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​ATLANTA, GA – Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Japan at JapanFest Atlanta 2026, taking place September 19–20 at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth – just north of Atlanta. This year’s theme, “Timeless Japan,” invites guests to explore centuries of tradition alongside modern pop culture, interactive technology, and world class performances.

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With over 20,000 attendees annually, JapanFest Atlanta is one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in the Southeast. The 2026 celebration will showcase traditional and modern Japanese culture through music, dance, martial arts, hands on workshops, and of course mouthwatering food and cuisine.

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Headline Performances
• HARIBOW – High energy Double Dutch performance team combining acrobatics, dance, and speed. Finalists on Britain’s Got Talent and winners of the Audience Golden Buzzer
• Katsura Sunshine – World renowned rakugo master bringing centuries old comedic storytelling
• Matsuriza Taiko – Japanese drumming ensemble known for powerful festival rhythms, dynamic choreography, and performances that bring the spirit of traditional matsuri to life
• Samurai Sword Soul – A dynamic New York–based troupe blending Kenjutsu sword choreography with theatrical storytelling
• Akua Shin – Kabuki inspired magician known for mask changing artistry and music timed illusions
• Haruka Nakamura – Rising Japanese singer songwriter whose expressive vocals and original compositions blend modern Japanese pop with global influences
• Waves of Harmony – Traditional shamisen ensemble performing classical and folk repertoire
• Junko Fujiyama, Sleep & Loop Yo-Yo, Video Game Alliance, and any more to be announced at www.japanfest.org/performers.

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Taste Japan
Don’t miss the Japanese Food Court & Beer Garden, featuring local Japanese restaurants serving ramen, the viral push sushi, wagyu steak, yakisoba, bento boxes, donburi, hibachi, takoyaki, taiyaki, teriyaki, okonomiyaki, shaved ice, matcha desserts, and Japanese beer and sake. Enjoy your meal while taking in live performances. For a list of participating restaurants and their menus, visit www.japanfest.org/food.

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Cultural Experiences
Explore authentic Japanese culture through:
• New Interactive AR experiences via the JapanFest Scavenger Hunt App with prizes
• Kimono fitting and photo opportunities
• Traditional martial arts demonstrations including karate, kyudo, sumo, bujinkan, shinkendo
• Bon-Odori, Origami, Calligraphy, and traditional Japanese tea ceremony
• Bonsai, Ikebana, Kokedama, Food Replica Craft

• Anime, Manga, Video Games, Cos-Play, Craft Maid Café & Sake Tasting with featured voice actors 
• Children’s Area with games, crafts, and the O Mikoshi Parade
• Many more to be announced at www.japanfest.org/experience. 

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Shop, Learn, and Play
Browse 100+ vendor booths featuring Japanese fashion, crafts, anime merchandise, toys, and technology. Visit Ginza Dori, the always-popular festival street with Japanese games, food, and activities inspired by Tokyo’s famous shopping district. And don’t forget to explore the Japanese Businesses in Georgia (JBiG) exhibit with interactive displays from some of the 600+ Japanese companies based in Georgia, who employ approximately 40,000 people. Participating companies are listed at www.japanfest.org/jbig.

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Join us for a cultural journey you won’t forget. Come for the food, stay for the fun—experience Japan in the heart of Georgia!

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Ticket Information
(Additional service & facility fees included)
• Advanced Tickets: 1-day $20.78 / 2-day $38.13 (through September 18)
• At the Door: $25.20
• Family & Friends Packs: 4 for $89.76+ / 5 for $114.75+ 
• Military & Seniors: $20.78 (at the door only)
• Children 6 and under: FREE
• Group Discounts & Sponsorships Available: www.japanfest.org/sponsor-us 
• Tickets: www.japanfest.org/tickets Volunteer: www.japanfest.org/volunteer

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Event Details
• September 19, 2026 (Sat): 10am–6pm / September 20, 2026 (Sun): 10am–5pm
• Gas South Convention Center: 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

• Organized by JapanFest, Inc., the Japan America Society of Georgia, and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Georgia, and supported by the Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta, JapanFest fosters cross cultural friendship and understanding between Japan and the Southeastern United States.

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Sponsors & Support:  Honda, Aflac, Toyo Tires, Baar Media, Canon U.S.A., MarbleXR, Anime Weekend Atlanta, Asahi USA, Deloitte, Hoshizaki America, JETRO Atlanta, Kinokuniya Book Store Atlanta, Kubota Manufacturing of America, Mizuho Bank, Murata, Shimizu North America, TDK Components USA, Yakult USA, Yanmar America Corporation, YKK Corporation of America, Anis Atlanta/ANIS USA, Global Atlanta, Hitachi Construction Machinery Americas, Hylant Toyotsu, KPMG, Mitubishi Electric US, MomoCon, Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing, Peachtree Corners Magazine, Yamaha Motor Corporation U.S.A., Nakato Japanese Restaurant, Nippon Express USA, Nippon Life Benefits, Rinnai America Corporation, Sushi YOKO/Tomato 2, Yokogawa Corporation of America, CMK America Corporation, Izawa America, Lippman & Company, Mizuno USA, MUFG BANK, Smith, Gambrell & Russell, Tokio Marine America, WSB Family2Family, Explore Gwinnett, and Japan Foundation New York.