Missed it before? Hayy Matsuri is back in Jeddah for its third edition
Hayy Matsuri returns to Hayy Jameel for three days of music, art, food and film
If you’re in Jeddah and your January plans are still looking a little empty, consider them officially sorted. From today (Thursday January 8) to Saturday January 10, Hayy Matsuri returns to Hayy Jameel, and it’s shaping up to be the festival’s most exciting edition yet.
Free and open to all, the three-day festival celebrating cultural exchange between Japan and Saudi Arabia invites visitors to explore art, music, food, and film.
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Here’s all you need to know about Hayy Matsuri happening this weekend.
Hayy Matsuri is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Shu Ha Ri, the martial art concept of learning through imitation, innovation and invention.
This year’s edition features over 35 Japanese and local artists, designers, musicians, and collaborators, offering a vibrant mix of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences throughout Hayy Jameel.
Here, music takes centre stage. You can look forward to traditional Japanese Okinawan folk music and experimental performance works. Marking their Saudi Arabia debut for this third edition of Hayy Matsuri is Tokyo Riddim Band, whose genre-bending sound blends Japanese music with reggae, funky bass and jazz.
Also headlining for the first time in the Kingdom is Frank Chickens, a 20-member band led by artist Kazuko Hohki, known for their high-energy shows combining punk-pop music, traditional Japanese folk songs, and theatrical flair.
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New to the festival is an interactive listening room inspired by Japan’s deep listening cafes known as ‘Ongaku Kissa’. It features curated vinyl compilations by Kay Suzuki, founder of Time Capsule – an independent reissue record label and curatorial platform – alongside listening sessions and DJ sets by local artist Samee3 Lamee3.
Complementing the experience is an exhibition by Katsumasa Kusunose, exploring the culture of jazz cafes (Jazz Kissa), and celebrating the sonic evolution of Japanese and Arabic music over the last century.
Don’t miss the open marketplace, which showcases a diverse mix of Japanese and local brands, authentic food concepts, and vintage finds and treats.
The programme also includes an extended film line-up at Hayy Cinema, screening beloved Japanese animation and classics such as Princess Mononoko (1997), My Neighbor Totoro(1988) and Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018).
Meanwhile, younger visitors – and the young at heart –can explore children’s activities at Hayy Explorers, handicraft workshops at the soon-to-open Hayy Makers, origami and Japanese stab-binding sessions, creative storytelling workshops, and a dedicated board games zone alongside playful interactive games
Traditional live demonstrations, open studios and interventions by Hayy Studios artists complete the programme.
What to expect each night
Each evening at Hayy Matsuri brings a different mood, giving visitors plenty of reasons to return.
Thursday January 8 kicks things off with opening remarks by Art Jameel and the Japanese Consul General, setting the tone for the festival. Afterwards, the evening continues with live performances, immersive listening sessions, film screenings, and creative workshops across Hayy Jameel.
Friday January 9 leans into hands-on fun with origami sessions, board games, and interactive workshops alongside live performances, listening rooms, and cinema screenings – ideal for a laid-back cultural evening out.
Saturday 10 January concludes on a high note with the festival’s final live performances, open vinyl listening sessions, closing DJ sets, and a full programme of family-friendly workshops, films, celebratory music, craft, and culture.
Interested in attending this free event? Simply register your visit here.
Location: Hayy Matsuri, Hayy Jameel, 7829 Al Muhammadiyah District, Jeddah 23615
Timings: Jan 8 to 10, 5pm to 11pm
