Marking its first return to Bangladesh in seven years, the Japan Festival 2026 convened Friday at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in the capital, showcasing traditional performing arts, martial arts, musical collaborations, culinary offerings and interactive exhibits.

Organized by the Embassy of Japan in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the opening ceremony featured addresses by Japanese Ambassador Saida Shinichi and Minister of Cultural Affairs Nitai Roy Chowdhury.

Cultural presentations included a Kabuki introduction, Nihonbuyo classical dance, karate and kendo demonstrations, joint musical performances pairing the Japanese duo Bajna Beat with local artists, and a closing Kabuki Shishi dance presentation by artist Senju Einojo.

Exhibition areas offered interactive Sado tea ceremonies, bonsai and ikebana displays, official embassy-prepared Japanese cuisine, and study-abroad advisory booths for attending students.

The initiative celebrated bilateral cultural ties while highlighting diverse Japanese traditions.

With Inputs from UNB