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, 901 E. 15th Street in downtown Plano, Texas.
Otsukimi, which translates to "moon viewing," is a centuries-old Japanese tradition of gathering to appreciate the autumn moon. The annual festival in North Texas brings together thousands of residents for an evening of Japanese culture, including 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 the 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 that music serves as a universal language, connecting people across ages and cultures. A representative from Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas expressed honor in participating, noting that music has long been a bridge between Japan and the world, and that the company looks forward to strengthening community ties through shared cultural appreciation.
Founded in Japan in 1927, Kawai is approaching 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, serves musicians and families throughout North Texas, offering a range of pianos and personalized consultations. The gallery also houses the Kawai Music School, which provides piano and voice lessons with instructors fluent in Japanese, Korean, English, and Persian/Farsi, fostering an inclusive environment.
Kawai's participation in the Otsukimi Festival underscores the connection between Japanese cultural heritage and music education. By sponsoring the Cultural Pavilion, the company aims to create a space where festival attendees can engage with the arts and learn about Japanese traditions, contributing to the broader celebration of friendship between Japan and North Texas.
Grant Ogata, President of the Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, expressed gratitude for Kawai's investment, stating that Kawai's Japanese heritage and dedication to music education make it a natural partner. The sponsorship will help introduce more families to the richness of Japanese culture while strengthening bilateral ties.
The festival is free and open to the public, offering a family-friendly outdoor setting for cultural exchange. For more information about Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas, visit https://kawaius.com/store/dallas or follow @kawaipianogallerydallas on Instagram.
