Bunkasai – Japanese Cultural Festival

Experience a taste of a traditional Japanese bunkasai (cultural festival) in Wellington!

A bunkasai, or cultural festival, is a traditional event held at schools and within local communities across Japan, where people showcase the results of their activities and deepen connections with one another. From haunted houses and food stalls to concerts, exhibitions, and karaoke competitions, participants create, present, and enjoy the festival together. It is a staple of school life in Japan.

Our Bunkasai is a small, community-driven initiative intended to bring together people who are passionate about sharing Japanese culture, creating an event that is shaped by and for the local community. We hope you'll join us to bring this Bunkasai to life in Wellington.

The Bunkasai forms part of a wider programme of Japanese cultural activities taking place around Wellington in October and November, including Japanese films, language classes, photography and ukiyo-e exhibitions, a Japanese speech contest, and a children's art exhibition.