Japanese Festival Japan Fes is heading for Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant). Last year’s edition of the festival on Japanese culture in Hasselt was already a great success. This year, the event moves to the Asiat Park in Vilvoorde and will be held in April. Japan's ambassador to Belgium Masahiro Mikami attended the press conference staged to publicise the event.
Last year, over 6,000 visitors flocked to the Japan Fes in Hasselt. This year, the festival, which is entirely dedicated to the many facets of Japanese culture, is heading closer to Brussels. Expect live performances, workshops, demonstrations of Japanese rituals and crafts, including a tea ceremony, Taiko drum shows and calligraphy workshops in Vilvoorde. Visitors will also be able to sample typical Japanese dishes including sushi, ramen, Japanese beers, sake and much more.
Vilvoorde mayor Jo De Ro is delighted that his city will host the Japanese festival and even hopes it becomes the largest Japanese festival in the Benelux. ‘Our cooperation with Komatsu, a Japanese city that we are twinned with, shows how deep the bond between our two cities is. Vilvoorde is a city that is keen to bring cultures together and Japan Fes is an example of how we do that. Hopefully this festival can grow into an annual tradition that not only celebrates Japanese culture, but also strengthens the friendship between our countries.’
The Japanese ambassador to Belgium Masahiro Mikami was also present during the presentation of this year’s Japan Fes: ‘In 2026 the diplomatic and cultural friendship between Japan and Belgium will have existed for no less than 160 years. Japan Fes is not only a celebration of Japanese traditions, but also a platform to promote cooperation and strengthen ties.’
Japan Fes 2025 takes place at Asiat Park in Vilvoorde on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 April.