The theme for this year’s festival is Japan x (meets) Wellington - a true 交流 (kōryū, meaning cultural exchange)
This year, we've invited both Japanese and non-Japanese-related restaurants, shops, and cafes across the capital to take part in Japan Week (14th-22nd September) - an extended celebration of everything Japanese in Wellington where we will be painting the capital in the colours of Japan.
Venues over the city are showcasing Japanese culture with us. Be sure to go out into the city to discover exciting new experiences and goods - it could be little-known Japanese designers featured at your nearest boutique, a specially crafted Japanese-inspired dish at your favourite eatery, or beauty treatments with skincare products from Nippon.
2022 Highlights
Our 2022 Festival marked 70 years of diplomatic relations with Japan with a special Tea Ceremony for 70 VIP guests. Our guest of honour, Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, officially opened the Festival.
The theme chosen for 2022 was Japan’s Tanabata Festival (also known as the Star Festival) and Matariki. Visitors were invited to take part in the Tanabata tradition of writing their wishes on strips of paper and tying them to the bamboo trees dotted around the TSB Arena.
Public transport will be the best way to get to Michael Fowler Centre. There are plenty of bike parks available around the venue.
Lombard Parking is only cross the road from Michael Fowler Centre costing $3.00 for 30mins. You can stay for maximum of 12 hours for $15.00.
There is street parking near the venue at $3 an hour for a maximum of 3 hours.
There are no carparks allocated for exhibitors/vendors at the venue. Loading zone will be open to exhibitors pre-post festival but we suggest you park at Victoria Street parking if you wish to park your car for a whole day.
Festival day is on Saturday, 14th September 2024, Michael Fowler Centre. Doors open 12pm for first performance at 2pm. Event ends at 6pm.
However, the Festival Day is just the beginning, leading into ‘Japan Week’, an extended celebration of everything Japanese in Wellington taking place 14th-22nd September.
This website should include all the information you need as well as Facebook page.
List of vendors, performers lineups and other detailed information will be released closer to the date.
We are looking for volunteers to help deliver the 2024 event - please click here to register your interest. Applications close on 10th August.
In line with the Venue's policy, all prams need to be parked on the ground level near the café. Our volunteers will give you a ticket and store it for you but please do take all valuable items as we won’t be responsible for any losses
Yes, The Michael Fowler Centre has eight accessible spaces and eight companion seats located in the stalls on the ground floor of the venue.
However, the venue can be quite full and crowded. To ensure you have the best experience possible, please approach one of our friendly volunteers for assistance.
As much as we love your furry friends, animals other than service dogs are not permitted. Please be mindful of the flashing lights and loud music on the stage as well.
Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Wellington
.jpg)
