Costume Swap

Inamori Pavilion

Cost: Included with admission
Date: Saturday October 19 (Otaku Smash Fest)
Time: 12pm-4pm
Location: Inamori Pavilion (gift shop side)

How it Works

  • JFGM is accepting gently used children, adults, and pet costumes in all sizes through 10/17. Halloween decor and props will also be accepted.

  • All costumes or props must be prewashed. (Please place them into a bag if you are bringing multiple items).

  • Drop-offs can be made at the front gate ticket booth 10am-4pm, or email visitorengagement@niwa.org to schedule a drop-off in the lower garden.

  • Fill out a short form with your name, and description of items you are donating to the event.

  • Participants will receive 1 ticket per donated item or set to exchange for an equivalent item the day of the event during check-in.
    Example: 1 clothing item =1 clothing item. 1 Necklace, glasses, or shoes = 1 accessory

  • Items that will not be accepted are undergarments and defective, or inappropriate costumes. Costumes must be clean and free of rips and stains. Decor must be family friendly.

  • Leftover costumes will be donated.

  • Walk-ins accepted. Donations are welcome even if you do not participate in the costume swap.

For questions on what can be donated, contact visitorengagement@niwa.org

Let’s have a safe and sustainable halloween!


Onigiri Action

Upper Garden | Gallery (Next to Education Center)

11:00am-2:00pm | While supplies last

Come make rice balls with us! Onigiri Action is an annual social good campaign connecting the simple act of taking a photo with helping to feed school children in need. During the campaign, through the generosity of our partner organizations, every Japanese riceball-related post on our global campaign website or your social media channel with #OnigiriAction will provide five school meals to children in need around the world(*). World Food Day on October 16 was established by the United Nations as a day for everyone to think about food problems in the world. To celebrate World Food Day, TABLE FOR TWO (TFT) holds "Onigiri Action" with the goal to deliver 1 million meals to children in need every year. TFT first started in Japan featuring onigiri (riceballs), which celebrate rice as one of the major Japanese agricultural products, and showcases the Japanese tradition of making onigiri for loved ones.

Since its launch in 2015, the Onigiri Action campaign has provided over 10 million school meals.

The campaign received the Deputy-Chief’s Award (by the Minister for Foreign Affairs) at the third Japan Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs awards ceremony 2019 held at the Prime Minister’s Office.

*TFT supports the mission of providing school meals in East Africa, South East Asia and local communities in the U.S. For more details about where we send support, visit the websites of TFT USA and TFT International.

Japanese Mahjong

Upper Garden | Education Center

Mahjong is a traditional game in which players attempt to create a winning hand by drawing and discarding tiles. Although it is commonly seen as a very complex and intricate game, it is actually quite simple and easy to learn, and can provide a lifetime of fun times with friends and family! The Japanese variant of Mahjong (Riichi) is the most represented variant in video games, anime, and manga. Whether you're chasing one of the rarest achievements in Final Fantasy 14, or just want to learn how to play, come by our little corner of the world to try a hand or two of Mahjong -- Or maybe a whole game -- with San Diego Riichi Mahjong club!

San Diego Riichi Mahjong is a casual group of Mahjong players in San Diego. We are a small group hoping to grow and spread the fun of Mahjong to San Diegans and anyone visiting San Diego! Join us for friendly game nights and meet ups to play Mahjong!

Performances

Lower Garden | Inamori Pavilion

10:30am- Honu Sumo Club

Sumo wrestling, putting the "smash" in Smash Fest! At Honu Sumo Club, the essence of our teaching celebrates the deep-rooted traditions of sumo. Traditional drills, including the shiko exercise, are key components of our program, enhancing lower body strength, stability, balance, and flexibility. This harmonious blend of old and new reflects San Diego’s respect for heritage and openness to innovation.

11:30am- Genbu Daiko

Formed back in August of 2015, Genbu Daiko is a contemporary percussion ensemble specializing in taiko - the art of Japanese drums. Although the team mostly drums in synchronization, the performers are encouraged to apply their individuality and interpretations to share with their audience a percussive experience in rhythmic creativity.

12:30pm- Cosplay Contest and Kikiitori

Kikii is a San Diego based j-pop inspired idol who sings and dances!

1:30pm- Super Tonic

Super Tonic came together from 9 friends who all loved anime and videogame music. We celebrate and share our love for the two mediums with our unique sound, built from our dynamic 9-piece arrangements and the belief that fully live music can hit just as hard as the music on-screen.

2:30pm- SuperNovA

SuperNovA is a Southern California based cosplay cover group that focuses on building a community through dance performances.

3:30pm- K-Pop Dance Troupe

Last year we had the opportunity to participate on this event dancing to Japanese music (vocaloid music and j-pop) we are a dance school located in Tijuana. We teach k-poo and j-pop choreographies.

4:30pm- Shofukan Kendo Dojo

Shofukan is an open kendo dojo in the San Diego region and a sister dojo of Gedatsu USA Kendo Dojo (Los Angeles), under the Southern California Kendo Federation (SCKF) and All United States Kendo Federation (AUSKF). Our organization is a social and not-for-profit sports & martial arts club, and all instructors and assistants are volunteer members of AUSKF.

We also offer a youth, kids, and family oriented kendo instructional program in conjunction with our all-ages open practice. Our philosophy is to be inclusive of all members of the both the kendo as well as the general community. It is also our goal to bring together kendo practitioners from various dojos in the region for a chance to play with and learn from one another regularly.