James Reid Brings Star Power to a Celebration of Japanese Culture in Manila

Thousands of anime lovers, cosplayers, gamers, car geeks, and foodies packed the Quirino Grandstand recently for Matsuri in Manila 2025, the country’s biggest Japanese cultural event. The celebration was filled with colorful costumes, lively performances, and of course, lots of Japanese-inspired food and art.

Organized by Otacute DAO and spearheaded by its founder and COO Kenzaburo Kobayashi, the event aimed to bridge Japanese and Filipino cultures in a meaningful way. According to organizers, Matsuri in Manila is not just about showcasing traditions, it’s about building connections between two communities that share a deep love for pop culture, music, and creativity.

What made this festival even more exciting was the lineup of international and local talents. Japanese singer Maki Otsuki, best known for singing the theme song of the iconic anime One Piece, flew in for a special performance. She was joined by acts like Penta, Tokyo Otome Daiko, Enishi, and FairyTales!, all of whom brought the energy and spirit of Japan straight to Manila.

Local stars didn’t hold back either. GMA Music’s SkyGarden lit up the first night with their fan-favorite track Soredemo (Kahit Na), which served as the theme for the period series Pulang Araw. The crowd loved every second of it.

But one of the biggest highlights of the night was James Reid, who wowed the audience with his unique stage presence. His performance was a definite crowd-pleaser and gave the festival a cool, modern edge. The event wrapped up on a high note with a powerful set from the Lily Band.

Matsuri in Manila 2025 wasn’t just a festival, it was a celebration of unity. With both Japanese and Filipino artists sharing the spotlight, it reminded everyone that culture and music can truly bring people together, no matter where they're from.