Experience the vibrant culture of Japan in Turin at the upcoming GAYA-GAYA 2025 festival. From the delicious ramen prepared by Chef Hiro to captivating samurai performances inspired by Kill Bill, this festival promises an unforgettable journey into Japanese tradition.
From May 30 to June 2, the Mercato Centrale will be transformed into a vibrant crossroad of sounds, flavors, and rituals representative of Japan. This immersive festival brings the energy and atmosphere of both contemporary and traditional Japanese culture to the heart of the city.
GAYA-GAYA is more than just a showcase; it’s an immersive experience that invites attendees to engage with ancestral drums, tea ceremonies, live samurai displays, and the tantalizing aroma of freshly served ramen.
The GAYA-GAYA festival is organized by Ramen Bar Akira and conceived by Akira Yoshida, a former footballer who has successfully transitioned into the realm of gastronomy, owning ten restaurants across major Italian cities. Following its inaugural edition, which attracted nearly 11,000 visitors, this year’s event promises to be an authentic dive into Japanese traditions, emphasizing cultural exchange and education.
The festival will feature an exceptional lineup of guests and performers:
- Chef Hiro: A celebrated television chef, Chef Hiro will guide attendees on a culinary journey featuring ramen and other iconic dishes from Japan.
- Takuya Taniguchi: A master of wadaiko (Japanese drumming), Takuya will showcase powerful ancestral rhythms that resonate with traditional Japanese culture.
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Kamui Samurai Artists: Known for their breathtaking sword choreography, these acclaimed performers will provide an immersive experience into Japan’s warrior tradition. The lineup includes Tetsuro Shimaguchi, who choreographed the combat scenes in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill.
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Kenta Suzuki: A cultural expert, Kenta will offer insights into Japan from an authentic and contemporary perspective.
- Mika Kobayashi: A talented singer-songwriter known for her anime theme songs, Mika will perform and bring a modern touch to the festival.
A highlight of the festival will be the Japanese tea ceremony conducted by master Tomoko. This spiritual practice weaves together aesthetics, tranquility, and mindfulness, captivating visitors with its elegance and solemnity.
Festival-goers can explore themed stands offering a variety of unique experiences. Attendees can shop for original merchandise from Todoku Japan, browse Japanese literature with Binaria, and enjoy traditional drinks such as sake from Shibataya and shochu from Bere Giapponese. There will also be opportunities to taste the distinctive Kewpie Mayonnaise, a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine.
For children and those interested in traditional games, the festival will feature Super Ball Sukui, a fun ball scooping game that is a staple of summer festivals in Japan.
GAYA-GAYA, an onomatopoeic term that evokes a lively, bustling atmosphere in Japanese, aims to create a dynamic environment filled with sounds, flavors, colors, and stories from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Akira Yoshida, the founder, has a clear vision: “We serve not just food but also history and tradition. GAYA-GAYA was established to bridge two cultures, fostering an inclusive environment rich in experience and suitable for all ages. This is a unique opportunity to engage with Japanese culture in its many facets. After Turin, the festival will travel to other Italian cities, with the goal of surpassing 15,000 visitors in 2025 and expanding internationally by 2027.”
Admission is free, with some special activities requiring reservations. For more information and bookings, please contact: info.torino@mercatocentrale.it Discover more at ramenbarakira.com/gaya-gaya-japan-fest.
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