Japanese Families Join Gurugram’s Autumn Matsuri for Food, Crafts and Cultural Experiences

GURUGRAM: Japanese families joined visitors at AJU Hinode in Sector 15 on October 11 as the venue’s AJU “AKI” Matsuri brought together Japanese flavours, traditional crafts and hands-on activities. The autumn celebration witnessed good visitor participation, particularly from the Japanese community, with visitors arriving with their spouses and children to explore the offerings.

Held under the theme “Taste & Touch with AJU,” the Matsuri encouraged visitors to experience culture through making, tasting and personal interaction. Seventeen participating establishments and groups offered activities ranging from onigiri preparation and cream puff decoration to miniature crochet, coffee making, language lessons and wellness sessions.

The gathering followed Zenya-Sai 2026 on October 2, which brought anime quizzes, music, idol performances and cosplay to the same venue. Together, the two programmes connected contemporary Japanese pop culture with an autumn celebration centred on food, creativity and community participation.

Families Explored Food, Crafts and Cultural Activities: The AJU “AKI” Matsuri took its name from the Japanese word for autumn. Its varied programme gave families opportunities to explore different interests within the same venue, with food and craft workshops alongside cultural, educational and wellness experiences.

The presence of Japanese visitors with their family members, including wives and children, added to the gathering’s community atmosphere. The participatory format allowed visitors to engage with exhibitors and try activities themselves.

At the AJU Japanese Hotel booth, visitors tried making their own onigiri, the Japanese rice balls commonly associated with everyday meals and packed lunches. DIA PARK offered cream puff decoration and food sales, combining a creative activity with culinary offerings.

KURO CAFE provided a make-your-own-coffee experience, while MATCHA offered a matcha tea ceremony experience. These activities introduced visitors to different aspects of beverage preparation and enjoyment.

Sakura Souvenir organised a Japanese snack prize activity, adding another interactive element to the food-related offerings.

Handmade Accessories, Vintage Items and Cultural Workshops: Craft activities formed a substantial part of the October 11 programme, bringing together Japanese, Korean and Indian creative elements.

KASEYYAKA offered visitors the opportunity to make their own accessories using Indian fabric, while Surkh Handmade crochet conducted a mini crochet workshop.

At VYUG, visitors could make their own charms and explore handmade bags. Kawaii Kiosk presented Japanese goods and a handmade cookie workshop, combining shopping with a practical activity.

Japanese vintage wala displayed Japanese vintage crafts and items, giving visitors another way to explore Japanese design and material culture.

The Daehwacafe Community added a Korean element through its Korean craft workshop, while WEEBURA offered a Japanese cultural experience. Together, these participants broadened the range of activities available to families and other visitors throughout the day.

Wellness and Language Experiences Added Variety: Beyond food and crafts, the Matsuri included opportunities to explore wellness practices and language learning.

MYONYOGA offered 15-minute easy chair yoga sessions, while NAGI ACUPUNCTURE AND WELLNESS provided 15-minute foot reflexology sessions.

Wellness Centre Hasuno Shizuku offered 15-minute Ayurvedic head massages, and NURA-FUJIFILM provided on-site medical check-ups.

Genesis The Language School introduced visitors to English and Hindi through language experiences, adding an educational dimension to the programme.

The combination of short sessions and practical activities gave visitors a varied programme to explore alongside the cultural and culinary offerings.

Zenya-Sai Brought Anime, Music and Cosplay to the Venue: The October 11 Matsuri followed an earlier celebration of Japanese pop culture at AJU Hinode. Held on Friday, October 2, Zenya-Sai 2026 was presented by the Delhi Anime Club, in collaboration with Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!, with Ryokan Hotel AJU as the venue partner.

The afternoon began with entry and warm-up activities at 12.30 pm, followed by an anime quiz at 12.45 pm. Interactive games and audience engagement activities formed the next part of the programme, giving fans opportunities to participate beyond watching the stage.

An open-mic and anime-cover session provided space for musical expression, followed by a DJ act and idol meet performance featuring Fukui-chan and ReLike. The programme brought together fan participation, music and guest performances.

Yamanaka-san introduced Mela! Mela! Anime Japan!!, connecting the gathering with the wider Japanese pop-culture celebration. Cosplay performances followed, with participants presenting costumes and interpretations of their favourite characters, before the prize distribution.

Two Celebrations Connected Different Experiences of Japan: While Zenya-Sai focused on anime fandom, music and performance, AJU “AKI” Matsuri offered a more hands-on experience through food preparation, crafts, wellness and conversation.

Across the two October gatherings, AJU Hinode brought together enthusiasts, participating businesses and families around different aspects of Japanese culture. The October 11 turnout, particularly the participation of Japanese families, gave the autumn event a strong community character, with activities that visitors could enjoy together.