Japanese cultural festivals held in Rome and Civitavecchia

Various Japanese cultural festivals are being held in Italy to promote traditional and contemporary Japanese heritage.

In Rome, the Japan Days festival is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2026, at the Ippodromo Capannelle. The event features a mix of pop culture and tradition, including anime, cosplay, J-pop, and video games, alongside traditional elements such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, origami, and bonsai. This edition will specifically highlight Japanese folklore and supernatural creatures known as yōkai.

Additionally, the fifth edition of the Japanese Culture Festival, titled ‘Civitavecchia Porta d’Oriente’, took place from October 16 to 18, 2026, at the Cittadella della Musica. Sponsored by the Embassy of Japan in Rome and the Japan Foundation, the event celebrates the historical ties and twinning between Civitavecchia and the Japanese city of Ishinomaki, fostering intercultural dialogue through art and tradition.