Calling all lovers of Japanese culture: on March 7 and 8, 2026, the town of Beaumont-sur-Oise will be transformed into a veritable matsuri, one of those traditional Japanese festivals combining entertainment, stalls and a festive atmosphere. The Ematsuri festival is back for a second edition with a packed program that is entirely free of charge.
A free Japanese festival just a stone’s throw from Paris
For two days, the town will host a wonderful convention centered around manga and Japanese culture. Nearly 50 exhibitors will be present, alongside food trucks and specialized associations. The event is designed to be an immersive experience accessible to all, with family or friends, less than an hour from Paris.
The program includes manga drawing workshops led by Olha, where you can learn how to create your own character or complete a full comic strip. Japanese cooking workshops will also be offered by the Aoï workshop, with several sessions spread over the two days. All workshops are free, but registration is strongly recommended by email at prog.culture@beaumontsuroise.fr or directly at the Info Point on site, subject to availability.
Throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to take part in karaoke, quizzes, blind tests, and Just Dance games organized by the Cos & Play association. The media library will offer retro gaming for those feeling nostalgic.
There will also be ASOBI, a puzzle trail through the festival stands, inviting participants to explore the event in a fun way. For food lovers, three food trucks will offer a wide choice of Japanese specialties: ramen, yakitori, yakisoba, katsu curry, gyoza, onigiri, donburi, poke bowls, omurice, and melon pan.
The event will kick off on Saturday at 10 a.m. with the official opening and a dragon dance performed by the L’École du Dragon Tam association. The day will be punctuated by manga workshops, a conference on kokeshi dolls, several cooking sessions, and a cosplay parade at 5 p.m. A sake discovery workshop, reserved for adults, is also planned for the late afternoon.
On Sunday, the immersion will continue with new cooking workshops, kamishibai readings, manga drawing sessions, and, to close the event, the famous cosplay contest. A second sake discovery workshop will also be offered at the end of the day.
It’s up to you!
📍Ematsuri Festival – 7 rue Léon Godin – Beaumont-sur-Oise
📆 March 7 and 8, 2026