Arizona Matsuri

04/11/2026

Check out the upcoming Sake & Soju Event at the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix
🍶HAPPENING TONIGHT🍶

A unique evening celebrating culture, cuisine, and the first Phoenix Sister Cities collaboration between Himeji and Suwon—you won’t want to miss it!

Join Phoenix Sister Cities at Sake and Soju, a joint event with our Himeji and Suwon committees! Taste the differences in sake and soju over the background of the Japanese Friendship Garden, featuring performances by the Pam Morita Asian Jazz Quartet and the Arirang Institute for Classical Korean Performing Arts.

Sake and Soju will be NEXT WEEK on April 11th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Japanese Friendship Garden.

Save your seat now! https://phoenixsistercities.org/event/sake-and-soju/

02/25/2026

🎌✨ Day 2 of Arizona Matsuri has come to a close, and what an unforgettable weekend it has been! ✨🎌

This year was especially meaningful as we proudly celebrated the 50th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Himeji and Phoenix. 🇯🇵🤝🇺🇸 Honoring five decades of friendship and cultural exchange made this festival even more special.

We are extremely grateful to have had the honor and pleasure of hosting ( ) Phoenix Sister Cities Himeji, Japan Committee’s first artist exchange featuring Tsugaru Shamisen player Takuya Nakamura ( .nakamura0109 )and Traditional Buyo Performer Kazuki Miyasaka (.dai) 🇯🇵. Their performance was a powerful celebration of tradition, artistry, and international connection.

We are also deeply thankful for our wonderful vendors, performers, and exhibitors who brought the festival to life throughout the weekend. A huge thank you to all of our generous sponsors whose support allows us to present this celebration year after year.

Thank you to everyone who joined us. We look forward to welcoming you back again next year. 🥳🎌

02/22/2026

🎌Day 1 of Arizona Matsuri is officially complete! 🎌

Thank you to everyone who joined us for an amazing first day filled with culture, community, and celebration.

We’re excited to welcome you back for Day 2 and do it all over again! 🥳

Tell us your favorite part of the day and be sure to tag us in your best moments — we love seeing the festival through your eyes! 📸

02/20/2026

🎉🇯🇵 IT’S HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND! 🇯🇵🎉

Arizona Matsuri takes over Steele Indian School Park on Feb 21st and 22nd, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎊🌸

🗺️ Check out this year’s festival map, parking map, and official festival program so you can plan your day, catch your favorite performances, find your must-visit vendors, and experience as much of the festival as possible. Save this post, send it to your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend!

Lastly, let us know what you're looking forward to, and don't forget to tag us in your favorite moments at this year's festival!

02/20/2026

🎌🥳Join us THIS WEEKEND, Feb 21st and 22nd, for the 42nd Annual Arizona Matsuri🥳🎌

Here’s a look at some of the many performers you’ll see across the festival grounds all weekend long 🎊

Entertainment will be happening throughout the park, so there’s always something to experience 🎶🌸

Shinobu “Shan” Ichiyanagi — “CANDYMAN” 🍭✨
An internationally recognized Amezaiku artist who hand-sculpts intricate candy creations live.

Arizona Japan Karate Association 🥋
Continuing the legacy of Master Shojiro Koyama, Arizona JKA preserves and teaches traditional Shotokan Karate with roots in Phoenix dating back to 1961.

Fushicho Daiko Dojo 🥁🔥
Providing dynamic, authentic taiko at Arizona Matsuri since 1993 and sharing their love of Japanese culture with the community.

Odaiko Sonora🥁🎼
Tucson’s taiko ensemble serving Southern Arizona since 2002, dedicated to expanding appreciation of Japanese drumming through performances and education.

Soleil Maid Cafe 🎀💃
Inspired by Akihabara and modern Japanese pop culture, bringing energetic dance performances to the festival stage.

Suzuyuki Kai🌺🎎
Showcasing the elegance and expressive depth of traditional Japanese dance.

Koshio Gumi 🥁🌊
Founded and led by Ken Koshio, this Phoenix-based taiko group blends traditional rhythms with modern creativity, performing and teaching to connect cultures through the heartbeat of taiko.

Kohei Hattori🎤🌟
IFA United Nations international ambassador and singer whose music was featured in the anime Tokyo 24th Ward, performing at festivals and conventions nationwide.

Kishin Daiko🥁⚡
Founded in 1981 in Southern California, Kishin Daiko has spent over four decades performing a wide repertoire of traditional and contemporary taiko.

Arizona Ondo Kai 🌸🪭
A Japanese folk dance group from the Arizona Buddhist Temple, sharing joy and gratitude through traditional Bon Odori dance.

Project Shinobi - Martial Arts Stunt Performance Team🥋🔥
High-energy martial arts stunt performances featuring Taekwondo, tricking, dance, and acrobatics.

02/19/2026

🎌Celebrate the opening of Arizona Matsuri with an unforgettable evening of live music, dance, and cultural exchange at the beautiful Japanese Friendship Garden ( Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix )🌸🎌

The Phoenix Sister Cities ( Phoenix Sister Cities ) Himeji, Japan Committee is proud to present their first artist exchange featuring Tsugaru Shamisen & Japanese Dance: Buyo 🇯🇵

Experience the powerful sounds of the Tsugaru Shamisen alongside the elegance of traditional Japanese Buyo dance in a special performance that celebrates the cultural bond between Phoenix and Himeji.

