Multi-zone Japanese cultural festival brought together diverse audiences through immersive entertainment, interactive experiences, and Japanese-inspired marketplace offerings.
KUALA LUMPUR, 3 AUGUST 2026 – Pavilion Bukit Jalil concluded its month-long “Konnichiwa Japan – Together, Here” cultural campaign with the successful three-day PAVILION x JAGAM Matsuri 2026 held from 31 July to 2 August 2026, bringing together shoppers, cultural enthusiasts and the Japanese community in a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture.
In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 efforts to promote cultural diversity, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, in collaboration with the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM) and with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, presented the second edition of PAVILION x JAGAM Matsuri as the grand finale of the month-long campaign. Building on the success of its inaugural year, the campaign further strengthened Pavilion Bukit Jalil’s commitment to fostering meaningful cultural exchange between Malaysia and Japan through immersive experiences, traditional performances, and authentic Japanese-inspired activities.
The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia; Puan Sri Cindy Lim, Executive Chairman of Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn. Bhd.; Puan Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa) of Tourism Malaysia; Mr. Gary Tang, President of the Japan Graduates’ Association of Malaysia (JAGAM); and Mr. Patrick Liau, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Pavilion REIT.
Throughout July, Konnichiwa, Japan – Together, Here. transformed Pavilion Bukit Jalil into a vibrant Japanese cultural destination from 1 July to 2 August 2026 with immersive experiences, Japanese culinary delights, retail discoveries, interactive activities, and multiple photo opportunities. Shoppers also enjoyed exclusive Gift-with-Purchase rewards, redeeming a Furoshiki Wrap with a minimum spend of RM300 or a TSUTAYA BOOKS Tote Bag and RM10 Shopping Voucher with a minimum spend of RM500 in a single receipt.
From 31 July to 2 August 2026, shoppers explored the Japanese Marketplace at Level 2, spanning from the Pink Zone to the Orange Zone, featuring a curated selection of Japanese products, treats and cultural experiences, including authentic Japanese snacks by Shojikiya, the Matcha Corner by Ohcha Matcha and The Haven Club, the traditional Kingyo Scooping experience, Japanese arcade games by Metapark, and a Creative Handcraft Marketplace by Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia. The marketplace offered visitors the opportunity to discover Japanese flavours, traditions, and craftsmanship in one destination.
During the same celebration period, the Moshi-Moshi Bazaar at PIAZZA, Level 3 brought the lively atmosphere of a Japanese street market to life with over 120 booths featuring Japanese street food, desserts, lifestyle products, handcrafted creations, and cultural experiences.
At Centre Court, Level 2, Pavilion x JAGAM Matsuri 2026 featured a diverse range of interactive booths and experiential activities by participating tenants including Nitori, Tsutaya Books Bukit Jalil, Gifuto, Cosmic Creation, and many more. A unique shopper experiential, “Tiny Dolls. Unexpected Places,” created in collaboration with UCSI University’s De Institute of Creative Arts and Design (ICAD), featured adorable Kawaii dolls dressed in Japanese inspired attire hidden throughout the mall, encouraging visitors to discover, photograph, and share their findings on social media These experiences allowed shoppers to immerse themselves in Japanese culture through creativity, discovery, and hands-on participation. A key highlight of the festival was the daily Bon Odori, inviting shoppers to join the traditional Japanese dance and experience the lively spirit of the celebration.
Over the three-day festival, shoppers enjoyed a vibrant line-up of Japanese entertainment, cultural showcases, and immersive experiences, featuring headline performances by Malaysia-based J-pop idol group KLP48, Japanese singer-songwriter Kenichi Yamasaki, J-pop dance group The Jumpers, cosplay performers Mao Xian and Akiho, and comedian Mr. Cherry. The celebration also showcased Japanese traditions through Wadaiko by Wadaiko Syo, Yosakoi Dance by Malaysia KL Seiran Matoi & Kobe Seiran Matoi, Eisa Dance Okinawa by Hirano Kijimuna, and an elegant Kimono Fashion Show exclusively at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Shoppers further explored Japanese craftsmanship, culinary culture, and heritage through experiences such as the Maguro Live Cutting Show with complimentary sashimi tasting for the first 500 shoppers, complementary Yukata Dressing Experience, Masaru Knives Malaysia Demonstration, The Art of Kimono Kitsuke, the Cosplay Skit Contest, as well as the Kimono Showcases at Spanish Steps and Exclusive Japanese Diningware Collection Showcase at the Main Entrance.
“PAVILION x JAGAM Matsuri celebrates more than Japanese culture; it celebrates the connections we build through cultural exchange. Our second-year partnership with JAGAM, together with the support of the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia reflects our shared commitment to bringing communities together through meaningful experiences. We are grateful to our partners, tenants and shoppers for making this year’s matsuri another memorable celebration.” said Dato’ Joyce Yap, CEO of Retail, Kuala Lumpur Pavilion Sdn. Bhd.
As part of the Konnichiwa Japan – Together, Here celebration, shoppers participated in the Konnichiwa Japan Spend & Win Contest from 1 July – 20 July 2026 for a chance to win a memorable 7 Days 6 Nights Holiday Package to Japan for two (2) persons, with a total travel package value of RM80,000 for three lucky Pavilion Bukit Jalil members, proudly sponsored by Joy Paradise. The three winners were awarded their Japan holiday packages during the prize presentation, marking a memorable highlight and grand finale to the month-long celebration.
With the successful conclusion of its second year, Pavilion Bukit Jalil continues to build on “Konnichiwa Japan – Together, Here” as a signature annual platform celebrating Japanese culture while bringing communities together through meaningful cultural exchange and immersive experiences.
For more information, visit:
Website : www.pavilion-bukitjalil.com
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