OC Japan Fair brings slices of culture to Costa Mesa fairgrounds

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A guest joins a traditional Awaodori dancer as they perform at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. The event featured cultural exhibits, live demonstrations, games, musical performances and traditional Japanese food. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Young taiko drummer Billy Cresse, beats the drum with Akaoni Daiko as they perform at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. The event featured cultural exhibits, live demonstrations, games, musical performances and traditional Japanese food. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A demonstration of a tea ceremony was one of the attractions at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Cut grilled squid was a popular item at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A guest enjoys a squid on a stick at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Guests arrive dressed in traditional kimonos at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Cindy Lao shares a laugh with friends dressed as an anime character at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Grilled lobster was one of the many tasty treats at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Taiko drummer Scott Nakao, plays with Akaoni Daiko as they perform at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. The event featured cultural exhibits, live demonstrations, games, musical performances and traditional Japanese food. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A girl plays the balloon yo-yo fishing game at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Members of the Awaodori dance troupe get the crowd into the performance at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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A member of the Awaodori dance troupe perform at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Staff members from Arcane Maid Cafe take a group selfie at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

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Popular stuffed animals from cartoon characters were on display at the ninth annual OC Japan Fair at the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday. (Don Leach / Staff Photographer)

By Daily Pilot staff

Oct. 21, 2018 9:05 AM PT

Thousands of people flocked to the Orange County fairgrounds on Saturday for a taste of culture during the ninth annual OC Japan Fair.

The three-day festival, which started Friday, treats crowds to live performances — including from Misono, a Japanese pop star and television personality, pop duo Layla Lane and psychedelic rock band Ventra — as well as workshops and demonstrations of calligraphy, flower arranging, sake tasting and tea ceremonies.

Food also is in the spotlight, with vendors offering ramen, sushi, takoyaki and yakisoba, among other dishes.

Festivities continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.

Tickets are $8, as is parking. For more information, visit oc-japanfair.com.

OC Japan Fair brings slices of culture to Costa Mesa fairgrounds

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