About Us
"MATSURI" is an international cultural initiative that connects Japan and the world through events and cultural exchange.
MATSURI is led by Otacute Inc. as its organizing body, with many businesses and partners taking part in its operation.
Just as matcha and cosplay have become part of a shared global vocabulary, we believe "MATSURI" has the same potential to resonate worldwide. Starting from Manila, the Philippines, we are co-creating a place where people from around the world can meet across borders.
Rather than simply exporting Japanese culture abroad, we aim to bring Japanese culture together with the culture of each host region, giving rise to a new MATSURI that could only exist in that place.
Achievements
MATSURI in MANILA 2026
MATSURI in MANILA 2026 was held on April 25, 2026, at the Quirino Grandstand (Rizal Park) in Manila.
Certified as an Official Commemorative Project
MATSURI in MANILA 2026 has been certified by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan as an official commemorative project of the Philippines-Japan Friendship Year (70th Anniversary of Normalization of Diplomatic Relations).
MATSURI in MANILA 2025
MATSURI in MANILA 2025 was held from May 10 to 11, 2025, at the Quirino Grandstand and Rizal Park in Manila.
Initiatives
International Cultural Events
We plan and operate cross-border cultural exchange events that combine culture, food, and traditional arts. We introduce Japanese regions, products, and services on-site, turning visitor feedback and market insights into opportunities for future exchange.
Tourism, Regional, and Corporate Partnerships
We partner with local governments, DMOs, tourism operators, travel agencies, and companies to bring Japanese regional culture, tourism resources, and products to audiences overseas. Leveraging events and on-the-ground networks, we create new opportunities for exchange and business.
Community & Social Partnerships
We create opportunities that connect a diverse range of people—event attendees, creators, businesses, regional organizations, and NGOs. Through culture and community activities, we support ongoing exchange and community building.
Products
MATSURI in MANILA
An international cultural event held in Manila, connecting Japan and the Philippines through culture, entertainment, food, and community.
Event PageMATSURI PAY
A social proof-of-concept initiative to bring MATSURI into a new era—a digital service that enhances event experiences and everyday life.
Service OverviewManila Event Space
We operate a space within Laperal YOU.suites in Manila that companies can use for promotions, pop-ups, test marketing, events, and more.
Host an Event
A community where event attendees, creators, and organizers connect
Sponsors & Supporters
MATSURI is powered by the generous support of countless people. The posters below introduce our performers and sponsors.
MATSURI in MANILA 2026
MATSURI in MANILA 2025
Message from Our Representative
Connecting the World Through What We Love
MATSURI's mission is to grow connections around the world—connections formed by meeting people through the culture we love, getting to know one another, and coming to accept each other.
When COVID-19 spread across the globe, the Philippines endured one of the world's strictest lockdowns, lasting nearly two years, and I spent that time in Manila.
During that time, we couldn't share meals and laughter with friends, sweat together, or talk about our dreams. For the first time, I learned just how painful it is to lose connection with other people.
Some of my friends couldn't bear that loneliness and made the worst possible choice.
In December 2021, once the lockdown lifted, we were among the first to bring back real, in-person events. At the venue, we heard about the pain of the days spent unable to see friends. And what we saw were the smiles of people reuniting after so long, joyfully sharing the same culture together.
That scene is the starting point of everything we do.
A group photo from an event held right after the lockdown lifted (that's me on the far right).
Connections between people create happiness. Opportunities to understand one another reduce misunderstanding and conflict.
A matsuri (festival) has the power to bring people together—across language, nationality, age, and position—to laugh, eat, dance, and share moments of emotion in the same place. Growing that kind of space around the world through MATSURI is the path we believe in, and it is the meaning behind the slogan we have carried consistently: "HAPPINESS TO EVERYONE."
Yu Ohara, Representative, MATSURI
Organization Profile
| Organization Name | MATSURI |
|---|---|
| Operating Company | Otacute Inc. and others |
| Representative | Yu Ohara |
| Main Location | Laperal YOU.suites, 2119 C.M. Recto Avenue, Sampaloc, Manila, Metro Manila 1008, Philippines |
| Activities | Planning and management of various events, PR, and merchandise sales |
| Track Record | MATSURI in MANILA 2026/2025, event cooperation with the Japan Foundation, Manila Japan Cultural Center, Japan Fiesta, and many other achievements (see more here) |
| Contact | Go to Contact Form |
Contact Us
Let's Grow MATSURI Together, Around the World
MATSURI is looking to partner with companies, local governments, tourism operators, travel agencies, cultural organizations, NGOs, creators, and more.
Beyond event sponsorship and exhibiting, we design collaborations tailored to your goals—regional promotion, product experiences, market research, cultural exchange, and joint content creation. Please feel free to get in touch.