The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth has announced that Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas will serve as the official Cultural Pavilion Sponsor for the 2026 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival. The free community event is scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park in downtown Plano. The annual festival draws thousands of North Texas residents for an evening of Japanese cultural celebration under the autumn moon, featuring traditional music and dance, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, sumo exhibitions, cultural activities, children's programming, anime and pop-culture experiences, and a variety of food offerings.
As Cultural Pavilion Sponsor, Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas will support an area of the festival dedicated to introducing attendees to Japanese traditions and arts. The sponsorship aligns with Kawai's belief in music as a universal language that bridges cultures. A company rooted in Japanese craftsmanship, Kawai has served the North Texas community and views the festival as an opportunity to strengthen ties between communities through music and shared cultural appreciation.
Founded in Japan in 1927, Kawai will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. The company has combined traditional Japanese craftsmanship with innovation to produce acoustic, digital, and hybrid pianos for a global audience. Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas, located in Plano, offers a selection of these instruments and provides guidance for families, teachers, schools, churches, studios, and professional performers. The gallery also houses the Kawai Music School, which offers piano and voice lessons for students of various ages and experience levels, with instructors fluent in Japanese, Korean, English, and Persian/Farsi, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Kawai's participation in the festival underscores the connection between Japanese cultural heritage and music education. Through its sponsorship, the company will help create a space where festival attendees can learn, participate, and experience the arts as part of a broader celebration of friendship between Japan and North Texas. Grant Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society, expressed gratitude for Kawai's investment in the Cultural Pavilion, noting that Kawai's heritage and dedication to music education make it a natural partner. He emphasized that the sponsorship will help introduce more North Texas families to the richness of Japanese culture while strengthening bilateral friendship.
Otsukimi, meaning "moon viewing," is a centuries-old Japanese tradition of gathering to appreciate the autumn moon and express gratitude. The North Texas festival offers a family-friendly outdoor setting for this experience. The event is free and open to the public, hosted by the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth. More information about Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas can be found at https://kawaius.com/store/dallas.
