Largest Japanese festival in North America will have the biggest Asian food market in Mississauga, Ontario

North America’s largest Japanese festival makes its annual return to downtown Mississauga this weekend.

There will be some three dozen food vendors serving up all kinds of Asian cuisine are a big part of the celebration.

Japan Festival Canada 2024 takes place Saturday and Sunday at Celebration Square, where the cultural event has been held each year since its inception in 2016 (with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Once again, organizers are expecting upwards of 100,000 visitors over the two days. Festivities run from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

All ages are welcome and admission is free.

“Experience the essence of Japan’s cultural evolution as we embark on a journey into the future with Japan Festival Canada 2024,” organizers said in a letter earlier this year to City of Mississauga officials in which they touched base to prepare for the annual festival.

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Under a “Forging New Connections in a New Era” theme, Japan Festival Canada 2024 welcomes those who attend to immerse themselves “in the richness of Japanese culture like never before.”

Organizers added, “We promise an even more vibrant and engaging experience that will leave you with lasting memories.”

Held at Celebration Square since its inception in 2016, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 when it was held virtually due to COVID-19, Japan Festival Canada took a big step up attendance-wise with more than 100,000 people in both 2022 and 2023 coming out for the two-day event.

Organizers anticipate similar if not larger crowds this weekend.

“Building upon the success of our milestone achievement in 2023, where we welcomed over 100,000 attendees and embarked on a transformative path forward, our commitment to innovation and connectivity remains unwavering,” organizers continued.

“In 2024, our theme ‘Forging New Connections in a New Era’ underscores our dedication to exploring Japan’s industrial prowess, technological advancements, cultural heritage and culinary delights from a Canadian perspective.”

In addition, organizers say the festival “aims to promote and showcase Japanese culture and technology to the world through the multicultural and diverse nation of Canada. Our primary goal is to unearth and highlight the value and charm of Japan that may at times go unnoticed by even its own people and help present a more captivating ‘Made-in-Japan’ narrative.”

Specifically, they say they strive to achieve the goal by offering a diverse range of experiences, “including captivating stage performances featuring various genres of Japanese music and traditional arts, immersive video presentations highlighting the allure of Japanese tourism and initiatives to support Japanese businesses and individuals thriving in Canada.”

In its inaugural year in 2016, the festival, held on a single day at the time, attracted some 40,000 visitors and was a resounding success, according to organizers. They say the event “garnered significant attention throughout Canada and North America.”

Here’s a list of food vendors that will be at the Aug. 17-18 festival:

• Furusato International
• Japanese Ramen
• Yakitori
• Fisherman’s Plaice
• Uncle Tetsu’s Japanese Cheesecake
• Gushi
• Ichifuku Montreal
• Hattendo
• Ryus Noodle Bar
• EDO Restaurant
• KINTON RAMEN
• Japadog
• Osaka
• Zakkushi
• Yosh.To
• Happy Twist
• One Dog Izakaya
• Hey Juice
• Bao Bar
• King of Sugacane Juice
• Tokyo Taco (Thai angels inc.)
• Juice 169
• Marry Me Mochi
• Takoyaki Bros
• Wafflized
• Yummy Kitchen
• Uncle Fai
• Grill skewers and oysters
• Cold noodles and steamed buns
• Fruit Tea and Snowflakes
• Fried chicken and grill squid
• Savorology Artisan Bakery
• Grotto Tea Lounge
• WubaEats
• Namwan

More information on scheduled entertainers can be found on the festival’s website.

(Photos, from 2023 festival: Japan Festival Canada)