Osaka’s Dotonbori Comes to KL: Nihon Matsuri 2026 Returns with Malaysia’s First Standing Omakase, Record-Breaking Feats, and Star-Studded Lineup
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, 12 October 2026 — Get ready to experience Japan like never before as Nihon Matsuri 2026 returns this 22–25 October at XOX Arena, The Arch Galeries Kuala Lumpur bringing an explosive, exciting celebration of Japanese food, culture, entertainment, and culinary craftsmanship. Held annually since 2022, the festival returns this year with a fresh concept inspired by the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, Osaka, bringing the energetic atmosphere of one of Japan’s most iconic food and entertainment districts straight to Malaysia. The 2026 edition is proudly supported by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), Japan’s official tourism organisation promoting the country’s destinations, culture, and experiences to international audiences.
Making its debut at this year’s festival is what is billed as Malaysia’s first Standing Omakase, offering guests a unique omakase experience designed around the spirit of Japanese dining while reimagining the traditional format in a lively festival setting. The five-course experience will feature premium seafood air-flown directly from Japan, allowing guests to enjoy carefully crafted dishes while experiencing the skill and precision of Japanese culinary craftsmanship up close.
Another major highlight will be the POP Wasabi Awards 2026, a groundbreaking sushi competition presented by Sendo Ichi Seafoods, bringing together six promising sushi chefs representing selected Japanese restaurants. The competition will put their technical skills, precision, creativity and understanding of premium ingredients to the test as they compete for the inaugural POP Wasabi Awards title. The competition will be judged by sushi master Sam Saito of Sushi Hibiki, a Japanese Cuisine Goodwill Ambassador appointed by Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), renowned Malaysian chef and culinary personality Chef Wan, and Andrea Wong, Creative Director, fashion stylist and Editor-in-Chief of Palate Asia. Bringing together expertise across Japanese sushi craftsmanship, culinary arts, fashion, lifestyle and editorial curation, the distinguished panel will evaluate the contestants on their sushi-making technique, precision, presentation, creativity and overall execution – offering a multidimensional perspective on what makes an exceptional sushi chef.
Beyond food and culinary experiences, Nihon Matsuri 2026 will also feature a vibrant lineup of live entertainment across the festival weekend. Japanese rock band I Don’t Like Mondays. will take the stage on Friday at 8:00 PM at Hall B, with the performance included as part of the regular Nihon Matsuri entry, allowing festival-goers to enjoy a live Japanese music performance without a separate concert ticket.
The festival’s dedicated concert programme, Nihon Live, will take place on Saturday from 7:30 PM at Hall A, featuring Japanese artist Tomonari Sora and Malaysian girl group KLP48. Concert tickets are priced at RM149, which also includes Nihon Matsuri entry access, offering fans a dedicated live music experience featuring performances from both Japanese and Malaysian talents together with the full experience.
The entertainment continues on Sunday at 7:00 PM at Hall B, with AME (Amelia Khor) joining the festival for a special band performance and Meet & Greet session. The session is free with Nihon Matsuri entry, giving visitors another opportunity to enjoy live entertainment and connect with the performer.
Together, the diverse lineup of Japanese and Malaysian performers adds another dimension to Nihon Matsuri 2026, bringing music, culture and entertainment together while creating opportunities for audiences to experience both established and emerging talents from across the region.
With food, live culinary demonstrations, competitions, record-breaking ambitions and live entertainment all under one roof, Nihon Matsuri 2026 aims to offer visitors a complete Japanese festival experience – from the flavours and craftsmanship of Japan to the music, energy and culture that make the country so captivating. Inspired by the spirit of Dotonbori, this year’s festival invites visitors to eat, discover, celebrate and experience Japan in a distinctly Malaysian setting.
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.myand Nihon Matsuri social media page.
