Under the vibrant early-summer skies of Tokyo, Yoyogi Park came alive with color, rhythm, and flavor as the 25th Thai Festival opened its gates to a sea of excited visitors on May 10, 2025. With the esteemed presence of H.E. Mr. Maris Sangiampongsa, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, who presided over the opening ceremony, the event marked a quarter-century of one of Tokyo’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
Celebrating its silver anniversary, this year’s Thai Festival was held under the dynamic theme “Creative Thailand,” highlighting the Southeast Asian nation’s forward-thinking spirit and rich cultural heritage. Co-organized by the Royal Thai Embassy and Team Thailand Offices in Tokyo, in partnership with a host of Thai government bodies and Japanese counterparts, the festival drew an impressive crowd, continuing its legacy as the largest Thai Festival globally, attracting over 300,000 visitors annually.
The ceremony welcomed a high-profile guest list, including Ms. IKUINA Akiko, Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Witchu Vejjajiva, Thai Ambassador to Japan, and other Japanese dignitaries from the Ministries of Health, Education, and Culture. Their presence underscored the festival’s role not only as a cultural event, but also a key pillar of Thailand-Japan diplomatic and cultural relations.
From traditional Thai dance to high-energy K-pop-style performances by Thai idols like BNK48, CGM48, PIXXIE, and INDIGO, the festival offered a genre-spanning musical journey. Fan meetings with popular Thai actors from GMMTV and stars of the hit series “4MINUTES” brought Thai pop culture to the heart of Tokyo, drawing long queues of eager fans.
But the Thai Festival is more than just a show. With over 150 booths, visitors explored a curated showcase of Thailand’s creative industries—from fashion and design to food innovation and tourism. A feast for the senses awaited every guest: tangy green papaya salads, juicy tropical fruits, and street-style Thai BBQ were served alongside artisanal crafts and tourism exhibits.
The event also served as a platform for soft power diplomacy. Minister Maris outlined the future vision for collaboration between Thai and Japanese creative sectors, laying early groundwork for the upcoming 140th anniversary of Thailand-Japan diplomatic relations in 2027.
With support from organizations such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chulalongkorn University, Thai PBS, and partners like TSP Taiyo, the festival reinforced Thailand’s commitment to cultural diplomacy and economic engagement. It also empowered the Thai community in Japan, connecting them with their roots while inviting others to experience the country’s evolving cultural identity.
The 25th Thai Festival in Tokyo was more than a celebration—it was a statement. A statement of how culture can connect people, how tradition can evolve into innovation, and how two nations can continue building a shared future through soft power, creativity, and respect.
And if the energy at Yoyogi Park was any indication, the best is yet to come.