Next Stop Japan: 2026
Feb 27, 2026
Japanese Marketplace Pop-up on Queen West in Toronto in March
Organized by JETRO, Consulate General of Japan in Toronto and Co-organized by Japan Foundation
From specialty food to pantry staples, Toronto is getting a closer look at Japan through a curated cultural marketplace - no flight required. Next Stop Japan is a multi-day marketplace bringing together Japanese food, beverage, and lifestyle brands all under one roof. The event gives Canadian consumers the opportunity to explore a wide range of authentic products while learning more about the businesses and craftsmanship behind them.
Visitors can sample specialty food and confectionery, discover non-alcoholic beverages, and shop pantry staples and everyday lifestyle goods. The format is intentionally accessible: guests are encouraged to taste, browse, and speak directly with exhibitors to better understand the origin and story behind each brand.
As interest in Japanese cuisine continues to grow in Canada, Next Stop Japan provides a platform for both established and emerging brands expanding into the North American market. At the same time, it offers a point of connection for the local Japanese community and consumers interested in deeper cultural engagement.
The result is a discovery-driven experience that blends retail, education, and community in a single space.
We’re sharing more about the event on Instagram ( @nextstop.japan ), so we’d love for you to stop by and take a look!
Event Details
Venue
The Welcome Market (938 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M6J 1G8)
Opening Dates/Hours
Week 1:
Friday
March
13
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday
March
14
11:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday
March
15
11:00am – 8:00pm
Week 2:
Friday
March
20
12:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday
March
21
11:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday
March
22
11:00am – 8:00pm
Schedule
Vendor Schedule Stage Schedule
Vendor Schedule https://www.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/tor/2026/VendorSchedule26.pdf
Stage Schedule https://www.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/tor/2026/StageSchedule26.pdf
Please note that:
v vendors, program content, and performance times are subject to change.
v some programs require advance registration. The sign‑up links will be added to
the schedule soon.
Participating Vendors
Category
Vender name
Website
Anime
Anime Extreme
Foods
Azuma Foods Canada
Soku international
Tokusen
Umamiya
Kitchen/Homegoods
Ippinka
Knifewear
Mika fleur
NAGAMOCHI SHOP
Object of living
Stationary
Atelier Sakura Inc.
Paper Plus Cloth/Tokyo ecole
The Japanese Paper Place
Tea
Copper Tea
Daigyo
Groupe Sakao inc
Kawagiri Tea
Taotea
Cafe and Restaurant
Furusato International
https://www.canva.com/design/DAFrja3KSJg/fZOJPYRcWo9vnT5rG0HqXQ/view?website#4:combo
Gushi
Hattendo
Honoka Japanese Dessert Café/Kanten Canada
J-Dog
Kingyo/Tsuchi
Musoshin Ramen
NAKAMORI
Natural Japaneats
Onigiri Co. Ltd.
Zen Japanese Restaurant
Programs/Performances
This event offers a wide range of exhibits and performances that showcase the richness of Japanese culture from various angles. From special installations to music, traditional arts, and hands-on workshops, there will be something enjoyable for guests of all ages.
Special Exhibitions: Photo‑worthy Figures & Interactive Piano Experience
· A large-scale figure—well‑known in the Japanese anime world and often showcased
at major trade shows—will be on display.
· Two Yamaha grand pianos will be installed, and one of them will be available for free play.
· A photo booth with a cherry‑blossom backdrop and cosplay accessories will be available
for guests to enjoy.
· Photo experience using Fujifilm “instax” instant camera.
Performances & Demonstrations: Experience Authentic Japanese Culture
· Kimono insights and a furisode dressing demonstration (Salon de Tea + Kimono)
· Japanese music performance featuring piano and vocals (Hibiki Project)
· Piano performance of Japanese pieces (Mariko Hashimoto)
· Kintsugi - Japanese art of repairing broken pottery (Shuichi)
· Shamisen & vocal performance with Taiko drum duo (ten ten)
· Introduction to the Japanese tea ceremony with live demonstration (Groupe Sakao Inc.)
· Wagashi nerikiri demonstration: crafting cherry blossom–themed sweets (Copper Tea)
Hands‑on Workshops: Create & Learn Through Japanese Culture
· Furoshiki workshop: history and wrapping techniques (NAGAMOCHI)
· Practical workshop on cherry blossom–inspired decorative cutting (Knifewear)
· Sakura stamp curving workshop — *Fees apply (Paper Plus Cloth & Tokyo Ecole)
· Book cover–making and Japanese culture learning program (The Japan Foundation)
Performers
Stage Schedule https://www.jetro.go.jp/newsletter/tor/2026/StageSchedule26.pdf
