JICA Japan Festival Celebrates Japanese Culture with Strong Community Turnout

Press Release

2 February 2026

The JICA Japan Festival, held on 31 January, was a resounding success, attracting more than 200 participants and creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with cultural exchange, learning, and entertainment.

Attendees enjoyed a wide range of Japanese cultural activities, including wearing yukata for photos, trying traditional calligraphy, playing Japanese games, face painting, singing Japanese songs, and participating in a traditional Fishermanโ€™s Dance. The festival offered an engaging and hands-on experience for people of all ages.

Information booths hosted by JICA and the Embassy of Japan provided visitors with opportunities to learn more about Japan, its culture, and ongoing cooperation initiatives, helping to strengthen understanding and connections between Japan and the local community.

While Japan may feel distant to many, the festival aimed to bring Japanese culture closer and make it more accessible through shared experiences and interaction. The event was also supported by Japanese language students, whose assistance contributed greatly to the smooth running of the festival.

The festival was further enhanced by favourable weather conditions. Despite ongoing rainy days in the lead-up to the event, the weather cleared for the duration of the festival and rain resumed shortly after it concluded, adding to the dayโ€™s success.

Organisers expressed hope to host another Japan Festival in the future and encouraged the public to take part in upcoming events celebrating Japanese culture.

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