Buying sushi as a healthy lunch choice and Friday night karaoke come to mind for many of us when we think of Japan. But now you can enjoy all of Japan on your doorstep at the biennial Japan Festival Wellington. Experience and interact with Japan's traditional martial and cultural art such as judo and tea ceremony, embrace pop and tech culture, and last but not least, enjoy delicious Japanese food!
Our mission is to connect and acknowledge Japan-New Zealand relationships through food, performances, culture and more. We celebrate Japanese communities and talented Wellingtonians who are spreading Japanese culture here in the capital.
The first Japan Festival Wellington was held by Wellington City Council in 2009 to celebrate the ties between New Zealand and Japan and our sister city relationship with Sakai.
Since 2018, the Wellington Japan Festival Trust, made up of seven volunteer Trustees, has been the driving force behind the Festival, with support from Wellington City Council and the Embassy of Japan in Wellington. Not to mention all of our wonderful volunteers in the run up to the Festival and on the day!