This Japanese festival in the Quartier Latin distributes free onigiri crafted by top chefs.

In June 2026, Paris welcomes a free, ephemeral Japanese festival, nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The Kama-Asa house, a temple to Japanese culinary craftsmanship, is transforming its space to celebrate an important milestone, with much more than just festivities on the program.

Kama-Asa: a century-old house in the heart of Paris

Founded in 1908 in Tokyo’s famous Kappabashi cooking district, Kama-Asa has embodied the excellence of Japanese craftsmanship for over a century. Its philosophy has a name: “Kumitate”, the art of designing tools of such quality that they sublimate the gesture of the user and the taste of the food. Each knife, each utensil tells a story of know-how handed down from generation to generation.

After conquering Japan, the institution chose Paris in 2018 to open its very first international address. What’s more, it’s in the 5th arrondissement that this boutique-gallery has set up shop, quickly becoming the haunt of Michelin-starred chefs and food enthusiasts.

For 8 years now, you’ll find hand-forged knives, Nanbu Tekki cast-iron stoves and traditional cooking pots of remarkable longevity. However, this June 2026, the boutique goes beyond its usual role to become a veritable gourmet Nippon salon.

A birthday to celebrate in style

To celebrate its 8th birthday, Kama-Asa isn’t doing things by halves. The rue Jacob boutique is organizing an ephemeral Japanese festival from Monday June 15 to Saturday June 20, 2026. For six days, the whole of the Latin Quarter will vibrate to the rhythm of Japanese craftsmanship and gastronomy.

This Japanese event brings together artisans and producers from all over the archipelago. It also features local designers, for a total immersion in the best of Japanese craftsmanship.

“Enough to buy a one-way ticket to Tokyo without spending a single penny.

Free onigiri made by chefs

The highlight of this Japanese festival is undoubtedly the distribution offree onigiris. Renowned chefs will take it in turns to fashion these comforting little bombs from exceptional, just-polished rice. And we’re not talking just any rice triangles.

This distribution is designed to get the whole Latin Quarter running. What’s more, it’s a rare opportunity to taste onigiri prepared directly by professionals, without paying a single cent. It’s also a great way to discover a key product of everyday Japanese cuisine.

The program also includes masterclasses with chefs. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn the secrets of cutting and to better understand the importance of a good tool in the kitchen. However, you don’t have to be a chef to attend and enjoy these sessions.

• Distribution of free onigiri crafted by renowned chefs
• Masterclasses on Japanese cutting techniques
• Shokupan, the ultra-moist Japanese sandwich loaf, now available for purchase
• Rare Japanese vegetables grown in Île-de-France
• Sakés, rare teas and exceptional condiments presented by archipelago artisans

Shokupan, rare vegetables and archipelago produce

In addition to onigiri, this Japanese festival offers an immersion in Japan’s most cutting-edge products. You’ll be able to buy shokupan, the ultra-moist, puffed Japanese sandwich bread that has foodies in a frenzy, as well as rare Japanese vegetables lovingly grown in the Paris region. It’s a rare encounter between two terroirs.

Artisans and producers from the archipelago also present cutting-edge sakes, rare teas and exceptional condiments. It’s enough to fill your cupboards with finds that would be hard to find elsewhere in Paris. Yet all this takes place in the heart of the 6th arrondissement.

Kama-Asa knives and utensils in the spotlight

This Japanese festival is also an ideal opportunity to admire the company’s emblematic pieces. Kama-Asa’s legendary hand-forged knives and cast-iron utensils are in great demand among Parisian chefs. Lovers of the culinary arts will find plenty to equip themselves with exceptional tools.

The Kumitate philosophy takes on its full meaning at this event. To hold a Kama-Asa knife is to understand why the quality of the tool makes all the difference to the gesture and the result on the plate. What’s more, the artisans on hand to answer visitors’ questions and guide them in their choices.

Whether you come for the free onigiris, the masterclasses or for the pleasure of your eyes and taste buds, this Parisian Japanese festival promises a complete experience. On the other hand, curious visitors simply passing through the Latin Quarter are unlikely to leave empty-handed. The event takes place from June 15 to 20, 2026 at 12, rue Jacob – Paris 6e.

This Japanese event confirms the unique place that Kama-Asa has occupied in Paris for the past 8 years. This ephemeral Japanese festival remains, without a doubt, one of the most singular gastronomic and cultural events in the early summer of 2026 in the capital.

• Japanese festival