UW-Stout Hosts Japanese Summer Fashion and Photo Experience

Yukata and purikura photo booth event celebrates Japanese culture and traditions.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:00am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a single yukata garment repeated in a tight grid pattern, using flat, neon color palettes and heavy black outlines to transform this traditional Japanese summer fashion into a modern pop art piece.A vibrant celebration of Japanese summer fashion and cultural traditions comes to life through an eye-catching pop art interpretation of the iconic yukata garment.Menomonie Today

The University of Wisconsin-Stout is hosting a special event called "Dreaming of Summer in Japan: A Yukata & Purikura Experience" led by Keiko Morikawa, the Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator. Attendees will learn about the history of the yukata, a lightweight summer garment worn at festivals in Japan, and even have the opportunity to try on a yukata themselves. The event will also feature a purikura photo booth, a popular Japanese photo booth experience.

Why it matters

This event provides an immersive cultural experience for the local community to engage with Japanese traditions and customs. By offering hands-on activities like trying on yukatas and taking purikura photos, the event aims to foster a deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese summer festivals and fashion.

The details

During the 90-minute event, Keiko Morikawa will guide participants through the history and significance of the yukata, a casual summer kimono worn at festivals and events in Japan. Attendees will have the chance to try on yukatas themselves and take photos in a purikura photo booth, a unique Japanese photo experience where users can customize and print out their photos with fun stickers and frames.

  • The event will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:30am.

The players

Keiko Morikawa

The Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, who will be leading the Dreaming of Summer in Japan event.

University of Wisconsin-Stout

The host institution organizing the Dreaming of Summer in Japan event, located in Menomonie, Wisconsin.

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What they’re saying

“This event provides an immersive cultural experience for the local community to engage with Japanese traditions and customs.”

— Keiko Morikawa, Japanese Outreach Initiative Coordinator

What’s next

Registration is required to attend the Dreaming of Summer in Japan event. Interested participants can sign up through the UW-Stout website.

The takeaway

The Dreaming of Summer in Japan event at UW-Stout offers a unique opportunity for the local community to explore Japanese culture and fashion, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through hands-on activities like trying on yukatas and taking purikura photos.