Next Stop Japan: 2026

Japanese Marketplace Pop-up on Queen West in Toronto in March
Organized by 

March 13-15 & March 20-22, 2026

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

Participating Vendors

Vender Schedule

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: Interactive & Photo Experiences

               · 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” 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

  *Please register in advance. A participation fee applies. (Paper Plus Cloth & Tokyo Ecole)

· Book cover–making (Register here) and Japanese culture learning program (Register here)

  *Please register in advance. (The Japan Foundation)