As previously reported, Connext Japan Djakarta Ennichi 2026, which was scheduled to take place on 23–24 May 2026, was suddenly cancelled by the organisers on 23 May 2026, around 02:30 West Indonesian Time, just a few hours before its scheduled start in the morning at 09:00 West Indonesian Time.
Rizki Karismana, also known as Zhuge Kamiya, who serves as a representative of the event organisers, finally issued an official statement through Djakarta Ennichi’s social media accounts on 29 May 2026. He was accompanied by Edo, representing the event committee, and Stein Siahaan, legal counsel for Hardiyanto Kenneth, a member of the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives (DPRD DKI Jakarta) who had been involved with the event.
In the three-part clarification video, Rizki Karismana expressed his gratitude to all parties involved, including partners, communities, media outlets, performers, tenants, and volunteers. He also apologised for the cancellation of Djakarta Ennichi 2026. According to Rizki, the cancellation was caused by “operational and funding conditions that did not yet allow us to ensure the event could be carried out optimally.”
Rizki Karismana also apologised to Hardiyanto Kenneth and addressed public concerns regarding his involvement in the event.
He explained that Hardiyanto Kenneth had been “provided support, guidance, attention, and opened various channels of communication and opportunities to help ensure the event could be carried out successfully.” According to him, Kenneth had also offered advice regarding the event’s operational readiness and financial planning. This reportedly included a personal contribution of IDR 700 million and recommendations to postpone the event, as sponsor funding was considered not yet fully secured.
Regarding refunds and other matters concerning tenants, the Djakarta Ennichi team stated that they are currently communicating with affected parties. The organisers aim to complete the refund process within 30 days after this clarification video is uploaded.
In this video, Stein Siahaan, acting as Hardiyanto Kenneth’s legal representative, thanked Rizki Karismana and the Djakarta Ennichi 2026 committee for providing clarification. He stated that the organising committee had been cooperative in discussing the matter after his legal team issued a formal warning letter to the organisers.
Stein Siahaan further emphasised that Hardiyanto Kenneth had not served as chairman of Djakarta Ennichi 2026 since 1 April 2026, as the organising committee had rejected his proposal to postpone the event. He also stated that his legal team may pursue legal action against social media comments deemed defamatory or potentially in violation of Indonesian law and ethical standards if such actions continue after the publication of the clarification.
As an event, Djakarta Ennichi 2026 was created to revive the spirit of authentic Japanese cultural festivals in Jakarta, and as the successor of Ennichisai Blok M, a Japanese culture event held annually in the Blok M area, Jakarta, from 2010 to 2019. Djakarta Ennichi 2026 is organised by Zhuge Kreatif Indonesia, with support from the Jakarta Provincial Government, Connext Japan, and Asosiasi Budaya Jepang Indonesia (Indonesian Association of Japanese Culture).
Similar to its predecessor, the festival was set to feature a combination of traditional Japanese culture and modern pop culture entertainment. Planned programmes included taiko performances, yosakoi, bon odori, live band appearances, dance cover performances, idol stages, and cosplay competitions.
The Indonesian Anime Times
