#Japan #Chiyoda #Kanda Festival #KANDA’s Got Talent #Kids Halloween Parade

KANDA Festival 2025: A Unique Collaborative Community Event

The KANDA Festival 2025, organized by the Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages along with local businesses and community organizations, is scheduled for October 10th and 11th, 2025. With the backing of Chiyoda Ward, this vibrant festival seeks to foster community connections, revive historical and cultural appreciation, and enhance the local atmosphere around Kanda Station.

Background and Purpose

The area surrounding Kanda Station has long served as a bustling commercial hub, rich in history and culture; however, it has become increasingly characterized as a transitory space, resulting in limited opportunities for residents and visitors to linger and engage. This festival aims to counteract the dilution of community ties and create a renewed sense of belonging and vibrancy in the neighborhood.

In FY 2024, Chiyoda Ward initiated a “Community-Led Walkable Activities” program, utilizing place-making strategies to enhance local engagement. The Kanda Station West Exit Shopping District Promotion Association played a crucial role in this initiative, leading to the realization that revitalizing public spaces could tangibly transform community interactions. Building on this experience, the KANDA Festival was conceived to facilitate such engagement further.

Festival Highlights

One of the main attractions of KANDA Festival 2025 will be “KANDA’s Got Talent!” - a spirited showcase that brings together students from the Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages and local residents to perform a variety of acts including singing, dancing, acapella, traditional arts, and therapeutic experiences. This event promises to be a highlight of the festival, encouraging an atmosphere of shared joy and excitement among all attendees.

Event Schedule

• - October 10 (Friday): 17:00 to 19:00
• - October 11 (Saturday): 11:00 to 15:00

Location: Special stage in front of Kanda Institute of Foreign Languages, with an alternate indoor venue at the 7th floor auditorium, Kanda Institute.

Participating Performers

Performers will include Kanda Institute students showcasing various talents, including:

• - K-DANCE STUDIO (social dance)
• - Tsugaru Shamisen Salon (shamisen performances)
• - Various dance and music performances
• - Healing experience from Kanda Chiropractic Clinic
• - Other local acts and community groups

This list is not exhaustive as more talents will be featured.

Special Features of the Festival

In addition to the talent show, visitors can enjoy a special shop, “Okaeri by Yukiguni Shoten,” created through a collaboration between Kanda Institute international business students and students from Sekine Gakuen High School in Niigata. This shop, now in its fourth edition, will offer local specialties from the Joetsu region, fostering interaction across age and geographic divides as students present the unique flavors of their community.

Children's Halloween Parade

A standout feature will be the “Children’s Halloween Parade” taking place on October 11th. Children in costumes will walk through the streets, creating an enchanting Halloween atmosphere. Families and friends are invited to partake, making this a fantastic opportunity for children to learn English phrases through songs while exploring cultural exchange in a fun and engaging manner.

Accessibility and Participation

The festival is free to attend, making it accessible to all. However, costs will apply to food and beverage purchases.

• - Date: October 10, 2025 (17:00 - 19:00)

October 11, 2025 (11:00 - 15:00)

• - Location: Kanda Station area, including Kanda Institute main building
• - Fees: Free entrance, with charges for food items

Conclusion

KANDA Festival 2025 promises to be a vibrant community event designed to enhance local connections, revitalize Kanda’s cultural heritage, and promote multilateral exchange. It aims not only to celebrate the vibrant present of Kanda but also to pave the way for its future as a thriving urban community hub.

As preparations unfold, the KANDA Festival is poised to become a defining feature of the Kanda Station West Exit area, continuing the legacy initiated by the Connected Kanda Project in previous years.