From October 31 to November 2, Rio de Janeiro will host Carioca Matsuri 2026, a mega-festival that brings together the leading names in Japanese cuisine, culture, the otaku universe, and music. Learn more about this event!
Immerse yourself in Asian culture with over 80 hours of programming!
Carioca Matsuri 2026 draws inspiration from popular Japanese festivals that celebrate culture, togetherness, and community. In total, there will be three days and over 80 hours of programming, featuring many activities that promise a true immersion in Asian culture.
Among them are cosplay contests, taiko performances, voice actors, anime song bands, and themed panels.
The YuYu20 Show Orchestra will celebrate three decades of the Yu Yu Hakusho franchise in Brazil. In addition, the Sato Company will display original armor from classic series such as Jaspion and Kamen Rider Black.
The festival also features classic activities, such as manga classes, flower arrangement workshops, and martial arts demonstrations, including Aikido and Kendo.
On the technology side, visitors will be able to check out the Sky Bridge Experience. The Japan Foundation adapted this international planetarium project for virtual reality with the goal of connecting Eastern art to the South American public.
From Michelin-starred chefs to onigiri workshops: the cuisine of Carioca Matsuri
Among the festival’s highlights, cuisine plays a central role in the event. In addition to traditional dishes, there will be street foods famous in Japan that are still rarely found in Rio’s restaurant scene .
Michelin-starred chef André Kawai will run a themed restaurant at the event. Other renowned professionals in the field, such as Alissa Ohara, Eric Ueda, and Laura Kiyoko, will lead free workshops. One of the special attractions will be an onigiri workshop— hand-shaped Japanese rice balls—led by Japanese women in their 70s and 80s.
The Carioca Matsuri 2026 festival takes place from October 31 to November 2 at Riocentro, buttickets go on sale starting June 5. For more information, visit the event’s official website.
