Tradition in Motion
Ramen has taught us something: the best bowls respect their origins while still daring to evolve.
That exact philosophy is the driving force behind our Matsuri Stage. Here, centuries-old Japanese art forms meet artists who preserve, reinterpret, and bring traditions into the present day. Expect ramen, insights, competitions, and plenty of opportunities to become part of the program yourself.
On Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, 2026 the program runs from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Pro tip: This is just one of our stages. Our live music program awaits you on the Nijikai Live Stage. Afterward, things continue in the Nijikai Club on Saturday with our indoor stage for DJs, listening sessions, and the night program. Make sure to plan enough time to see it all.
The program
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Kenshinkai Berlin e.V. – Japanese Martial Arts
We kick things off with Japanese martial arts.
The Kenshinkai Berlin e.V. from Berlin-Pankow is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is dedicated to Japanese and European martial arts such as Kendo, Iaido, Naginata, Jodo, and HEMA.
On the Matsuri Stage, Kenshinkai will present two Japanese disciplines: Kendo, the modern Japanese martial art based on traditional swordsmanship, and Iaido, the art of drawing the Japanese sword – defined by concentration, precision, and the harmony of body and mind.
Japanese Martial Arts · Saturday & Sunday · 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
Slurping Contest Kids
Now it's your turn.
At the Sun Noodle Slurping Contest Kids the Matsuri Stage belongs to our younger ramen fans. Slurping is highly encouraged – we’re on a mission to find out who can slurp the loudest this year.
Saturday & Sunday · 12:45 PM – 1:30 PM
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Kamishibai – Japanese Paper Theater
with Yusuke Yamasaki
Storytelling through images, voice, and a centuries-old Japanese narrative tradition.
Yusuke Yamasaki trained as an actor in Japan and has been working in film, television, theater, and voice-over in Berlin since 2006. On our Matsuri Stage, he brings Kamishibai (紙芝居) – the traditional Japanese "paper theater."
Using illustrations and vivid narration, Yusuke brings his stories to life right in front of the audience. His motto: Children's stories that adults will enjoy too.
So, bring the kids and grab a seat.
Saturday & Sunday · 1:45 PM – 2:15 PM
2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Hayatonnu – Contemporary Dance
From the streets of Tokyo to German opera stages and the Cirque du Soleil talent pool.
Hayato Yamaguchi, aka Hayatonnu, has danced in some pretty diverse places. He is an official street performer in Tokyo and an award-winning dancer – he’s bringing his contemporary dance performance to the Berlin Ramen Festival on the Matsuri Stage.
Contemporary Dance · Saturday & Sunday · 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
Bodypoet Kazuma – Ramen Interpretation Dance
How does a noodle actually move?
Kazuma is half Japanese, half South African, loves noodles, and moves between dance, martial arts, choreography, and comedy.
His work explores the roots and philosophy of language, blending performance with wordplay, poetry, puns, and occasionally rap.
At the Berlin Ramen Festival, things are getting particularly noodly: Kazuma is bringing a ramen-inspired mix of dance, martial arts, and comedy to the Matsuri Stage.
And just watching might not be enough: Get ready to dance like a noodle yourself.
Ramen Interpretation Dance · Saturday & Sunday · 3:15 PM – 4:00 PM
4:15 PM – 4:45 PM
Mai-Ogi 舞扇 – Traditional Japanese Fan Dance
with Yuko Matsuyama
Traditional Japanese fan dance meets contemporary expression.
Yuko Matsuyama was first introduced to dance at the age of two by her mother, Fujima Kankyohmi, a master of Nihon Buyoh – classical Japanese dance.
Today, Yuko lives in Berlin and works as a voice and movement artist. In her Mai-Ogi performance she combines Japanese fan dance, sound, and movement into a shared language.
She views live performance as a space for intuitive, intercultural dialogue, which she continues to explore through collaborative works and lecture performances.
Traditional Japanese Fan Dance · Saturday & Sunday · 4:15 PM–4:45 PM
5:00 PM–5:45 PM
Sun Noodle Slurping Contest Adults
It’s about to get loud again.
At the Sun Noodle Slurping Contest Adults we are looking for the loudest slurping champion among the adults at the Berlin Ramen Festival 2026.
Saturday & Sunday · 5:00 PM–5:45 PM
6:00 PM–7:00 PM
Ramen Pub Quiz – How well do you know your bowl?
To wrap up the day, we’re trading dancing for deep thinking.
How well do you actually know your bowl? At the Ramen Pub Quiz we’ll spend an hour testing your knowledge of ramen and everything that goes with it.
Saturday & Sunday · 6:00 PM–7:00 PM
Tradition. Movement. And plenty of ramen.
From Kendo and Iaido to Kamishibai and Mai-Ogi, all the way to contemporary dance and a rather unusual take on ramenThe Matsuri Stage brings traditional Japanese art forms and fresh perspectives together.
And because a festival isn't just for watching, you'll become part of the program yourself during the Slurping Contest and Ramen Pub Quiz.
Saturday, Oct 10 & Sunday, Oct 11 · 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Matsuri Stage
Take a seat. Stay close. Bring all five senses.