BON ODORI Japanese Culture Festival was held on in September at the Lithuanian National Museum’s House of Histories, the festival invited visitors to discover Japanese culture through traditional dance, music, arts, crafts, martial arts and food.

One of the highlights was the traditional Bon Odori dance, joined by visitors together with Japanese culture practitioner Ayano Honda and accompanied by taiko drums and flute. The programme also featured a special performance by the 22-member Japanese Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori Kikusui-ren troupe.

The festival offered a wide range of creative and educational activities, including

haiku and emakimono workshops, Japanese calligraphy, traditional crafts, demonstrations of kendo and aikido, as well as a Japanese food and cultural fair.

Beyond celebrating Japanese traditions, BON ODORI created a welcoming space for cultural exchange and connection, bringing together people in Lithuania who share an interest in Japanese culture and creating opportunities to experience and learn from another cultural tradition.

The festival was organised by Azijos menų centras and VšĮ Dozo, with support from the Vilnius City Municipality and partners including the Embassy of Japan in Lithuania, the Japan Foundation and the Lithuanian National Museum.