The Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida (JAS) will usher in the “Year of the Horse” with its 32nd annual Japanese New Year Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at the Wright Place in downtown Pensacola.
Festivities will take place from 12 noon until 4 p.m. and will include performances by the popular Matsuriza taiko drummers, Japanese dancing and children’s performances, martial arts demonstrations, music, food vendors, and other cultural displays, plus a silent auction.
JAS members and children under age 3 enjoy free admission, and non-member tickets are $10 each. Guests can skip the ticket line by becoming a member in advance at jasnwfl.org/join.
The Wright Place is located at 80 E. Wright St. and is part of the First United Methodist Church complex. In addition to street parking, there are several lots adjacent to the church that are available for this event. Doors open at 11:00 a.m.
The mission of the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida is to foster and promote stronger ties of friendship and understanding between the U.S. and Japan. For more information, visit jasnwfl.org or facebook.com/jasnwfl.
Program of Events
All times approximate and subject to change.
12:00 p.m. – Opening Remarks
Dr. Layne Yonehiro, JASNWFL President
Hon. Kentaro Mizuuchi, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of Japan in Miami
12:15 p.m. – Remembering Takemasa Ishikura and Taiko Drum Performance
Matsuriza Taiko
12:45 p.m. – “Kashin” Japanese Gagaku Performance
LeRon Harrison
12:50 p.m. – Martial Arts Demonstration
Big Green Drum, Joe and Angelia Byers
1:10 p.m. – Japanese Dance
Japanese Folk Dance Group of Pensacola Ajisai-kai
1:30 p.m. – Taiko Drum Performance
Matsuriza Taiko
2:00 p.m. – Eisa Drum Dances
Emerald Coast Okinawa
2:20 p.m. – Japanese Dance
Miyabi-kai Dance Group
2:40 p.m. – Iaido Sword Performance
Emerald Coast Martial Arts Academy
3:00 p.m. – Japanese Dance “Kawachi Otokobushi”
Japanese Folk Dance Group of Pensacola Ajisai-kai
3:05 p.m. – Taiko Drum Performance
Matsuriza Taiko
3:35 p.m. – Japanese Dance “Kawachi Otokobushi” with Audience Participation
Japanese Folk Dance Group of Pensacola Ajisai-kai
3:45 p.m. – Closing Remarks
Dr. Layne Yonehiro, JASNWFL President