Japanese Embassy to Host Jak-Japan Matsuri Festival Again

The Japanese Embassy in Indonesia will once again hold the Jak-Japan Matsuri Festival at the Gelora Bung Karno complex in Jakarta on 31 October to 1 November 2026. Deputy Chief of Mission at the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia, Hoshino Daisuke, said the event is the largest annual cultural exchange between Japan and Indonesia. The festival aims to strengthen diplomatic relations between the two countries through soft diplomacy, such as music performances, Japanese snacks, and art exhibitions. “This annual event is the Japanese Embassy in Indonesia’s commitment to introducing Japanese culture to all Indonesian people,” Hoshino Daisuke said at Tempo’s office on Thursday, 11 June 2026. Daisuke mentioned that the event will not only feature the idol group JKT48 but will also invite more performers; for example, last year singer Dikta was also invited. For this year’s edition, the embassy is still considering several names to perform at the event. In addition, he said the event is very open to collaborating with companies and local communities to make the Jak-Japan Matsuri lively. “We hope our media colleagues, especially Tempo, can disseminate information about this cultural festival,” said the Japanese Embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission. According to him, the embassy acts as a representative of Japanese authorities in terms of cultural exchange missions and encourages efforts to enhance bilateral relations. “It is our responsibility to hold Jak-Japan Matsuri and provide an opportunity for Indonesian citizens to learn more about Japan,” Daisuke said. Today, Hoshino Daisuke, accompanied by Third Secretary of the Japanese Embassy Furasawa Ken, visited Tempo’s office to discuss Indonesia-Japan cooperation. On that occasion, Daisuke also explained Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to Japan at the end of March. Daisuke said the two countries discussed geopolitical developments, such as the Middle East war issue and economic cooperation with Indonesia. He explained that in early May, Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi Shinjiro and Indonesian Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin signed a defence cooperation framework.