Dhaka: Japan Festival 2026 was held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Friday, bringing together Japanese traditional performances, martial arts, music, cuisine, and hands-on cultural experiences. The Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh, in cooperation with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, organised the festival, which was held in Bangladesh for the first time in seven years.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi and Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury attended the opening ceremony, where they delivered remarks. Following the opening ceremony, visitors enjoyed a series of performances showcasing different aspects of Japanese culture. The stage programme featured an introduction to Kabuki, followed by a Nihonbuyo performance, a form of traditional Japanese dance. Demonstrations of Karate and Kendo were also presented during the programme.
The Japanese singer duo Bajna Beat later performed at the festival, joining Bangladeshi artists for a special musical presentation celebrating cultural exchange between the two countries. The programme concluded with a performance of Kabuki Shishi, a traditional Japanese dance, presented by Japanese dancer Senju Einojo.
Alongside the stage performances, the festival featured a range of Japanese cultural exhibition stands and interactive activities. Visitors had the opportunity to experience Sado, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, as well as view displays of Bonsai and Ikebana. Japanese cuisine prepared by a chef from the Embassy's official residence was also served to visitors.
Students attending the festival also had the opportunity to consult an adviser about study-abroad opportunities in Japan. The festival provided visitors with an opportunity to experience the diversity of Japanese culture through traditional arts, performance, cuisine, and other cultural practices, while also highlighting cultural exchanges between Japan and Bangladesh.