Voice Actress Emi Lo to Headline Anime Program at 2026 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival in Plano

The Japan-America Society of DFW (JASDFW) will present the 2026 Otsukimi Japanese Moon Viewing Festival on Saturday, September 26, at Haggard Park in Plano. The free community event, which attracted an estimated 6,000 attendees in 2025, celebrates Japanese culture through traditional and contemporary experiences, including taiko drummers, a Japanese children's choir, sumo wrestling demonstrations, traditional dancers, singers, a band playing popular anime theme songs, hands-on cultural activities, free children's games, and an expanded food pavilion featuring authentic Japanese and Asian cuisine. This year, anime will take center stage with a special evening program featuring Emi Lo, the English voice actress from the hit anime series The Apothecary Diaries. A highly respected voice actor and voice director, Lo has contributed to numerous popular anime productions and is recognized for a wide range of fan-favorite roles. For a complete list of her credits, visit https://emilo.carrd.co/.

Beginning at approximately 8:45 p.m., Lo will share her experience bringing her popular character to life, discuss The Apothecary Diaries, and give fans a look at what's ahead. The program will also include a special anime episode screening, a preview of the upcoming season, and a live audience Q&A with Lo. A limited number of guests may purchase an official Emi Lo photo, have it personally autographed, and take a photo with her. Limited autograph opportunities are available. The festival runs from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano, TX 75074, with free admission. Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance to receive event and performance updates and a chance to win a special prize. For festival information, free tickets, and details about the limited Emi Lo autograph experience, visit https://jasdfw.org/otsukimi-japanese-moon-viewing-festival/.

Otsukimi, meaning "moon viewing," is a traditional Japanese celebration of the autumn moon and harvest season. JASDFW's annual festival brings the tradition to North Texas through an evening of Japanese performances, food, cultural activities, family entertainment, and contemporary Japanese pop culture. The Japan-America Society of Dallas/Fort Worth strengthens friendship and understanding between Japanese and Americans in North Texas through cultural, educational, and business programs that build lasting person-to-person and business-to-business connections.

This news matters because it underscores the economic and cultural impact of anime and Japanese pop culture in Texas. By featuring a prominent voice actress like Emi Lo, the festival not only draws anime fans but also attracts families and cultural enthusiasts, boosting local businesses in Plano through increased foot traffic and spending. The event's expanded food pavilion and cultural activities support local vendors and artisans, while the focus on anime highlights a growing market segment that drives consumer engagement. For businesses, this represents an opportunity to tap into a diverse audience and foster cross-cultural connections. The festival's free admission and family-friendly programming make it accessible, further enhancing community cohesion and economic vitality in the region.