The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth 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 celebration 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 with family and friends to appreciate the autumn moon. The annual festival in North Texas brings together thousands of residents for an evening of Japanese music, traditional 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, arts, and cultural experiences.
This sponsorship underscores Kawai's commitment to music as a universal language that bridges cultures. "Kawai Piano Gallery is honored to take part in the Otsukimi event as a Cultural Pavilion sponsor. Music has always been a bridge between cultures, and the piano in particular has long connected Japan and the world," said a representative from the gallery. "As a company rooted in Japanese craftsmanship now serving the North Texas community, we see Otsukimi as a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the ties between our 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, serves musicians and families throughout North Texas, offering a selection of grand, upright, digital, and hybrid pianos, along with guidance for families, teachers, schools, churches, studios, and professional performers. The gallery also houses the Kawai Music School, which provides piano and voice lessons for students of various ages and skill levels. Instructors speak Japanese, Korean, English, and Persian/Farsi, fostering an inclusive learning environment. Additional instruments and programs are planned as the school expands.
The partnership highlights the natural connection between Japanese cultural heritage and music education. Through its sponsorship, Kawai 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 of Dallas/Fort Worth, expressed gratitude for the sponsorship: "Kawai's Japanese heritage, commitment to artistic excellence, and dedication to music education make the company a natural partner for this celebration. Its participation will help us introduce more North Texas families to the richness of Japanese culture while strengthening the friendship between Japan and the United States."
The 2026 Otsukimi Festival promises to be a family-friendly event that fosters cultural understanding and community bonds. With Kawai's involvement, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with Japanese arts and music in a meaningful way. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening friendship between Japanese and Americans in North Texas, hosts the event annually. For more information about Kawai Piano Gallery Dallas, visit https://kawaius.com/store/dallas.
