Bon Odori – Japanese Culture Festival in Vilnius, September 5–6, 2026.
LITHUANIA 2026
Japanese Culture Festival
Two days of dance, music and community at Istorijų namai.
Istorijų namai, Lithuanian National Museum, Vilnius
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What to expect at the festival
Dances &
Performances
Workshops
Traditional Japanese shodō calligraphy for children aged 9 to 16 – create your own calligraphy piece with Hikari studio founder Ieva Šimanskaitė.
Read more & photosEmakimono scroll bookbinding, kakejiku and yotsume toji binding workshops with graphic artist Inga Eičaitė.
Read more & photosPainting a horse and a pine tree on fans with the Japanese sumi-e technique, from age 12 – discover traditional ink painting with Marija Šimanskaitė.
Read more & photosThe traditional Japanese art of flower arranging – ikebana presented by Mariko Shimizu, wife of the Ambassador of Japan.
Read more & photosJapanese sashiko stitching – create geometric patterns on fabric with practitioner Rūta Žinienė.
Read more & photosDiscover Kaizen, Kintsugi, Wabi-Sabi, Ikigai and other ideas of Japanese life philosophy in a different way! An experiential session with Rūta Visocnik.
Read more & photosA presentation of kimono and hakama – get to know the traditional Japanese art of dress.
Read more & photosA paper lantern (chōchin) decorating activity with Seito San – a teacher from the Japanese language and culture center in Klaipėda.
Read more & photosWorkshops marked as requiring advance registration have limited spots. The event is free, though some workshops carry a small participation fee – check the workshop's own page for details.
Activities &
Shops
The creators of Bon Odori Vilnius – events, experiences and spreading Japanese culture in Lithuania.
Read more & photosDetails of Japanese life and culture: Japanese ceramics, bamboo chopsticks, matcha and other Japanese teas, and sweets.
Read more & photosA little corner of Japan at the festival – Japanese toys, stationery, free LaQ workshops, and brand-new Iwako Dot Art creative workshops.
Read more & photosOrigami folding and mizuhiki knot-tying workshops – make a lovely keepsake for yourself or a loved one.
Read more & photosAikido – the path of harmony with life energy. Introductory training sessions and a demonstration program for everyone.
Read more & photosHand-dyed textile pouches and bags made with plant dyes – Lithuanian linen paired with vintage Japanese fabrics.
Read more & photosSmall-group experiential travel to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.
Read more & photosFire-and-ash ceramics – vessels fired in a traditional Japanese-style Anagama kiln, where wood ash becomes a natural glaze.
Read more & photosA shop for Japanese vintage finds and pop culture items – kimono, haori, ceramics and small treasures straight from Japan.
Read more & photosDiscover your name in Japanese calligraphy – the Embassy of Japan's stand at the festival.
Read more & photosA Riichi Mahjong tournament and a chance to discover one of Japan's most fascinating strategy games – September 6th.
Read more & photosA Kyokushin karate community – introductory training sessions and a demonstration program at the festival.
Read more & photosFestival Program
September 5
Festival doors open
Official festival opening
Live talk
"Japan: What We Know, and What We Only Think We Know"
with Dr. Arvydas Kumpis
Live talk
"Japan Up Close: Travels, Discoveries and Experiences"
with Kamilė Aleliūnienė, "Kabukio kelionės".
Live talk
"Secrets of the Japanese Garden: When Nature Becomes Art"
with Petras Ignotas, CEO of "Tokvila", Kęstutis Ptakauskas of "Sensei Bonsai Studio", and Marija Šimanskaitė of "Nihon Japanese Culture House".
Break
"Riichi Mahjong": let's play together!
with Vitalii Balaniuk, "Mahjong Association".
"Aikido Kiyonami": harmony in movement
In another festival space, on the tatami.
"Awa Odori": dance performance
The "Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Kikusui-ren" troupe from Tokyo, presented by the Embassy of Japan.
An Evening of Japanese Rhythms
A playlist of Japanese music and contemporary sounds with DJ Jonas Martynas.
September 6
Festival doors open
Day two opening
Live talk
"From Tea to Sake: A Journey Through Japanese Flavors and Traditions"
with sommelier Martynas Pravilionis and Giedrė Prievelytė, "Yugen Tea".
Live talk
"The World of Japanese Art: From Tradition to Contemporary Creation"
with Rūta Žinienė, "Blue Garden Sashiko", and Inga Eičaitė, "Emakimono".
Live talk
"Kyokushin Karate – A Family Path"
with Dmitrijus Aleksandrovas, "Shin Kyokushin Karate Association".
Break
"Tamashii no Mezame – Awakening of the Soul"
A Kyokushin karate and stage performance. Director: Jelizaveta Aleksandrova.
Read more"Bon Odori" – traditional Japanese Obon circle dance
(Everyone is welcome to join the dance.) Together with festival organizer and professional dancer Ayano Honda.