A major international celebration of Japanese culture is coming to Manchester this September, as the city prepares to host the 50th anniversary of Japan Week from 4–9 September.
Chosen by the International Friendship Foundation as this year’s host city, Manchester will welcome hundreds of artists and performers from across Japan for six days of free cultural programming – including theatre, traditional ceremonies, live music, exhibitions and creative workshops at venues throughout the city.
First held in Florence in 1975, Japan Week has travelled the globe for five decades, with past editions taking place in Seville, Boston, and Athens. This year marks the first time the event will be staged in Manchester – a milestone described by organisers as ‘extra special’ in the festival’s history.
“It is a great pleasure to bring artists and performers from across Japan to the wonderful city of Manchester,” said Mr Hiroyuki Ishizaki of the International Friendship Federation. “We’re proud to mark the 50th anniversary with such an exciting programme.”
Events will take place at venues including HOME, Aviva Studios, Manchester Museum, Manchester Central Library and Hallé St Peter’s, with additional activities hosted in local community spaces in Gorton, Wythenshawe and Crumpsall.
The programme includes traditional tea ceremonies at Manchester Museum, stage performances at HOME, and a full day of music and archive exploration with the Hallé, including performances by the Hallé Youth Orchestra and demonstrations of Japanese instruments. Aviva Studios and Manchester Central Library will also host a range of exhibitions, interactive workshops and cultural demonstrations.
One of the headline events will be the first UK performance of BLOOM, a new production that blends music, dance and fashion in a collaboration between composer and DJ Afrodeutsche, Company Chameleon, and queer-led fashion brand Belladonis.
Created as a cultural gift from Manchester to Japan and first performed at EXPO Osaka in June, the performance will feature a string ensemble from the Hallé and soloist Roberto Ruisi. Centred around the themes of change and transformation, BLOOM celebrates the creative ties between Greater Manchester and Japan in a landmark year of exchange.
“Manchester and Japan have historic links going all the way back to the 1800s,” said Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council. “It’s particularly special that Manchester has been chosen to host the landmark 50th celebration of International Japan Week. Culture plays a vital role in fostering mutual understanding – and this programme will open doors for people across the city to experience something truly unique.”
The week’s activity has been developed with partners including HOME, Aviva Studios, Manchester Central Library, First Street, Manchester Museum, Hallé St Peter’s and esea contemporary. Karen O’Neil, CEO of HOME, said: “Japan Week clearly shows Manchester’s commitment to being an international city with a thriving cultural sector.”
John McGrath, Artistic Director at Factory International, added: “We look forward to welcoming more great artists from Japan and building cultural ties alongside our partners.”
David Butcher, Chief Executive of the Hallé, described the programme as ‘an exciting opportunity to explore and enjoy cultural exchange in Manchester’. Xiaowen Zhu, Director of esea contemporary, added that the weekend festival ‘captures the vitality of Japan’s contemporary arts and culture while resonating with Manchester’s spirit of openness, innovation, and inclusivity’.
Some events will require tickets to be booked in advance, though all remain free of charge. For full programme details and ticket information, head to manchesterjapan.com.
