Friday, 16 October
5:55–7:35pm
The Making of a Japanese
Director: Ema Ryan Yamazaki
Special Event: 7:40–8:00pm Director's Talk & Q&A online with Director Ema Ryan Yamazaki.
Experience Japan in Wellington
Three days of Japanese culture, creativity and community
Bunkasai, or Japanese cultural festival, is a tradition found in schools and local communities across Japan. This Wellington programme brings together Japanese film, language, visual culture and community activities, with events centred around 16–18 October and further exhibitions and activities continuing afterwards.
Bunkasai main festival day
The main Bunkasai celebration will take place featuring Japanese cultural stalls, stage performances, films, workshops and
food/craft vendors.
Japanese cultural & food stalls
Experience Japanese culture, crafts, activities
Stall Information (Coming soon)Stage performers & Workshops
Performances celebrating Japanese music, dance, martial arts and other cultural traditions. Also join some interactive workshops!
Performance Schedules (Coming soon)Japanese films
Experience a curated selection of Japanese cinema exploring school life through multiple genres.
DetailsPlease note: 16 and 17 October are dedicated to Japanese film screenings at the Dominion Museum. The cultural stalls, stage performances and food vendors are part of the main festival programme on 18 October. Further participant and programme information will be added here as arrangements are confirmed.
Festival highlight
Japanese Schools Through Films
Film programme
16–18 October 2026
The Dominion Museum (East Entrance), Wellington
Saturday, 17 October
11:00am–12:40pm
The Making of a Japanese
Director: Ema Ryan Yamazaki
1:00–3:10pm
Monster
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
3:30–4:55pm
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
Sunday, 18 October
11:00am–12:25pm
Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle
Director: Susumu Mitsunaka
1:00–3:10pm
Monster
Director: Hirokazu Kore-eda
Explore the programme
More ways to experience Japan
Some related activities begin before or continue after the festival weekend.
46 Hokusai works, 15 classical Edo ukiyo-e prints and 20 selected modern photographs at Toi Aro Arts Centre.
PHOTO CONTEST: Have you visited Japan in the last three years? Submit up to three photos on your public Facebook account using #japanphotowellington or send us an email(s) by 27 September 2026.
DetailsThe top three participants in each level will present live at Wellington Central Library.
SPEECH CONTEST: Register your details through the
Microsoft Form
by 9 October. Submit your speech script by email by
26 October 2026.
Continue the Bunkasai spirit with the Wellington Children’s Art Exhibition at Kilbirnie Library.
Visit Facebook pagePlan your visit
Bring your friends and discover Japan in Wellington
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