Songpyeon-making, kimchi tasting and Korean food experiences are coming to Nagoya as the Asian Games bring global attention to Japan.
With the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games underway in Japan, Korean food is getting its own spotlight in Nagoya.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) are operating a K-Food promotional hall at Korea House in Nagoya, introducing more than 170 Korean agricultural and food products to Japanese consumers.
The Asian Games are being held from September 19 to October 4 across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya.
Make Songpyeon in Japan for Chuseok
One of the most special events will take place on September 25, Chuseok, Korea’s major traditional holiday.
aT and the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee will host a songpyeon-making experience, inviting members of the Korean community in Japan, the Mindan organization and local consumers to make the traditional Korean rice cakes themselves.
For Japanese visitors, it will be more than just a food experience.
They will also have a chance to learn about Korean Chuseok traditions and culture while enjoying one of Korea’s most recognizable holiday foods.
And yes, making songpyeon in Japan during the Asian Games is exactly the kind of K-culture crossover that feels very 2026.
170+ Korean Foods Meet Japanese Consumers
The K-Food promotional hall, operated under the theme “Enjoy Korean Food,” is showcasing more than 170 Korean agricultural and food products.
Popular Korean exports such as kimchi, paprika, tomatoes and vinegar-based drinks will be featured alongside Korean fruits including grapes, peaches and Korean melons.
Visitors can sample and taste the products directly, giving Japanese consumers an opportunity to discover Korean food beyond the products they may already know.
There will also be interactive activities including:
- Korean fruit punch, or hwachae, making
- K-Food guessing quizzes
- Korean food gift events
- Korean cooking classes
The cooking classes will take place on the Korea House stage, allowing visitors to learn how to prepare Korean dishes themselves.
Why Japan Matters to K-Food
Japan is one of Korea’s major export markets for agricultural and food products.
Korean agricultural and food exports to Japan reached approximately $1.30 billion last year, according to aT.
The geographical proximity between Korea and Japan, combined with similarities between the two countries’ food cultures, has helped Korean products such as kimchi, Korean melons, paprika and samgyetang gain a steady presence in the Japanese market.
The growing number of Japanese visitors traveling to Korea and experiencing K-food firsthand is also creating another opportunity for Korean food brands.
Asian Games Become a K-Food Promotion Opportunity
The Asian Games bring together athletes and visitors from across Asia, making the event a major opportunity to introduce Korean culture to an international audience.
aT’s Osaka branch plans to use the Asian Games to expand K-Food promotion through social media campaigns and cooperation with Korean community organizations and local institutions.
The goal is to give more Japanese consumers opportunities to discover and experience Korean food.
And with K-pop, K-dramas and Korean travel already attracting audiences around the world, food can be one of the easiest ways to turn interest in Korean culture into a real-life experience.
KOREA FBI Editor’s Comment
Korean food is having another big moment in Japan — and this time, Chuseok is joining the party.
For many global fans, K-food is already part of the K-culture experience. You watch a K-drama, see someone eating tteokbokki or kimchi, and suddenly you want to try it yourself.
But making songpyeon in Nagoya during Chuseok feels especially meaningful because it connects food with Korean tradition.
The Asian Games are also a great opportunity to introduce Korean food to people who may not yet be familiar with all the different flavors and ingredients Korea has to offer.
From kimchi and samgyetang to Korean fruits and hwachae, K-Food is becoming another exciting way to experience Korea — even without getting on a plane to Seoul.
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