Ever wondered what new Japanese snacks, teas, and household goods are like before they reach American stores? Here is your chance to find out. “Discover Japan. Share Your Voice.” is a free, hands-on event at the Seattle Marriott Waterfront on Saturday, November 14, 2026, where you can see, touch, taste, and try 30 products from Japanese companies, then tell them what you honestly think.
The event is organized by SMRJ (Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN), a Japanese government-affiliated agency that helps small and mid-sized Japanese companies grow overseas. Admission is free, but registration is required. Those who finish the product experience and survey get to play the “Voucher Gacha” for a prize!
Event Details
| Event | Discover Japan. Share Your Voice. (Japanese Product Experience & Survey Event) |
| Date & Time | Saturday, November 14, 2026 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Last check-in: 5:30 p.m. |
| Venue | Seattle Marriott Waterfront 2100 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121 (Map) |
| Admission | Free (advance registration required) |
| Who can join | Everyone is welcome (Maxium 200 pre-registered participants) |
| Thank-you gift | The participants who complete all product experiences and surveys can play the Voucher Gacha |
| Registration | Online form (takes about 1 minute) |
| Organizer | SMRJ (Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, JAPAN) |
| Operated by | imu Co., Ltd. |
Your Feedback Goes Straight to Japanese Companies
This is a test marketing event. Japanese companies want to learn how American consumers react to their products before they launch in the U.S. SMRJ, which operates under Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, is hosting the event in two cities, Los Angeles and Seattle. The Seattle consumer event takes place on November 14.
Nothing is sold at the event. Instead, your feedback will help the companies answer questions like these:
- Would American shoppers buy this product?
- Who is it a good fit for?
- Is the price right?
- Could the packaging or design be improved?
- Where should it be sold?
Comments like “I can’t tell what this is from the English label” or “I’d pay that price for this flavor” are exactly what the companies need to hear.
Products You Can Try
The lineup ranges from teas, seasonings, and sweets to home goods, pet care, and puzzles.
Food and Drinks (13 items)
| Category | Products |
| Tea and drinks | Organic stem hojicha (roasted green tea), freeze-dried matcha |
| Seasonings | Seasoning, soy milk mayonnaise, miso powder |
| Grain and plant-based foods | Rice-based yogurt, organic brown rice powder, dried yuba (tofu skin) |
| Frozen foods | Frozen roasted sweet potato |
| Japanese sweets and desserts | Bite-size warabi mochi, gluten-free sweets, strawberry shortcake |
| Cocktails | DIY cocktail kit |
Lifestyle Goods (17 items)
| Category | Products |
| Paper and stationery | Paper hangers, Japanese stab-bound notebook |
| Pet care | Glove-style grooming wipes for pets |
| Wood, natural materials, and interior | Oval wooden box, wooden goods, plant-fiber coasters, modular tatami mats |
| Textiles, fashion, and daily goods | Towels, high-performance stroller bag, folding parasol, handcraft yarn |
| Personal care and beauty | Toothbrush, vegan rice bran soap |
| Kitchen and tableware | Functional tableware, donburi-style clay pot (donabe) |
| Household goods | Tabletop paper towel holder |
| Toys and puzzles | Flat cube-style puzzle |
How the Event Works
- Check in at the reception desk with your registration QR code. You will be placed in a small group.
- A short orientation explains the purpose of the event, how to try the products, how to answer the survey, and how to qualify for the Voucher Gacha.
- Follow the route from table to table. Staff will introduce each product and help you try it.
- After each product, answer a short survey on your smartphone or on a tablet provided at the venue.
- Once you have tried every assigned product and finished all the surveys, staff will confirm that you are done.
- If you qualify, play the Voucher Gacha.
Voucher Gacha
“Gacha” is the Japanese capsule-toy machine you turn by hand to get a surprise. The first 200 participants who try all assigned products and complete every survey can play the Voucher Gacha once. Your completion is checked at the Voucher Desk before you play. Prize details will be announced soon.
How to Register
Registration is required and takes about a minute. On the day of the event, you will check in with a QR code.
The form asks for:
- Full name
- Email address
- Age group
- Occupation
- Nationality
- Referred by
Before You Go
- The Voucher Gacha is limited to the participants who complete all product experiences and surveys, so give yourself enough time. Last check-in is 5:30 p.m.
- Bring a charged smartphone to answer the surveys. Tablets are available if you need one.
- Food samples will be served. Ingredient and allergen information is posted at each table. If you have food allergies, please check the labels and let staff know.
- Products are not for sale at the event.
- Feel free to bring family and friends. The companies want to hear from a wide range of people.
Contact
junglecity.com
info@junglecity.com