1K followers
Yoyoka Family Band: Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | X – 431K followers
Aonyan: Website | Instagram – 30.4K followers
Yurimaru: Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | X – 49K followers
Hours
Friday, April 3, 4 to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 4, 12 to 10 p.m.
Sunday, April 5, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission
Presale (until April 2): $19.98 (including fees)
General (starting April 3, 12 a.m.): $23.18 (including fees)
Free admission available for children under 6 and seniors 65 and over
Admission includes access to Freedom LA on Friday and Sunday. A separate ticket is required for Freedom LA on Saturday.
Lantern Release Ceremony
Freedom LA Admission:
Three-Day general admission: $68 (available through April 2)
General admission + Lantern Package: $73.34
Lantern only (add-on): $28.52
Gold Area (premium viewing): $105.35
Single-day general admission (Friday or Sunday): $19.98
All tickets include access to OC Japan Fair.
Parking fee: $15
Info: www.oc-japanfair.com
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