Nihon Matsuri 2026 is returning this 22–25 October at XOX Arena, The Arch Galeries Kuala Lumpur and sets to bring an explosive, exciting celebration of Japanese food, culture, entertainment, and culinary craftsmanship.
Held every year since 2022, the festival is back this year with a new theme inspired by the lively streets of Dotonbori, Osaka. It brings the exciting vibe of one of Japan’s famous food and entertainment areas to Malaysia. The 2026 edition is proudly backed by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Japan’s official group promoting the country’s destinations, culture, and experiences to people around the world.
This year’s festival will feature Malaysia’s first Standing Omakase, giving guests a special omakase experience that captures the essence of Japanese dining while adding a fun twist in a festival atmosphere. The five-course meal will include top-quality seafood flown in from Japan, allowing guests to savor beautifully made dishes and witness the skill of Japanese chefs up close.
Another big event will be the POP Wasabi Awards 2026, a unique sushi competition by Sendo Ichi Seafoods. It will feature six talented sushi chefs from chosen Japanese restaurants. They will show off their skills, creativity, and knowledge of high-quality ingredients to win the first-ever POP Wasabi Awards title. The judges include sushi expert Sam Saito from Sushi Hibiki, known for his role as a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador, famous Malaysian chef Chef Wan, and Andrea Wong, Creative Director and Editor-in-Chief of Palate Asia. This talented panel will assess the chefs on their sushi-making methods, precision, presentation, creativity, and overall performance, giving a comprehensive view of what makes a great sushi chef.
Nihon Matsuri 2026 also aims to achieve a record in the Malaysia Book of Records with the Longest Oyster Bar, showcasing fresh oysters and celebrating Malaysia’s love for Japanese seafood. Visitors can enjoy a live tuna-cutting demonstration, where expert chefs will show how to break down a whole tuna, with freshly cut portions available for purchase.
More than just food, Nihon Matsuri 2026 will have exciting live entertainment throughout the festival weekend. The Japanese rock band I Don’t Like Mondays. will perform on Friday at 8:00 PM in Hall B. This performance is included in the regular Nihon Matsuri entry, allowing festival-goers to enjoy a live show without needing a separate concert ticket.
The festival’s concert series, Nihon Live, will happen on Saturday at 7:30 PM in Hall A, featuring Japanese artist Tomonari Sora and Malaysian girl group KLP48. Concert tickets cost RM149, which also includes access to Nihon Matsuri, giving fans a complete live music experience with performances from both Japanese and Malaysian artists.
On Sunday at 7:00 PM in Hall B, AME (Amelia Khor) will join the festival for a special band performance and Meet & Greet session. This session is free with Nihon Matsuri entry, offering visitors another chance to enjoy live entertainment and interact with the performer.
The ticket price for Nihon Matsuri 2026 is starting from RM25, while the Nihon Live with Nihon Matsuri 2026 tickets will cost RM149.
Nihon Matsuri 2026 will take place on 22 – 25 October 2026 at XOX Arena, The Arch Galeries Kuala Lumpur priced at RM25 for normal entry. Tickets and further information are available at www.excitix.com.my and Nihon Matsuri social media page.