Event Calendar

Cultural events related to Japan and its culture that fall into one of the following categories are listed for reference purposes:

・Projects organized or co-organized by the Embassy of Japan in Belgium, the Mission of Japan to EU;
・Projects supported by the Embassy of Japan in Belgium, the Mission of Japan to EU that have received patronage; *
・Projects implemented by Belgian public institutions; *
・Projects implemented by Japanese public institutions. *

For more information, please contact the organizers of each event directly.

* The Embassy of Japan accepts no responsibility for any problems or damages that may arise during these events.

 

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January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

January 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
Jan - Feb		Around Japan Come and celebrate Japanese culture at the Bibliothèque communale de Bièvre, featuring activities such as origami, cooking, traditional games, and even learning about video games. Discover unique aspects of Japan in a fun and engaging way. Some activities may require a participation fee.  Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Bibliothèque communale de Bièvre Rue de Bouillon 26b 5555 Bièvre
11/12 - 13/01		Photo exhibition by Michel Mazzoni : BLANK Photo exhibition 11 December 2025 - 13 January 2026 (visit by appointment)　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 The exhibition « BLANK » by visual artist Michel Mazzoni, featuring works partly created in Japan, invites reflection on light and space.	KBK I BXL Boulevard d'Ypres, 20 1000 Brussel Contact: Email
1/01-15/03		Cat island blues   CAT ISLAND BLUES presents a historical portrait of Aoshima, from its origins and early population to its recent media-driven identity as “the cat island.” This local narrative becomes a lens to observe larger transformations unfolding in contemporary Japan. ​Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	L'Enfant Sauvage gallery Rue de l'Enseignement 23 - 1000 Bruxelles https://www.enfantsauvagebxl.com/ https://www.katherine-longly.net/
17/01		Japanese Musical Instruments trial day - Shinobue, Koto Shamisen     A short-term workshop that allows a wide range of participants—from complete beginners to experienced players—to experience the appeal of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shinobue, koto, and Nagauta shamisen. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Venue: BLA Address: Rue des Aduatiques 15 B-1040 Brussels Contact: contact@kandanozomimusic.com URL: https://www.kandanozomimusic.com/workshop

