TOKYO, Japan — Thai culture took centre stage in Japan as the 26th Thai Festival in Tokyo drew massive crowds over the weekend, with Japanese social media users marvelling at the popularity of Thai food and entertainment.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow presided over the opening ceremony of the festival on 9 May at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo. Shimada Tomoaki, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, attended as guest of honour.
Held from 9-10 May under the theme “Creative Life and Creative Heartbeat,” the Thai Festival in Tokyo is regarded as the largest Thai festival overseas and one of Tokyo’s major cultural exchange events, attracting more than 300,000 visitors annually.
The event featured booths promoting Thai products, services and creative industries, alongside cultural performances including traditional Thai dance, Muay Thai demonstrations, concerts and fan meetings with Thai artists and actors.
Photos and videos of packed crowds at the festival also went viral online. One Japanese X user, @Thai__Suki, posted images showing visitors filling the venue and wrote: “Look! This is Tokyo’s Thai Festival, where 300,000 Thai food lovers gather! It’s so packed!”
The user added: “This year too, Thai Fest is so crowded I can’t move forward. Japanese love for Thailand is seriously amazing. As a fellow Thai enthusiast, I’m nothing but thrilled.”
