Yokai Matsuri: An "Strange Festival" Connecting Traditional and Alternative Japan in Paris, Hosted by Artist Maia Baru

Paris – May 30, 2026: In the midst of a lively Parisian summer, Petite Halle de la Villette opens its doors for a special event. From May 31 to July 28, 2026, the Yōkai Matsuri festival will be held, bringing the mysterious world of yōkai, the fascinating and elusive beings from Japanese folklore, to the heart of the city. Curated by French-Japanese musician Maïa Barouh, this festival promises a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Maïa Barouh, daughter of French chanson singer Pierre Barouh and Japanese artist Atsuko Ushioda, skillfully combines traditional Japanese songs with modern elements such as electronic music, pop, and rap in her music. Her voice and flute open up a unique acoustic spectrum that blurs cultural boundaries. Through the Yōkai Matsuri, she invites Parisians to plunge into the world of yōkai and transcend the boundaries of reality.

The festival takes place over three days: May 31, June 28, and July 28, 2026. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., booths offering insights into traditional Japanese crafts and culture, as well as mask-making workshops, will be available. From 7:30 p.m. to midnight, the space transforms into a venue for concerts, DJ sets, and ritual dances. Daytime events are free to enter, while evening events require ticket purchase.

In addition to Maïa Barouh, various artists representing the Japanese music scene will participate. For example, Mitsune blends traditional Japanese music with psychedelic and ritual sounds, breathing new life into old tales. The Nekomata dance troupe, presenting dances that blur the lines of reality, captivates the audience with mesmerizing performances.

Located in the heart of Paris’s Parc de la Villette, the Petite Halle de la Villette provides a perfect setting for the festival. As a place where concert hall, restaurant, and nightclub harmonize, it stands out for its cultural diversity and openness. Situated in the 19th arrondissement, it is easily accessible by public transport and on foot.

For those wishing to dive deeper into the world of yōkai, this festival offers an opportunity to encounter Japanese mythology and celebrate the cultural links between France and Japan. It is an invitation to embrace the extraordinary and expand one’s own limits.

Additional information and ticket purchases can be found on the festival’s official website. As seating is limited and interest in this unique cultural event is high, early reservation is recommended.