University of Tokyo May Festival cancelled on May 16 for “safety management” reasons
Tokyo University cancels all May Festival events on May 16, 2026, citing safety management; organizers say they are investigating and schedule for May 17 remains undecided.
The University of Tokyo May Festival, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, had all events for May 16 cancelled after the festival’s standing committee announced a suspension of programming on safety management grounds. Organizers said they were confirming the detailed circumstances behind the decision and that the status of activities planned for May 17 remained undecided. The abrupt halt prompted disappointment among students and visiting high school groups who had gathered on campus.
Announcement from the festival’s standing committee
The festival’s standing committee notified participants by email shortly after 2:00 p.m. on May 16 that all events for the day were being called off for reasons described as safety management. The committee’s public response said it was still confirming the specific background to the decision and gave no additional operational details at the time. Organizers stressed that they would provide further information when available.
Disruption to student projects and scheduled visits
Numerous student groups had already opened exhibits and were hosting visitors when the cancellation notice arrived, forcing organizers to ask attendees to leave displays and classrooms. One first-year student who had planned to guide a group of a dozen high school juniors and seniors from Saitama Prefecture described the cancellation as both “very disappointing” and upsetting given the effort put into preparation. Second-year students running classroom exhibitions said they received the message while hosting visitors and had to escort people out, disrupting performances and presentations.
Rumours of a bomb threat spread among attendees
After the cancellation, some students said they later heard unconfirmed rumours that a bomb threat had been reported on or near the campus, a claim that organisers did not substantiate in their initial message. Several attendees described surprise and concern on hearing the rumours, saying they were not given an explanation when asked by festival staff. Organisers have not publicly confirmed any specific threat, emphasizing that investigations into the circumstances were still under way.
Status of Sunday programming and next steps for organisers
The May Festival was planned to run through May 17, but organisers left the following day’s schedule undecided pending the outcome of their inquiries. The standing committee said it would assess safety conditions and consult with relevant campus bodies before announcing whether events would resume. Students and community groups awaiting further guidance were told to monitor official festival channels for updates and instructions.
Community and visitor reactions on campus
The festival draws a mix of students, alumni, local residents and visiting school groups, and the sudden cancellation affected planned tours and outreach activities. Several high school visitors expressed regret that an event intended to showcase campus life and student work ended abruptly, while student organisers lamented lost opportunities to present research and performances. Local vendors and cultural groups that coordinate with the festival for outreach said they were awaiting more information about potential rescheduling or compensation.
Organisers said further statements would be issued as their review progressed and as any necessary consultations with campus authorities concluded. In the meanwhile, participants and visitors were urged to check official announcements for verified information and guidance regarding the remainder of the University of Tokyo May Festival.
