The China Festival 2026 Sapporo Executive Committee will hold "China Festival 2026 Sapporo" over two days on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Kita 3-jo Hiroba [Akapla] in Sapporo. Now in its fifth year, this event — one of the largest Chinese cultural festivals in Sapporo — aims to deepen mutual understanding and exchange between Japan and China through food, culture, and music. Attendance has grown year after year since its launch.
Event official website: https://www.chinafes.net/sapporo/
About China Festival Sapporo
The event began in 2022, inspired by the 50th anniversary of the normalization of Japan-China diplomatic relations. Through a wide variety of programs centered on "culture," "economic and trade tourism," "youth exchange," and "food and local products," it aims to promote Japan-China economic and cultural exchange at the regional level. This year, approximately 25 booths are planned, including Chinese restaurants, China-related businesses, and organizations.
Highlights
Authentic Chinese Cuisine and Tsingtao Beer Garden
Scene from a past event
The festival is set to offer a wide variety of food options, from authentic "gachi-chuka" (genuine Chinese cuisine) to creative dishes that incorporate Hokkaido ingredients and local character. A "Tsingtao Beer Garden" will also be set up on-site, creating an open and relaxed dining atmosphere perfectly suited to a Sapporo summer.
Main Stage: Japanese and Chinese Artists Performing Together
The main stage will feature a diverse lineup of artists representing Japan-China cultural exchange. China Festival 2026 Sapporo will share the appeal of Chinese culture and the breadth of Japan-China exchange through live music.
桐子 (Kiriko) feat. ANIROCKS
Kiriko is a Japanese erhu (Chinese two-stringed fiddle) performer. In 2008, she was selected as a Japanese high school student representative for the Japan-China Youth Friendship Exchange Year and performed at the opening ceremony in China. She later studied at the Central Conservatory of Music and has continued her performance career with a deep understanding of Chinese music.
桜庭 和 (Sakuraba Hitoshi)
Singer-songwriter 桜庭 和 (Sakuraba Hitoshi), the inaugural tourism ambassador of Bifuka Town in Hokkaido, will also appear. Known for numerous tie-up songs and a regular program on FM North Wave, he enjoys widespread popularity in his home region of Hokkaido.
Gen Kakon (ゲン・カコン)
Chinese-born singer-songwriter Gen Kakon will also take the stage. Having debuted in 2025, their October 2025 single "Boy, Don't Cry" received power play on 36 commercial radio stations nationwide, making them an artist to watch.
Experience Chinese Culture: Wear It, See It, Learn It
Hands-on cultural experiences include trying on the traditional Chinese garment "Hanfu" for a photo session, and a Chinese language challenge stamp rally where visitors explore the venue while attempting simple Chinese phrases. A "Panda Ambassador" is also scheduled to appear, engaging visitors — especially families — in panda-themed conversations and activities.
Scene from a past event
Event Pamphlet
Event Details
- Dates: Saturday, July 4, 2026, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM / Sunday, July 5, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Venue: Kita 3-jo Hiroba [Akapla], Sapporo (free admission; held rain or shine, cancelled in severe weather)
- Number of booths: 25 (food, retail, exhibition, etc.)
- Target attendance: 30,000 visitors
- Endorsing organizations: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hokkaido Prefecture, Sapporo City, Sapporo Chamber of Commerce and Industry, China National Tourism Administration Tokyo Office, Chinese Enterprise Association in Japan, Hokkaido Japan-China Friendship Association, Hokkaido Japan-China Economic Friendship Association, Hokkaido Sapporo Chinese Residents Association, Hokkaido Chinese Community Federation, Hokkaido Chinese Scientists and Engineers Association, Hokkaido China Association, Hokkaido New Chinese Business Association, North Japan Chinese Students and Scholars Friendship Association, Hokkaido Chinese Enterprise Association, and others
