Festival Entertainment:
Arizona Matsuri offers a diverse selection of entertainment including Taiko, Martial Arts, Traditional Japanese Dance, and more.

Taiko
The Arizona Matsuri Taiko Stage is, once again, filled with Taiko excitement.
Kumi-daiko, or group drumming, is a traditional and dynamic expression of community, faith, dedication, joy and celebration, a cornerstone of Matsuri/festivals throughout Japan.

Martial Arts
Japan has many forms of martial arts that originated there; you can find many of them performed here at Arizona Matsuri.

Cultural Arts
Festivals all around Japan are known to show many traditional dances that have been passed down the generations. As you travel through the prefectures of Japan, you will see the how each dance may be similar to another, but will often have subtle differences that show the varying culture throughout the country. Of course, dancing is not the only performance seen at festivals in Japan; and as we strive to represent as much of Japan in our Matsuri, we must also include modern Japan where you can experience choreographed dances to modern music, live music, performances, and more. Enjoy the experience as you see what these performances can show you about Japanese culture and look for chances to participate and interact with the performers on stage.

Candyman
Long time Matsuri performer and crowd favorite Shan Ichiyanagai, better known as The Candyman is one of 12 people in the world who practice the art of Amezaiku, the art of candy crafting.

Tea Ceremony
The Chado Urasenke Tankokai Arizona Association is excited and honored to present in-person Chanoyu demonstrations on both Saturday and Sunday in the Phoenix Indian School Visitor’s Center. Join us for a bowl of tea and experience the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Traditional Japanese sweets will also be provided.

Haiku Expo
Poetry is an integral part of Japanese culture. Poems were originally written in Chinese, using forms and styles brought home by courts people and scholars returning from Chinese cities. As Japan developed its own writing syllabries, a new class of poetry, waka, began to be written entirely in Japanese. Probably the most familiar waka style known outside of Japan is haiku, with its poetic structure based on measure, or rhythm, instead of the use of rhyming words.

Exhibits

Cosplay
For all festival attendees, we kindly ask that you keep in mind that this is a family friendly event for all to enjoy. We are asking all attendees, who plan to wear a costume to this festival, to keep in mind our primary mission is to celebrate Japanese culture. This is not an event for general cosplay, and we therefore strongly discourage attendees from wearing costumes, cosplays of non-Japanese origin (video game, manga, anime, etc.).

Beer Garden
The Arizona Matsuri has been grateful for the strong partnership with Asahi Beer for over 10 years creating a relaxing place from the busy festival. Years later, Hiro Sake also built a partnership to highlight sake and cocktails. Hiro Sake’s popularity has grown in part by its community engagement and the Arizona Matsuri is proud to host two high quality Japanese brands.