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Hayy Matsuri | Third Edition
From Japan to Jeddah!
Hayy Matsuri meets Shu Ha Ri with a three-day curated diverse public programme inspired by learning through imitation, innovation and invention.
The festival brings together Japanese and local artists, designers, musicians and collaborators to co-create, interact and exchange across different artforms, including film, performance, culinary, visual culture, crafts, poetry, design and much more!
Marking their debut in Saudi Arabia, Hayy Matsuri presents Tokyo Riddim Band, a culture clash phenomenon blending Japanese music with reggae, funky bass and jazz to capture sonic experiences from across time and space. Also headlining for the first time is Frank Chickens, whose live performances blend punk pop music and traditional Japanese folk songs with dance, humour and energy. Today, the band consists of more than 20 members led by artist Kazuko Hohki who organizes community events such as Ura Matsuri, a festival showcasing artists from East and Southeast Asia in the United Kingdom.
New to this edition of Hayy Matsuri is an interactive listening room emulating the intimate atmosphere of deep listening spaces in Japan known as ‘Ongaku Kissa’ and complemented by curated vinyl compilations by Kay Suzuki, founder of Time Capsule – an independent re-issue record label and curatorial platform, along with listening sessions and DJ sets, featuring local artist Samee3 Lamee3. Celebrating the sonic evolution of Japanese and Arabic music over the last century, there will also be a photographic journey of the culture of jazz cafes (Jazz Kissa) captured by photographer Katsumasa Kusunose.
Returning to the festival will be an open market of local and Japanese creatives, brands and food & beverage concepts, plus an extended film programme at Hayy Cinema, children activities at Hayy Explorers, handicrafts workshops at the soon-to-open Hayy Makers, origami-making sessions, language and board games zone, traditional live demonstrations, open studios and interventions by the Hayy Studios artists.
The festival is free and open to all – running from Thursday until Saturday, January 8-10, 2026 from 5 – 11pm at Hayy Jameel, Jeddah.
Hayy Matsuri is presented with lead partner Lexus – Abdul Latif Jameel Motors with thanks to the Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah for their support.
Participants include Peche by Yasmine Mirza, Baldhead World of Vintage, Tanuke, 224, Oritry, Soul Studio, J Sweets, Taiyo Onigiri, Sakura to Camel, The Boba Bar, PXL Photobooth, Momo the Wagashi by Sakuratopia, Elious, Comfortina, Melanotrex by Tarik AlAkkad, Ryugan, Arabian Food Corporation, Mio Mio Cat, Geeks.le, Kimudi, Urban Roastery & Coffee Bar and more!
To RSVP for the workshops, register below:
Thursday, January 8:
- Yalla Manga with Tarik Alakkad, 6-9 PM | RSVP here
- A Journey from Brokenness to Wholeness with Dr. Mona Sunbol, 5-9 PM | RSVP here
- Shibori Tie & Dye, 7-9 PM | RSVP here
Friday, January 9:
- Paint your Own Yokai! with Mizuki Doura, 6-7:30 PM | RSVP here
- Bind your own Traditional Japanese Fukurotoji book with the Jameel Library 5-7 or 7-9 pm | RSVP here
Saturday, January 10:
