Sichuan Fest 2026 to be Held! Taste 18 Types of Mapo Tofu, Welcome to the Mala World

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Sichuan Fest Executive Committee (Mala Federation, Tokiiro Co., Ltd., Baso Sogo Kenkyusho Co., Ltd.) along with the China National Tourist Office, Tokyo, and the Nakano City Tourism Association will hold "Sichuan Fest 2026 @ Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street" at Nakano Central Park.

What is Sichuan Fest

Sichuan Fest has been held since 2017 with the aim of "popularizing Sichuan cuisine." Now in its 8th year, this event is Japan's largest Sichuan cuisine festival, boasting over 500,000 cumulative attendees.

The sentiment behind Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street

This year too, the event will focus on "Mapo Tofu," the Sichuan dish most loved by Japanese people. For those who are not yet familiar with Sichuan cuisine or Chinese food culture, Mapo Tofu serves as an accessible entry point, making it easier to experience. The sentiment behind Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street is to allow everyone to casually enjoy Sichuan cuisine, starting with this familiar dish.

The Second Mala Boom is a Tailwind

In 2025, Mala Tang, originating from Sichuan province, became popular, marking the arrival of the second mala boom. The mala flavor is now penetrating even those who previously had no interest in Sichuan cuisine.

The first mala boom occurred in 2018. The numbing sensation of Sichuan pepper became a trend, the term "Marukatsu" (Mala pursuit) was coined, typing "ma-ra-" automatically suggested "Mala," and it was even included in the Sanseido dictionary. The streets were flooded with mala products.

Going forward, with Mala Tang and Mapo Tofu as entry points, people who were previously unaware of Sichuan cuisine will discover its charm... ultimately leading to an increase in people who love Sichuan cuisine. This is the mala revolution and the mala world we aim for.

Participating 15 Restaurants

Sawada Hanten led by Michelin-starred Chef Sawada, Chen Mapo Tofu (originator of Mapo Tofu), Chen Jia Si Cai (evolutionary Mapo Tofu), A-Bo (lover of lamb), Torakogen, known for "Bear's Paw" in Minami-Aoyama.

Established and reputable Tenshin Hanten, Kanto's premier authentic Sichuan restaurant Mala Shi-Shoku, Nishikawaguchi's representative Sichuan Impression, Shin Shin Hong from Ikebukuro North Exit, and Yan Chan Mala Tang, produced by popular YouTuber Yan Chan.

You can experience 18 types of Mapo Tofu from "Gosai-san," who has dedicated their life to Mapo Tofu, and SUZU, who masterfully uses spices, offering a wide variety.

Additionally, popular new participant Ramu to Spice Kikuya will join. Shokusai Yunnan Group, which operates steam pot and halal Chinese cuisine, will also make their debut. Mr. Kin Manfuku, who was active in Asayan, will also attend. And, although details cannot be disclosed yet, there will be an outlet through a collaboration project with a certain TV station.

List of Participating Restaurants

1. Osaka Chinese Sawada Hanten

2. Chen Mapo Tofu

3. Chen Jia Si Cai

4. A-Bo

5. Tianjin Gyoza x Mama Huh

6. Mala Shi-Shoku

7. Yan Chan Mala Tang

8. Sichuan Cuisine Shin Shin Hong

9. Sichuan Impression x Jiaheng Trading

10. Spice Bar SUZU

11. Torakogen Minami-Aoyama

12. Mapo Tofu Co., Ltd.

13. Shokusai Yunnan Group x Kin Manfuku [New!]

14. Ramu to Spice Kikuya [New!]

15. Store for collaboration with a certain TV station [New!]

Exhibiting Companies

In 2026, the major Chinese seasoning manufacturer "Lee Kum Kee" will be a premium partner, energizing Sichuan Fest. At a special booth, they plan to offer soups with selectable spiciness using Lee Kum Kee's "Hot Pot Base (Sichuan-style, Cantonese-style)" and "Rice for Mapo Tofu."

※About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is a major Chinese seasoning brand from Hong Kong with over a century of history. Using secret traditional manufacturing methods passed down since its founding, they have been preserving deliciousness for over 135 years, offering classic oyster sauce, chicken stock powder, and compound seasonings, among other high-quality and reliable products. As a seasoning brand loved by everyone from top chefs to home cooks in over 100 countries worldwide, they implement strict quality control at every stage of production, from farm to table, and their authentic flavors are widely recognized globally.

China National Tourist Office, Tokyo

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

List of Exhibiting Companies

• Lee Kum Kee

• China National Tourist Office, Tokyo

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

• Yuuki Foods

• Nagatanien Co., Ltd.

• Shinjuku Nakamuraya

• Kaiyu MIU Co., Ltd.

• Hiyori Shoji

• Jiang Xiaobai

• Tsingtao Beer

• SoftBank Nakano Sun Mall

• Allied Corporation

• Sichuan Airlines

Chinese Flea Market

Born from feedback like "Sichuan Fest has Mapo Tofu, but no souvenirs...", the Chinese Flea Market will be held again this year in the Shikinomori Park area.

If you have Chinese items such as miscellaneous goods, books, accessories, or clothing that you wish to sell, please apply from here.

Talk Events to Spice Up Sichuan Fest

The exclusive MC for Sichuan Fest will be Mr. San-yu-tei Rakusei, the head disciple of the 6th generation San-yu-tei Enraku. The Chinese MC will be popular Sichuan province YouTuber Yan Chan. Ms. Rui Mori, active as a "Nunchaku Girl," has also been confirmed to participate, and anticipation is high for "Ketsu Nunchaku" (hip nunchaku), which originated at Sichuan Fest. Following last year, an exciting Three Kingdoms talk show by Mr. Tetsuya Uenaga and Mr. Mutton Taro is not to be missed.

The DJs who will liven up the entire venue will be BUBBLE-B, chairman of the All Japan Mapo Tofu Federation, DJ Mariage, and their friends.

On these two days, enjoy a comparison of Mapo Tofu and immerse yourselves in chili oil under the spring sky. Please come and visit!

[Official] https://meiweisichuan.jp/sisen-fes2026

[Event Name] Sichuan Fest 2026 @ Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street

[Date and Time] Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM *Food items will be available until sold out.

[Venue] Nakano Central Park (4-10-2 Nakano, Nakano-ku, Tokyo 164-0001)

[Access] Approximately 3 minutes on foot from Nakano Station (JR Line, Tokyo Metro Tozai Line)

[Estimated Visitors] 50,000 - 60,000 people

[Admission] Free

[Organizers] Sichuan Fest Executive Committee (Oishii Sichuan, Mala Federation, Tokiiro Co., Ltd., Baso Sogo Kenkyusho Co., Ltd., Nakano City Tourism Association), China National Tourist Office, Tokyo

[Food and Drink Booths] 15 stores

[Exhibitor Booths] 13 booths

[Chinese Flea Market] 10 booths *At Nakano Shikinomori Park