The 9th International Gathering
August 20–26, 2028
São Paulo, Brazil
The 9th International Gathering
About the Festival
The World Shakuhachi Festival was founded in 1994 in Kyoto, Japan, bringing together players and enthusiasts from across the globe. Over eight editions held in Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, it has grown into the world's premier shakuhachi gathering. The most recent edition took place in College Station, Texas, USA in April 2025. In 2028, São Paulo will host the 9th edition — the first ever in South America.
The shakuhachi is an ancient Japanese bamboo end-blown flute with over 1,300 years of history. Introduced to Japan from China during the Nara period (8th century), it later became the instrument of wandering Zen monks who used it as a form of meditation through breath. Today it is one of the world's most expressive and versatile instruments, captivating audiences with its haunting, breathy tone.
São Paulo is home to the largest Japanese diaspora outside Japan — over 1.5 million people of Japanese descent call this vibrant, multicultural metropolis home. It is a city where ancient traditions and contemporary creativity meet, making it the perfect stage for this milestone gathering.
Schedule & Events
Artists & Performers
We are bringing together masters and musicians from over 30 countries, celebrating the full spectrum of shakuhachi tradition and innovation.
Full lineup to be announced through 2027.
Join the Festival
In partnership with Quickly Travel
Symposium (Day 1) + all 5 festival days. Full access to workshops, concerts, and all official events.
5 festival days. Full access to workshops, concerts, and all official festival events.
Single festival day. Access to all events scheduled on your chosen day.
Travel and accommodation packages will be available through Quickly Travel. Details coming soon.
Registration opens to be announced — subscribe for updates.
Travel & Logistics
A landmark cultural complex hosting concerts and large ensemble performances in the heart of the city.
The iconic Museum of Art of São Paulo, an architectural masterpiece on Avenida Paulista, for special events.
São Paulo's beloved urban park and cultural hub — outdoor performances and community gatherings.
The University of São Paulo's Instituto de Estudos Brasileiros — academic symposium venue.
São Paulo is served by two international airports: GRU (Guarulhos) — the main international hub — and CGH (Congonhas) — for domestic connections. Both offer regular transfer services to the city center.
São Paulo has an extensive metro network connecting major festival venues. Ride-hailing apps 99 and Uber are widely available. Walking is also pleasant within neighborhoods like Liberdade and Paulista.
Official hotel packages will be arranged through Quickly Travel. Recommended neighborhoods include Liberdade (São Paulo's historic Japanese district), Paulista, and Pinheiros — all well-connected to festival venues.
Entry requirements vary by nationality. We recommend checking with the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country well in advance of travel. Festival organizers will provide a formal letter of invitation upon registration.