Japan Expo Malaysia (JEMY) 2026 is set to return for its seventh edition, which will take place from July 24, to July 26, 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC). This expo is expected to bring together the best of Japanese culture, tourism, business, entertainment and innovation under one roof.
The event is recognised as one of the official events under the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 calendar, the three-day expo will offer free admission to the public, making authentic Japanese experiences more accessible while also strengthening cultural and tourism ties between Malaysia and Japan.
A celebration of Japanese culture and Malaysia–Japan ties
Visitors can look forward to more than 50 exhibitors showcasing authentic Japanese cuisine, travel destinations, education opportunities, lifestyle products. The most hyped anime and cosplay also will feature. The expo will also provide a platform for Japanese and Malaysian businesses to establish partnerships, introduce new products and expand their market presence.
The opening ceremony will feature our homegrown pride, award-winning singer-songwriter Mimly alongside renowned Japanese performer Naomichi Hanazono, while traditional Awa Odori dance performances from Tokushima Prefecture will further highlight Japan’s rich cultural heritage.
More than 20 Japanese and Malaysian performers are scheduled to take the stage throughout the three-day event, presenting a diverse programme ranging from traditional performances and instrumental showcases to contemporary J-Pop and idol performances, including Banzai Japan, Kotomen, Nakano Himawari, Rina Hime and KLP48.
The expo will also host the Japan Expo Malaysia Awards 2026, honouring nine individuals and organisations for their contributions to strengthening Japan–Malaysia cultural and business relations. Cosplay enthusiasts can also participate in a nationwide cosplay competition offering a total prize pool of RM10,000.
AKB48 returns to Malaysia as JEMY 2026’s headline act
One of the biggest highlights of this year’s expo will be the return of Japanese idol group AKB48, which will headline JEMY 2026 with an exclusive concert on 25 July 2026 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
The performance marks the group’s first appearance in Malaysia in nearly two years since its successful Kuala Lumpur concert in 2024. Fans attending the concert will also be among the first to experience AKB48 performing its upcoming single, 「好きish」 (Sukisshu), ahead of its official release in Japan on 19 August 2026.
Since debuting in 2005, AKB48 has become one of Japan’s most influential and internationally recognised idol groups, known for its “idols you can meet” concept, energetic performances and numerous chart-topping hits. The group’s success has also inspired sister groups across Asia, including Malaysia’s own KLP48.
Known for popular songs such as Heavy Rotation, Aitakatta, Flying Get and Koisuru Fortune Cookie, AKB48 continues to attract fans across generations and is expected to draw audiences from Malaysia and neighbouring countries to JEMY 2026.
While admission to Japan Expo Malaysia 2026 is free, tickets for the exclusive AKB48 concert, as well as Japanese alternative band Atarayo’s concert on 24 July, are priced from RM180. Organisers expect the event to attract around 50,000 visitors from Malaysia and across the region, reinforcing its reputation as Southeast Asia’s leading Japanese lifestyle and cultural festival.
