The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is set to host its first-ever Japan Festival on Friday, April 17, 2026 from 6-8 p.m. in the Maucker Union Ballrooms; a landmark event culminating two years of dedicated work by Maoko Umeda, the university's Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI) Coordinator. The event is set as a celebration of the connections that Umeda has made within the local community and throughout the Midwest, and invites partners, collaborators and the larger community to engage and immerse themselves in an evening of cultural exchange and celebration. Snack on new foods, try on traditional clothes, make talismans to take home and listen to local taiko drummers! Join us as we immerse ourselves into Japan for one night! This event is free and open to the public.