Japan Festival returns to Dhaka after 7 years

Japan Festival returned to Dhaka after a seven-year hiatus, offering Bangladeshi audiences a colourful showcase of Japanese performing arts, martial arts, cuisine and traditional culture.

The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh organised "Japan Festival 2026" at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the academy on Friday, according to an embassy press release issued here today.

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Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Saida Shinichi and Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the festival.

Following the opening ceremony, visitors enjoyed a diverse range of Japanese cultural performances, including demonstrations of traditional martial arts Karate and Kendo.

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Japanese singer duo Bajna Beat performed alongside Bangladeshi artists, bringing together musical traditions of the two countries.

The cultural programme concluded with a performance by traditional Japanese dancer Senju Einojo.

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Alongside the stage performances, visitors were offered hands-on experiences of Japanese traditions, including Sado, the Japanese tea ceremony, and other cultural activities.

The festival also showcased Bonsai and Ikebana, and visitors could taste Japanese cuisine prepared by a chef from the Japanese Embassy. Students interested in pursuing higher education in Japan could consult advisers about study opportunities in the country.