Guest Performers

Katsura Sunshine is one of a kind, the first foreigner to train in rakugo, the 400-year-old Japanese comic storytelling art, and now he's bringing this laugh-filled tradition to the rest of the world, including JapanFest this year.

 

Each show is two parts, a comedic monologue of his own material, much like the stand-up comedy you love, and then Sunshine's performance of age-old Japanese storytelling with his own special presentation.

 

Sunshine is currently in his 7th year of performing Rakugo in New York on Broadway, to great critical acclaim:

 

“A master storyteller!”—The New York Times

“The King of Kimono Comedy!"—Reuters

“There is only one Sunshine!”—The New Yorker

 

Sunshine spends his time between Tokyo, London, and New York, but this year he's returning to JapanFest, ready to fill the Gas South Center with laughter.

Samurai Sword Soul is a premier New York-based theater company founded in 2003 by samurai artist and FX SHOGUN actor Yoshi Amao. The company is celebrated for its dynamic fusion of traditional Japanese swordsmanship (Kenjutsu) and contemporary theatrical performance.

Through original productions that blend powerful sword choreography, physical storytelling, and a touch of humor and humanity, Samurai Sword Soul has toured extensively across the U.S., performing at prestigious theaters, universities, and major cultural festivals.

 

Following the massive success of their 20th Anniversary Production in NYC in December 2025, the company continues to captivate audiences with its unique artistic vision.

At the 2026 Japanfest in Atlanta, Samurai Sword Soul will premiere their latest masterpiece, "Neo Sengoku Period."

 

Starring Masaya Okubo, Shiho Matsuoka, Natalie Thomas, and Yoshi Amao, the performance features thunderous live taiko drumming and immersive sound effects by Hirotoshi Umeda.

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Samuraiswordsoul.com

Facebook.com/Samurai-Sword-Soul

Instagram.com/samuraiswordsoul​

Junko Fujiyama is a singer songwriter who sings J-pop songs with her piano.

She was born and raised in Japan.

After she moved to the United States, she played in multiple bands as the lead singer and wrote original songs for her bands. A few years later she became a solo performer. She has been performing at music venues and cultural events all over the US for nearly 19 years. 

 

She likes to cover everyone’s favorite J-pop songs and anime songs, adding a little sweet arrangement! 

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Reverbnation.com/junkomusic

Facebook.com/junkofujiyamausa

Featuring: Takumi Segi & Justin Weber

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Sleep & Loop is a yo-yo performance duo based in New York City, formed by Takumi and Justin. Two throwers united by a shared obsession with string, spin, and performance.

 

Drawing from the technical precision of Japanese yo-yo culture and imaginative performance, Sleep & Loop brings a dynamic mix of looping tricks, string mastery and synchronized flow to every stage. It started with Hyper Yo-Yo – childhood obsession that never really let go.

Magician Akua Shin started magic at the age of 5 in 1991.

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He became a professional magician in 2005.

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He specializes in light-hearted stage magic that is timed to music.

 

He has received high praise at magic tournaments around the world:

 

• 2007 world magic competition in China 1st prize

• 2008 magic extravaganza in Malaysia 2nd prize

• 2009 winter carnival of magic USA 1st prize

• 2010 SAM magic competition USA 1st prize

• 2014 Ulsan International Magic Festival in Korea Grandprix​

 

He is a rare magician who has mastered the traditional Chinese art of quick mask changing.

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This stage performance, which mixes the traditional Japanese art of Kabuki with mask-changing and magic, is a must-see.

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Youtube.com/@shin2841

Instagram.com/akuashin_magician

Video Game Alliance is an Atlanta collective of nerds who happen to also be musicians. We perform with 6 to 9 musicians and offer two exciting experiences.

 

MK Live is a 9-piece band dedicated to recreating the music of Mario Kart with a twist. YOU and your friends sign-up to race while we provide the soundtrack note for note.

 

We provide the hardware and anyone is welcome regardless of age or skill!

Haruka Nakashima is a Japan-based singer-songwriter who performs on stages around the world. She has won numerous competitions, including a Gold Prize at a national vocal contest in Japan. Her exceptional vocal ability and expressive performance style have earned high praise both in Japan and overseas, captivating audiences wherever she performs.

In recent years, she has expanded her activities internationally, appearing at major Japanese cultural festivals in the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and India.

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She has appeared as one of Japan’s representative artists at international events such as Hyper Japan (UK), Japan Festival Canada (Canada), JapanFest Atlanta (USA), and Konnichiwa Japan (India). She has also performed at events related to the Osaka–Kansai Expo, participating in cultural programs that represent Japan on the global stage.

Haruka Nakashima is not only a vocalist, but an artist who shares Japanese culture and stories with audiences around the world through music