Biggest Japanese Food Festival Happening This Weekend in Mississauga

Two things herald the end of summer: Cooler days and the arrival of Japan Festival Canada at Celebration Square. 

For the fourth year in a row, the two-day festival–slated to run on Aug. 24 and 25–will be bringing Japanese food, music and culture to thousands of attendees at Mississauga’s biggest and best known gathering space. 

This year’s festival will boast over 20 food booths (more on the food later) and celebrate 90 years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada. 

Sticking with a four-year tradition, insauga.com’s founder Khaled Iwamura will be on hand to MC the celebrations. Iwamura’s love for Japan goes deep, as he is also the Canadian spokesperson for Tokyo Tourism and his Top5s in Tokyo video series has reached over half a million views over the past two seasons worldwide.

As for what will set this year apart, a monarch will be making an appearance. 

According to a recent statement from the Consulate-General of Japan in Toronto, Princess Takamado of the Japanese Imperial Family will be visiting Canada this month, stopping by the festival.

“Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado will visit Canada from August 23 to September 1, 2019, in order to attend the events to commemorate the 90th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Canada,” the statement reads.

Princess Takamado is set to visit Toronto, Ottawa, Charlottetown, Edmonton, Vancouver and Victoria. 

“During her stay in Toronto (GTA), Her Imperial Highness will attend the Japan Festival Canada (August 24, Mississauga).” 

It’s reported that she’ll be attending the event at 1:00 p.m. on August 24.

The pet-friendly festival is free to attend and will offer more food vendors than ever before. 

In fact, the event will boast a record number of 21 food booths. 

Attendees will be able to enjoy a range of Japanese classics from the following vendors:

• Boku Noodle Bar
• Chun Wing Trading
• Guu Izakaya
• Fisherman’s Plaice
• Ryus Noodle Bar
• Fish’D by EDO
• Ichifuku
• KINTON RAMEN
• HCafe
• Shook Noodle
• Ramen RAIJIN
• Zakkushi
• Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake
• Hibachi Teppanyaki & Bar
• Hungry Ninja
• Ykikuza
• Cheese Garden
• Gushi
• Fuwa Fuwa Japanese Pancakes
• Udon Kitanoya
• Tsujiri Canada

Guests can also meet Sebastien Masuda, the man who is best known for creating Kawaii (cute) culture. Masuda will be appearing in Canada for the first time ever and will be at the event on Aug. 24. He’ll appear in the fashion show, which will take place at 5:00 p.m..

Masuda’s own 6% Doki Doki items will be sold at the booth for the first time in Canada. 

Music fans can check out the Aga-Shio duo, who will perform on August 24 at 2:00 p.m. The uniquely Japanese, award-winning Yosakoi dance performers will also take the stage on August 24.

Other special guests and artists include Sanshin player Youta Yamazaki, musical group Isshin Daiko, Toronto’s J-pop maid idol group, ACT102, singer-songwriter Mikuro Mika, the Mississauga Kendo Club and more.  

Attendees can also enjoy traditional Japanese dance (Nihon Buyou), martial arts, Japanese cultural experience booths, Japanese technology booths and more. 

Attendees will also get the chance to win some exciting prizes, including a trip to Japan. 

Festival organizers say Japan Festival Canada raffle draw winners will be announced during the festival on both days. You can enter online here. 

You can enter from now until August 25.

Those who enter the draw have a chance to win a pair of Air Canada round trip tickets to Japan, two nights accommodation at Tokyu Hotels for two guests, a $1,000 travel voucher from Kintetsu International Express, and a complimentary food tour for two by Arigato Japan Food Tours. 

The winners must be present in person at the main stage at the time of draw, as the draw will be invalid if winner is not available at the time of announcement.

Winners are required to bring official ID for verification and must be at least 19 years old to be eligible for the draw.

The prizes are not transferable

To learn more about the festival, click here.