— HISTORY
出会いから始まり
Brief History

From an encounter
to a tradition.

In 2009, amid Indonesia–Japan diplomatic relations already in their fifth decade, a simple idea was born: what if these two nations met not at the negotiating table, but in an open field, with music, food, and tradition?

Jak-Japan Matsuri was first held as a collaboration between the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, the Jakarta Provincial Government, and various private partners. Its purpose was singular — to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between the people of both nations.

In its early years, the festival occupied various locations around Jakarta, including the area around the National Monument (Monas) and several shopping centers, depending on each year's concept. In 2023, JJM was held at Gambir Expo, JIExpo Kemayoran — coinciding with the celebration of 65 years of Japan–Indonesia diplomatic relations.

Since 2024, the festival has been held at Plaza Parkir Timur Gelora Bung Karno, a spacious outdoor area in the heart of Jakarta that allows the festival's scale to grow without compromise. The "Exploring Japan" theme was introduced that same year, transforming JJM from a mere entertainment festival into an interactive cultural experience.

In November 2020, amid the pandemic that canceled that year's edition, Yayasan Jabat Hati Indonesia Jepang was officially registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. This foundation became the parent organization that now maintains the sustainable management of JJM — ensuring the festival lives on, edition after edition.

Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recognized JJM 2025 as the largest Japanese cultural event in Indonesia. The 16th edition in 2026 is currently in preparation.

This event is not merely a cultural exchange — it demonstrates our togetherness as brotherly nations, united, maintaining good relations.
— PRAMONO ANUNG · GOVERNOR OF JAKARTA · JJM 2025 OPENING
Since its very first edition, "Indonesia & Japan Always Together" has been the main theme of Jak-Japan Matsuri (JJM). It means that Indonesia and Japan will always move forward and combine their strengths together, unshaken, no matter what happens.
— MASAKI YASUSHI · FORMER AMBASSADOR OF JAPAN TO INDONESIA · WRITTEN INTERVIEW, JAKARTA SHIMBUN · 23 SEPTEMBER 2025
We feel a strong bond of friendship every time we hear our Indonesian friends express their love for Japanese culture and traditions. We too want to nurture that friendship and move forward together by learning Indonesian culture and traditions.
— KOBAYASHI KAZUNORI · CHAIR OF THE JJM EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
年表・歴史
Brief Timeline

16 stations,
one journey.

Like a train line connecting important stations — every edition has its own momentum. Here are the key milestones in the JJM journey.

2009
EDITION 01 · INAUGURAL

Jak-Japan Matsuri is born

A close collaboration between the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, the Jakarta Provincial Government, and various private partners gave birth to the first Jak-Japan Matsuri held in Jakarta. The festival was based on the momentum of celebrating 50 years of Japan-Indonesia diplomatic relations. The core concept that endures to this day was already in place: music, cuisine, and culture, all in one venue.

2013
EDITION 05

JKT48 debuts at JJM

A festival opening that marked the arrival of Indonesia's new idol group. Since then, JKT48 has become one of the names most frequently returning to the JJM stage.

2018
EDITION 10

A Two-Nation Music Festival

This year's event was very special as it became part of the celebration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Japan. Various artists from both countries such as AKB48, Sukima Switch, Kiroro were paired with RAN, Andien, Raisa, Isyana Sarasvati and JKT48.

2020
FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED

Yayasan Jabat Hati is born

Yayasan Jabat Hati Indonesia Jepang was officially registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of Indonesia in November 2020. That year's festival was canceled due to the pandemic.

2022
EDITION 12

Jak-Japan Matsuri returns after the pandemic

After a 2-year hiatus due to the pandemic, JJM was finally able to return in a hybrid format with a smaller scale than usual. Despite this, the enthusiasm of the Japanese culture enthusiasts was extraordinary.

2023
EDITION 13 · 65 YEARS

Celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations

JJM was held at Gambir Expo, JIExpo Kemayoran. Coinciding with 65 years of Indonesia–Japan diplomatic relations and 50 years of Japan–ASEAN friendship.

2024
EDITION 14 · THEME

"Exploring Japan" theme

The festival moved to Plaza Parkir Timur GBK. The "Exploring Japan" theme was introduced, featuring three main areas: Stage, Culinary, and Culture Exchange.

2025
EDITION 15

One of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Indonesia

After 15 successful editions in Jakarta, JJM 2025 became one of the largest Japanese cultural festivals in Indonesia.

2026
EDITION 16 · UPCOMING

The next station

The 16th edition is scheduled for 31 October – 1 November 2026 at Plaza Parkir Timur, GBK Senayan, Jakarta.

理念・心
Mission & Philosophy

The main pillar behind
every edition.

Themes and lineups may change each year. What stays is one core pillar: omotenashi — the Japanese sense of hospitality that makes JJM feel warm.

Core Pillar · おもてなし

Omotenashi.

Omotenashi is the distinctly Japanese sense of hospitality and service. It is brought to JJM so that every visitor can enjoy the festival comfortably and joyfully.

The committee does its utmost to raise visitor satisfaction by prioritizing security, safety, and comfort — including a QR-code map, hot-weather and rain contingencies, and public facilities such as restrooms, prayer rooms, and Japanese & Indonesian food areas.

主催者・財団
Parent Organization

Yayasan
Jabat Hati
Indonesia Jepang.

Established on 21 October 2020 amid the pandemic that canceled that year's edition, this foundation was born from the desire to ensure JJM does not depend on any single party — but rather has a legal foundation that allows it to continue.

Officially registered with the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, this foundation now serves as the main organizer of JJM, working with the Embassy of Japan, the Jakarta Provincial Government, and various private partners every year.

→ Official Charter № JJM-YJH-2020

Yayasan Jabat Hati
Indonesia Jepang

インドネシア日本友好財団
  • → Established21 October 2020
  • → StatusOfficial · Ministry of Law & Human Rights, RI
  • → DomicileDKI Jakarta, Indonesia
  • → Strategic PartnersEmbassy of Japan in Indonesia, Jakarta Provincial Gov't, Jakarta Japan Club, The Japan Foundation, Jakarta, PT. Ihza Integrated Consulting
  • → Official Contactjjmsecretariat@gmail.com
参加・繋がる

Want to be part
of this journey?

There are many ways to get involved in JJM 2026 — as a visitor, sponsor, performer, or tenant. Everyone becomes part of a story that has been written since 2009.