📅 Thursday, February 19
⏰ 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Join us for an evening that honors tradition, artistry, and international friendship as we kick off Arizona Matsuri in a truly meaningful way. 🌙✨

02/18/2026

Arizona Matsuri, this weekend! Join Fushicho Daiko at Steele Indian School Park, 10 am- 5 pm both day.

02/17/2026

🚨🥳4 DAYS AWAY🥳🚨

🎉🇯🇵 We’re excited to bring you another incredible food lineup at this year’s Arizona Matsuri! 🇯🇵🎉

Join us Feb 21st & 22nd at Steele Indian School Park and come hungry — our vendors are bringing serious flavor. 🍜🔥

✨ Today’s spotlight shines on 6 delicious vendors. For the full lineup, check out our website!✨

🥟 Happy Buns – Nikuman (smoked pork), red bean nikuman, Japanese curry, smoked pork yakitori, Japanese coconut milk buns, gluten-free Japanese cheesecake (matcha & original), butter mochi (matcha & original), imagawayaki (red bean), Japanese iced coffee, canned green tea, Calpico, and logo stickers & T-shirts.

🌊 Pokitrition – Takosu creations including Kani, Ebi, Maguro, Maguro + Ebi, and Soft Shell Crab (tempura fried seaweed + sushi rice combinations), plus Ichigo Lemonade 🍓.

🍵🍦 Matcha Maiko – Matcha tea, matcha lattes, specialty matcha drinks, matcha ice cream, and ube ice cream.

🍢 Trans Concessions – Jumbo Yakitori, Jumbo Jakiton, and steamed rice with ginger.

🍛 Shimogamo – Japanese katsu curry.

🍜 Kyoto Ramen Express – Ramen noodle dishes and refreshing yuzu lemonade.

Which one are you trying first? 👀

02/17/2026

🥤 🇯🇵The Arizona Matsuri Ramune Contest returns Feb 21st & 22nd at Steele Indian School Park!🇯🇵🥤

We’re looking for 10–12 participants ages 8–12 to take part in this fun, fast-paced challenge. Stop by the Cultural Arts Stage from 11:10–11:35 AM on both Saturday and Sunday to watch the action or join in.

🏆 Winners will receive festival prizes!
🎉 Come cheer them on and see who finishes first.

02/16/2026

🎉 The Arizona Matsuri Cosplay Contest is back on February 21st & 22nd at 1 PM, sponsored by Collectors Marketplace and Southwest Gas Corporation! 🎉

Hosted by & , this is your chance to show off your best cosplay and be part of the fun! Check out the rules and sign-up details on our website.

Use this year’s template to share your cosplay plans! Fill in the lineup and tag us for a chance to be featured on our story leading up to the contest!

📍 Check-in details:
• Go to the tables near the Cultural Stage — there will be visuals on or near the tables to help you recognize where to go.
• Check in any time between 12:00 PM and 12:45 PM both days.
• Any and all props to be used during the contest MUST be peace-tied and approved BEFORE the contest (at the Cultural Arts Stage or Info Booth).

🎊 Our event is free to attend, and everyone is welcome to join the festivities. 🎊

02/16/2026

🚨🥳🎌5 DAYS AWAY FROM THIS YEAR'S ARIZONA MATSURI🎌🥳🚨

Take a look at just a few of the amazing exhibitors we’re hosting this year. Visit our website for the complete list!

🌸 Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix : Experience a beautifully curated exhibit of traditional Japanese kimonos and artisan pieces, celebrating timeless craftsmanship and cultural elegance.

📸 Through Each Other's Eyes – A Japan Retro Exhibition: Explore a nostalgic showcase of 20 photo exchanges with Himeji, Japan, highlighting decades of cultural connection since 1988.

🦢 Arizona Origami Society : Learn the art of origami firsthand in the Steele Indian School Park Memorial Hall!

🇯🇵✨ Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles: Discover resources from the Japanese government, including the JET Program, MEXT Scholars, and JNTO, alongside cultural organizations like the Japan Foundation and JAPAN HOUSE LA — plus enjoy a small interactive activity at their booth!

🍵🍡 Chado Urasenke Tankokai AZ / Tea Ceremony: Immerse yourself in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony as guests are served matcha and sweets during live demonstrations.

🧘‍♀️🟫 Sumo Yoga : Check out tatami-inspired yoga mats that blend traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern wellness.

🎨🖌️ Tangiverse: Browse Asian-inspired artwork that brings vibrant culture and creativity to life.

🌿💐 Ping Wei Ikebana Art: Discover the delicate beauty of ikebana through elegant floral arrangements rooted in Japanese tradition.

🏥 Asian Pacific Community In Action: Get connected with healthcare enrollment support and helpful resources tailored to Asian American and NHPI communities.

11/06/2025

Need a fun acitivity on Saturday? Join Fushicho Daiko Dojo for the Grand Avenue Festival, Nov 8, 10 am - 6 pm. Taiko all day at 925 Grand Avenue, performances, hands on drumming, parades!
check out the inclusive and fun festival! With 8 hours of Taiko, it's Matsuri time!
The street is closed to fit more amazing activities and food trucks. See you soon!
https://www.facebook.com/Grandavefestivalphx
https://www.instagram.com/grandavefestphx/