MARIO G. REYES /Rafu Shimpo
Japanese kokeshi dolls are displayed at last year's Japan Expo.This year’s Expo will be held on Nov. 18-19 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

This year’s Expo is filled with culture, shopping fun and food. “Geisha” is this year’s theme. Performing a classical Japanese dance will be Makoto who is featured in the new documentary film, “Hannari: Geisha Modern” and is an authentic Geisha from the famous Gion District of Kyoto, Japan.

This year’s events include:

Gion Stage is dedicated to traditional and popular Japanese performing art. Presented on the stage will be a Kyoto style show with taiko, kyogen and featuring traditional dance by Makoto.

Fashion Show: The Geisha theme inspired this year’s fashion show that will introduce non-traditional kimonos along with Western style fashions made from Japanese print.

• Cosplay Fashion Show Contest: Cosplay (costume play) is where kids, teens and adults dress as characters from their favorite manga, anime and video games. The Cosplay Fashion Show Contest is on Saturday, Nov. 18 only. The deadline for entries is Nov. 1.

• Artists: Wako Kido, known for for her brush paintings and folding screens, will present some of her work.

• Showoff Cars: Mainstream Productions, producers of the “Showoff Car Show” and “Drift Showoff,” will be displaying several of the top quality cars and hottest models.

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