THE MEAT 2026

While Japan may be best known for its seafood, there are also a wide range of popular meat dishes here - gyudon (beef bowls), tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlets), and shabu-shabu (thinly sliced meat and other goodies cooked in water) are just naming a few. The annual "THE MEAT" celebrates these carnivorous delights and more, with plenty of both domestic and international meat-based dishes to enjoy.

A celebration of all things meat, THE MEAT is a traveling food festival that brings together an impressive lineup of meat-centric dishes from across Japan. Built around the concept that “meat connects people,” the event combines hearty cuisine with music and cultural programming, creating a lively outdoor setting where visitors can sample everything from steak and grilled skewers to creative meat-based specialties. With dozens of menu items typically featured, the festival encourages guests to share plates, discover regional flavors, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with friends and family.

In 2026, the event takes place in two locations during Golden Week. THE MEAT Osaka 2026 runs from April 29 to May 6, 2026, at Nagai Park’s Freedom Square in Osaka, while THE MEAT Saitama 2026 is scheduled for May 1 to May 6, 2026, at Keyaki Hiroba in Saitama New Urban Center. Admission is free at both venues, with food and drinks available for purchase from participating vendors serving a wide range of meat dishes from around the country.