The event featured major programs such as the 53rd Nihongo Speech Contest and the 3rd Philippine Kobanashi Festival, plus various cultural booth activities, which showcased the talent, passion, and diversity of the Nihongojin community.
For the Cultural Booth Activities, three booths were organized by the NP (NIHONGO Partners) Team and the Irodori Team, both of which aim to provide more opportunities for people in the Philippines to experience Japanese culture and language. In addition, Denso Techno Philippines, Inc., one of the official sponsors of Nihongo Fiesta 2026, also participated by setting up an interactive booth during the event.
NP Booth: Yukata Wearing Experience, Matcha Making Experience
The NP Team provided activities with the goal of allowing more people to enjoy Japanese culture. Visitors were able to experience wearing a yukata, a casual summer kimono, and also enjoy a matcha experience, which reflects the spirit of mindfulness, hospitality, and the Japanese tea ceremony tradition.
The booth was facilitated by 15 NIHONGO Partners currently assigned across the Philippines. Visitors enjoyed taking memorable photos while wearing yukata, and many also had the opportunity to try using a chasen (bamboo whisk), which was a new experience for many participants. They were able to enjoy matcha that was slightly sweetened to make it more suitable for Filipino taste, while still allowing them to have an authentic experience.
Irodori Interactive Booth
The Irodori Team held engaging and practical activities such as the challenge of assembling a puzzle featuring Basic-kun, the mascot of the JFT-Basic.
Basic-kun also made a special appearance at the venue and took photos with many visitors. In addition, the booth provided consultation on Japanese language learning and teaching materials. Through these activities, many participants became more interested in studying Japanese and gained a better understanding of how Japanese language learning and cultural knowledge can contribute to career development.
Denso Techno Interactive Booth
At the DENSO Techno booth, visitors enjoyed interactive games featuring trivia on Japanese culture and the automotive industry. From a digital quiz and photo memory challenge to a roulette spin, guests had plenty of chances to win DENSO merchandise and Japanese treats. Adding to the excitement, DENSO Techno’s mascot, Technosuke, greeted everyone at the entrance and posed photos—making the booth a standout highlight of the Cultural Booth Activities.
On the day of the event, over 1,500 visitors in total joined the booth activities, making it a valuable opportunity for many participants to experience Japanese culture for the first time and engage with Japanese technology through interactive learning.
These booths provided hands-on opportunities for visitors to experience Japanese culture and creating an immersive and meaningful learning environment beyond the stage.
