Japan Day 2020

Overview

Whether it's the delicious food, incredible cinema or just the kindness of the people, Japanese culture has captured the hearts of New Zealanders for decades. Japanese restaurants continue to top Auckland's favourites and many dream of visiting the far east nation in the cherry blossom season or to hike Mount Fuji.

For those who can't quite afford the flights this year, there's Japan Day. Now in its 19th year, Japan Day is New Zealand's largest Japanese cultural festival and has grown from strength to strength every year. The 2020 festival is held at ASB Showgrounds and celebrates both traditional and contemporary Japanese culture with the city.

Expect cultural exhibitions such as Ikebana flower arrangements, tea ceremonies, kimono trials, calligraphy, origami and bonsai. There will be performances throughout the day including taiko drummers on the main stage, yosakoi dancers, and martial arts performances. This year also sees Kenji x Keisho taiko drum and Shamisen performers who have travelled from Japan as well as the traditional Japanese dancer Rumi Sasaki.

And of course, there's the food. Known for both mouthwatering street food and Michelin-starred restaurants, Japanese food has a global reputation. Enjoy sushi, yakisoba, takoyaki, ramen, yakitori and so much more.

Japan Day is hosted by the Japanese Society of Auckland alongside the Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland.