"Kanda SOBART 2026," a Festival Combining Soba and Art, to Be Held A press tour and reception will be held on November 8

This fall—a season of food and art—"Kanda SOBART," a collaboration between historic soba restaurants in Kanda and the art world, will be held again this year.For about one month, from Monday, November 2, 2026, to Friday, November 27, 2026, works by a diverse array of artists will be exhibited at 10 soba restaurants, offering a cultural experience that blends soba and art.In addition, a stamp rally will be held during the event: by visiting participating restaurants and dining there, you’ll receive stamps that can be used as meal vouchers.

To that end, we will host a special tour and opening reception for members of the media on Sunday, November 8.On the day of the event, you will tour each restaurant to enjoy both the unique atmosphere of the soba shops and the artworks on display. In the afternoon, we have planned a gathering where soba shop owners, artists, and sponsoring companies will come together to network. We invite you to cover the new appeal created by this collaboration between soba culture and art.

■Event Overview

● Dates: Monday, November 2, 2026 – Friday, November 27, 2026 *During each store’s business hours

● Participating Shops & Artists

Sarugaku-cho Asanoya: kazuki (painting); Kanda Nishikicho Sarashina: Akinori Ikeda (photography); Maruga Seison: Yoko Mizushiri (animation);Yabusen: Yumiko Takamura (Painting), Kanda Maruya: Rakugaki Eater 44 (Painting), Kanda Matsuya: Yasuhide Kunimoto (Painting),Shijō Matsugetsuan: Yoichirō Ogawa (Sculpture), Asanoya Main Store: Tamiko Yamagata (Dyeing and Weaving Artist), Kanda Owariya Main Store: Kōhei Hattori (Sculpture), Kanda Yabusoba: 203gow (Knitting)

● Stamp Rally & Trivia Videos

During the event, participants can take part in a stamp rally by visiting participating stores and collecting original stamps, which can be exchanged for meal vouchers. You can also watch “Soba Trivia Videos” via the website or by scanning a 2D barcode, allowing people of all ages to enjoy soba culture. (1) Health and Beauty (2) The History of Soba (3) How Soba Is Made

■ Tour & Reception

An opening reception will be held on Sunday, November 8, during the event period.

Starting at 9:00 a.m., we will hold the “Soba Shop & Art Tour” (limited to 20 participants), which takes participants to 10 soba restaurants on foot and by minibus. Please contact us regarding media coverage and photography in the morning.The afternoon reception will feature a presentation on the event’s concept, introductions to the artworks and artists, and interviews with soba shop owners and artists. We invite you to cover this unique convergence of local culture and art.

● Venue: Chiyoda Platform Square 1st Floor Lobby (3-21 Kanda-Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku)

If you wish to attend the November 8 tour and reception, please contact us by October 30 with the name of your media outlet, the name of the contact person, the number of attendees, whether you plan to cover the morning or afternoon session, whether photography will be permitted, and the details of your coverage.

We can also arrange individual interviews.

● Program for the Day (Tentative)

9:00 AM–12:00 PM: Soba Restaurant & Art Tour

　　　　　　　(10 locations / Meet at Kanda Yabu Soba; travel by foot and bus)

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Opening Remarks and Explanation of Purpose / Greetings from Organizers and Sponsors

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Introduction of Artworks and Artists at Each Shop (First 5 Shops)

3:00 PM – 3:10 PM: Break

3:10 PM – 3:40 PM: Introduction of Artworks and Artists at Each Shop (Second Half: 5 Shops)

3:40 PM – 4:00 PM: Interviews, Q&A, Group Photo, Closing

4:00 PM–: Networking Reception with Dinner (Participation Fee: 5,000 yen)

● Message from the Organizer

We aim to breathe new life into the spirit that connects people through soba and the culture that has been passed down through the ages!

We, the soba shops of Kanda, are rivals to one another, yet we are also comrades who inspire each other to grow. Since ancient times, we have shared techniques and maintained bonds that have been passed down through the generations.With this “Kanda SOBART” event, we aim to infuse Kanda’s soba culture with a fresh breath of art, inspiring the younger generation to think, “Kanda’s soba restaurants are fascinating! Let’s check them out!” We also hope to bring a warm sense of connection and joy to the hearts of everyone who attends.

Organizer: Tokyo Noodle Cooperative Association, Kanda Branch

Special Sponsors: Suzuhiro Kamaboko Co., Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, Yasuda Real Estate Co., Ltd.

Sponsors: NTT Urban Development Corporation, Toshimaya Honten Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd.

Executive Producer: Satoshi Hoshino (Tsumugiya-san)

Art Coordinator: Command A LLC

Poster & Art Direction: Akinori Ikeda