Sichuan Festival 2026 to be held! Taste 18 Kinds of Mapo Tofu, Welcome to the Mala World

From Saturday, May 9, 2026, to Sunday, May 10, 2026, the Sichuan Festival Executive Committee (Mala League, Tokiiro Co., Ltd., BaSo Research Institute Co., Ltd.), the China National Tourist Office in Tokyo, and the Nakano Tourism Association will host "Sichuan Festival 2026 @ Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street" at Nakano Central Park.

What is Sichuan Festival?

The Sichuan Festival has been held since 2017 with the aim of "spreading Sichuan cuisine." This year marks its 8th anniversary, and the event boasts a cumulative attendance of over 500,000 people, making it Japan's largest Sichuan cuisine festival.

The Vision Behind Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street

This year, too, the event will focus on Mapo Tofu, the most beloved Sichuan dish in Japan. Even those unfamiliar with Sichuan cuisine or Chinese food culture can easily experience it through the familiar entry point of Mapo Tofu. The idea behind Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street is to allow people to casually enjoy Sichuan cuisine first.

The Second Mala Boom as a Tailwind

In 2025, Mala Tang, originating from Sichuan Province, became popular, marking the arrival of the second mala boom. The mala flavor has now permeated even among those who were previously uninterested in Sichuan cuisine.

The first mala boom was in 2018. The numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns became a trend, giving birth to the term "Ma-katsu" (mala activities). Typing "ma-ra-" would automatically suggest "麻辣" (mala), and the term was even included in Sanseido's dictionary. The streets were flooded with mala products.

Moving forward, with Mala Tang and Mapo Tofu as entry points, people who were previously unaware of Sichuan cuisine will discover its charm... Ultimately, the number of people who love Sichuan cuisine will increase. This is the mala revolution, the mala world, that we aim for.

15 Participating Stores

You can experience 18 diverse types of Mapo Tofu from participating stores such as Sawada Hanten, led by Michelin-starred Chef Sawada; Chen Mapo Tofu, the origin of Mapo Tofu; Chen Jia Si Cai, offering evolved Mapo Tofu; Ajibo, which loves lamb; and Toramanyuan, famous for its bear's paw in Minami Aoyama.

Also participating are established powerhouses like Tianjin Hanten; Mala Jisshoku, known for its authentic Sichuan cuisine in Kanto; Sichuan Impression, representing Nishikawaguchi; Pinpinxiang from Ikebukuro North Exit; and Yangchan Mala Tang, produced by popular YouTuber Yangchan.

You can also find Mapo Tofu from 5-sai-san, who dedicated his life to Mapo Tofu, and SUZU, who masterfully handles spices.

Additionally, popular new stores, Lamb and Spice Kikuya, and Shokusai Yunnan Group, which offers steam pot and halal Chinese cuisine, will make their debut. Mr. Manpuku Kin, who was active in Asayan, will also attend. Furthermore, there will be a collaboration booth with a certain TV station, though details cannot be disclosed yet.

List of Participating Stores

1. Osaka Chuka Sawada Hanten

2. Chen Mapo Tofu

3. Chen Jia Si Cai

4. Ajibo

5. Tianjin Gyoza × Mama Huhu

6. Mala Jisshoku

7. Yangchan Mala Tang

8. Sichuan Cuisine Pinpinxiang

9. Sichuan Impression × Jiaheng Trading

10. Spice Bar SUZU

11. Toramanyuan Minami Aoyama

12. Mapo Tofu Co., Ltd.

13. Shokusai Yunnan Group × Manpuku Kin [New!]

14. Lamb and Spice Kikuya [New!]

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

Exhibiting Companies

In 2026, major Chinese seasoning manufacturer "Lee Kum Kee" will be a premium partner, enlivening the Sichuan Festival. At their special booth, they plan to offer soups with customizable spiciness using Lee Kum Kee's "Hot Pot Base (Sichuan style / Cantonese style)" and "Mapo Tofu exclusive rice."

※About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is a major Hong Kong-based Chinese seasoning brand with over a century of history. With a secret recipe passed down since its founding, it has maintained its deliciousness for over 135 years, offering classic oyster sauce, chicken bouillon powder, and blended seasonings. It is a high-quality, reliable brand. Loved by top chefs and households in over 100 countries worldwide, it maintains strict quality control at every stage of production, from farm to table, and its authentic taste is widely recognized globally.

China National Tourist Office in Tokyo

Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

Exhibiting Company Booths

• Lee Kum Kee

• China National Tourist Office in Tokyo

• Ajinomoto Co., Inc.

• Youki Foods

• Nagatanien Co., Ltd.

• Shinjuku Nakamuraya

• MIU Co., Ltd.

• Hiyori Shoji

• Jiangxiaobai

• Tsingtao Beer

• SoftBank Nakano Sun Mall

• Allied Corporation

• Sichuan Airlines

Chinese Flea Market

"Sichuan Festival has Mapo Tofu, but no souvenirs..." From such voices, the Chinese Flea Market was born and will be held again this year in the Shikinomori Park area.

If you have Chinese goods such as miscellaneous goods, books, accessories, or clothes that you would like to sell, please apply here.

Talk Events to Liven Up the Sichuan Festival

The exclusive MC for the Sichuan Festival is Rakusho Sanyutei, the eldest disciple of the 6th Sanyutei Enraku. The Chinese MC will be popular Sichuan YouTuber Yangchan. Rui Morishita, active as a nunchaku girl, will also participate, and we look forward to the Sichuan Festival's originating "Ketsu Nunchaku." Also, following last year, the passionate Romance of the Three Kingdoms talk by Tetsuya Uenaga and Maton Taro is not to be missed.

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

Come and enjoy two days of Mapo Tofu tasting and chili oil immersion in the pleasant spring weather!

【Official】https://meiweisichuan.jp/sisen-fes2026

【Event Name】Sichuan Festival 2026 @ Nakano Mapo Tofu Shopping Street

【Date and Time】Saturday, May 9, 2026, 11:00 - 17:00, Sunday, May 10, 2026, 10:00 - 16:00 *Food sales end when sold out