Japan Week - Manchester Japan

Japan Week 2025 Manchester

4 September 2025 to 9 September 2025

The International Friendship Foundation (IFF) Japan Week is a prestigious annual event dedicated to fostering cultural exchange and strengthening international ties through the celebration of Japanese heritage, arts, and innovation. Established in 1975, Japan Week has been hosted in major cities worldwide, showcasing traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through performances, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and business collaborations. As a key initiative of the International Friendship Foundation (IFF), the event promotes global understanding and friendship by bringing together artists, cultural ambassadors, and local communities. In 2025, Japan Week proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, continuing its mission to bridge cultures and create meaningful international connections.

What is Japan Week?

Japan Week 2025 aims to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural tapestry of Japan in the heart of Manchester. Japan Week not only seeks to promote cultural exchange and understanding between the two countries but also to foster lasting connections and partnerships.

Through a diverse range of events, workshops, exhibitions, performances, and interactive experiences, hosted across iconic venues across the City, Japan Week will offer attendees a glimpse into the beauty and uniqueness of Japanese arts, traditions and more. From traditional tea ceremonies to music, arts and grass roots cultural exchange, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.

Japan Week Programme

What's on at our Partner Venues

Click the logos below for more information about our partner venues and the Japan Week events they’re hosting

Japan Week Daily Schedule

Thursday 4 September
Central Library

10:00 – 16:30

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations from Japanese artists and Tourism associations

Including:
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Art exhibitions and workshops
- Tapestry exhibitions
- Contemporary Japanese fashion experiences
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
Event Details

Aviva Studios, Factory International

11:00 – 17:00

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations

Including:
- Art exhibitions
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Japanese food tasting
- Calligraphy workshops
- Traditional Japanese games
- Flower arranging
- Tie dye demos
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
View event details

HOME

20:00 – 21:45

Stage Performances

Performers include:
- Bridal Fashion Show
- Traditional Koto Performance
- Japanese musicians
- Japanese Tap Dance
View event details
Friday 5 September
Central Library

10:00 – 16:30

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations from Japanese artists and Tourism associations

Including:
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Art exhibitions and workshops
- Tapestry exhibitions
- Cultural workshops
- Contemporary Japanese fashion experiences
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
Event Details

Aviva Studios, Factory International

11:00 – 17:00

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations

Including:
- Art exhibitions
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Japanese food tasting
- Calligraphy workshops
- Matcha Experience
- Traditional Japanese games
- Flower arranging
- Tie dye demos
View event details

Manchester Museum

11:00 – 16:00

Traditional tea ceremonies

View event details

First Street Square

Opening Ceremony

15:30 – 17:30
- Japanese Street Performers
- Theatrical enterainment
- Traditional dance
- Japanese Pop
- Samurai performances
View event details
Saturday 6 September
Central Library

10:00 – 16:30

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations from Japanese artists and Tourism associations

Including:
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Art exhibitions and workshops
- Pottery workshops
- Tapestry exhibitions
- Cultural workshops
- Contemporary Japanese fashion experiences
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
Event Details

Aviva Studios, Factory International

11:00 – 17:00

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations

Including:
- Art exhibitions
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Calligraphy workshops
- Matcha Experience
- Traditional Japanese games
- Ballet and storytelling
- Flower arranging
- Letter writing workshop and exhibition
- Tie dye demos
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
View event details

HOME

19:00 – 22:00

Stage Performances
- Theatrical performances
- Folklore
- Traditional dance
- Cheerleading by elderly
View event details

Manchester Museum

11:00 – 16:00

Traditional tea ceremonies

View event details
Sunday 7 September
Central Library

10:00 – 16:30

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations from Japanese artists and Tourism associations

Including:
- Kimono dressing experiences
- Art exhibitions and workshops
- Pottery workshops
- Tapestry exhibitions
- Cultural workshops
- Contemporary Japanese fashion experiences
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
Event Details

Aviva Studios, Factory International

11:00 – 17:00

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations

Including:
- Art exhibitions
- Calligraphy workshops
- Matcha Experience
- Traditional Japanese games
- Ballet and storytelling
- Flower arranging
- Letter writing workshop and exhibition
- Tie dye demos
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
View event details

HOME

19:00 – 22:00

Stage Performances
- Theatrical performances
- Traditional dance
- Japanese song
- Samurai performance
- Ballet and storytelling
View event details

Manchester Museum

11:00 – 16:00

Traditional tea ceremonies

View event details
Monday 8 September
Central Library

10:00 – 16:30

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations from Japanese artists and Tourism associations

Including:
- Art exhibitions and workshops
- Tapestry exhibitions
- Cultural workshops
- Contemporary Japanese fashion experiences
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
Event Details

Aviva Studios, Factory International

11:00 – 17:00

Exhibitions, Workshops and Demonstrations

Including:
- Art exhibitions
- Calligraphy workshops
- The chance to learn about regions in Japan
View event details

HOME

20:00 – 21:30

Stage Performances
- Drum performances
- Japanese pop
- Samurai performance
View event details

Featured Events

Plan your visit to Japan Week 2025

Getting here

Access practical travel information on reaching Manchester ahead of Japan Week 2025. Find reliable transportation details, routes, and tips for a smooth arrival. Whether by train, bus, car, or air, our guide offers essential information for a hassle-free journey to the heart of Manchester.

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Getting around

Explore Manchester easily with our easy travel guide to help you get around. Find practical tips, transportation options, and maps for a seamless city exploration using public transport via the Bee Network. Whether by tram, bus, or foot, our guide ensures you make the most of your visit, navigating Manchester with convenience thoroughout Japan Week.

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Download the WalkSafe App, the UK’s leading personal safety phone app for safer journeys around Greater Manchester. The app will allow you to share your journey with trusted contacts, access safety information, and report concerns to help keep safe while moving around the city.

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Where to stay

Manchester offers a diverse range of accomodation options, catering to every taste, budget and preference. Whether you’re looking for luxury or budget, family friendly or serviced apartment, our city will have the perfect place to make your home from home during Japan Week 2025.

View accomodation options
What's on in Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant city with a year-round calendar of events and entertainment. It’s home to a vast array of restaurants serving a range of cuisines as well as world-class attractions, music venues, theatres and more. To help you make the most of your time in Manchester, Visit Manchester has all of the information you could need.

Learn more about what’s on in Manchester
Accessible Manchester

Here are some helpful resources that will assist when planning an accessible trip to Japan Week and ensure a smooth and memorable visit to our region.

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Visit Manchester Well

Discover how to make your visit to Manchester for Japan Week more sustainable. Find out how to enjoy our walkable city, extensive public transport, farm-to-table dining, eco-friendly hotels, and local attractions.

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