February 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
1/01-15/03		Cat island blues   CAT ISLAND BLUES presents a historical portrait of Aoshima, from its origins and early population to its recent media-driven identity as “the cat island.” This local narrative becomes a lens to observe larger transformations unfolding in contemporary Japan. ​Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	L'Enfant Sauvage gallery Rue de l'Enseignement 23 - 1000 Bruxelles https://www.enfantsauvagebxl.com/ https://www.katherine-longly.net/
18/10/2025 - 15/02		Japoniaiseries Fantaisies japonaises au temps de Félicien Rops   The exhibition will take over the museum's permanent collection and temporary exhibition rooms to showcase the Japanese influences in Félicien Rops' art: from the introduction of Japanese motifs to the assimilation of Japanese artistic principles and methods into his own modern style. It will trace the artist's Japanese-inspired network, whether artistic or familial, French or Belgian, and show how Rops gradually adopted the spirit of ukiyo-e and drew inspiration, directly or indirectly, from the greatest Japanese artists of the Edo period. Supported by the Embassy of Japan in Belgium.	Musée Félicien Rops rue Fumal 12, 5000 Namur Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, last admission at 5pm. Closed on 24th, 25th and 31st December, 1st January and the third weekend in September.
Jan - Feb		Around Japan Come and celebrate Japanese culture at the Bibliothèque communale de Bièvre, featuring activities such as origami, cooking, traditional games, and even learning about video games. Discover unique aspects of Japan in a fun and engaging way. Some activities may require a participation fee.  Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Bibliothèque communale de Bièvre Rue de Bouillon 26b 5555 Bièvre
04/02	Film	Movie Screening - Shin-chan: Appare! Sengoku Daigassen (Bravo! Samurai Battle) Subtitles in English This award-winning animated film is based on the beloved cartoon series Crayon Shin-chan. Follow the mischievous 5-year-old Shin-chan as he time-travels back to Japan’s Sengoku era (15th–16th century)! One morning Shinnosuke and his parents have the exact same dream. While Shin Chan becomes entranced with the “pretty lady” from that dream, his dog Shiro, also seems to have had the same dream and begins digging a hole in the yard. Shin Chan discovers a wooden box in the hole. There’s a letter inside written in his own handwriting that says he’s in the second year of the Tensho era (1574). Even though he has no recollection of the letter, while standing at the bottom of the hole, he unwittingly travels through time to an unfamiliar place.	Japan Information and Cultural Centre of the Embassy of Japan Rue Van Maerlant 1 1040 Bruxelles Doors open from 15:00 | Movie from 15:30 to 17:05 (95min) Registration from HERE
6-8/2		Stage International Christian Tissier, Soumagne Organisation of a three-day course led by Christian Tissier, 8th Dan Shihan Aikikai Tokyo. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Centre Sportif de Soumagne Rue D'Oultremont 34, Soumagne
8/02		Japanese Musical Instruments trial day - Shinobue, Koto Shamisen     A short-term workshop that allows a wide range of participants—from complete beginners to experienced players—to experience the appeal of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shinobue, koto, and Nagauta shamisen. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Venue: BLA Address: Rue des Aduatiques 15 B-1040 Brussels Contact: contact@kandanozomimusic.com URL: https://www.kandanozomimusic.com/workshop
10/02		Japan Lecture Café Series 2026 on the occasion of 160 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan   In 2026, Japan and Belgium will celebrate 160 Years of Friendship. Moreover, the city of Ghent will commemorate 55 years of partnership with its twin city Kanazawa. Consequently, the East Asia Platform will contribute to the festivities by organizing this year’s Lecture Café Series focusing on Japan. This lecture series is organized in collaboration with Ghent University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Registration:  https://event.ugent.be/registration/event/77f0bcd7-5899-4968-a286-b64308af4d13 Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Sint-Baafshuis Biezekapelstraat 2 – 9000 Ghent
12/02		Hanasôkai - Let's Speak Japanese Doors open at 14:45 / Starts at 15:00   *** Registration required *** From HERE by BNK (Belgian Association of Japanese Language Teachers) collaborating with the Embassy of Japan.	Embassy of Japan in Belgium Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) Rue van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels
13/02		René Magritte: Between reality and illusion Lecture by Mr. Koji MORI in French  Belgium and Japan proudly commemorate 160 years of diplomatic friendship! This special program highlights the timeless work of René Magritte and the vibrant cultural exchanges uniting both countries. Visitors can enjoy two exclusive lectures, one in French and one in Japanese, by Magritte specialist Koji MORI at our Japan Information and Cultural Center (JICC). Doors open at 6pm / starts at 6.30pm *** Registration required ***	Embassy of Japan in Belgium Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) Rue van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels Register HERE (for 13 FEB)
16/02		ルネ・マグリット　現実と錯覚の狭間にて 日本・ベルギー修好通商航海条約締結160周年にあたり、両国の絆を象徴して 講師：森　耕治　氏 言語： 日本語 この特別プログラムでは、ルネ・マグリットの不朽の芸術作品と両国を結ぶ活気ある文化交流に焦点を当てます。広報文化センター（JICC）にて、マグリット研究の第一人者である森耕氏による特別講演を、フランス語（2月13日）と日本語（2月16日）の二言語で楽しめます。 開場18時 / 開演18：30 *** ご登録必須 ***	Embassy of Japan in Belgium Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) Rue van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels ご登録 HERE　（2月16日用）
18-19/02		The 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games: Japan, Belgium, and International Sporting Exchange   ''The international workshop will shed light on the Japan-Belgium relations during the Antwerp Olympics and will also discuss the relevance for the Antwerp Olympics for the development of sports and athleticism in Japan. As also Japanese students from Ritsumeikan and Kyushu University actively participate, we will be able to connect Japanese and Belgian students in a meaningful and interactive way.''   Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Faculty of Arts and Philosophy Blandijnberg 2, 9000 Ghent https://www.ugent.be/east-asia-platform/en

March 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
3/3		KODO One Earth Tour 2026: LUMINANCE Luminance is a new production that embodies the borderless sense of community that Kodo has created, traveling the globe with taiko under the banner “One Earth Tour.” Drawing on almost half a century of touring, it brings the spirit of Kodo and its mission centerstage, showcasing the ensemble here and now. This work features a lineup of numbers honed on stages worldwide, including Kodo’s popular, orthodox pieces like O-daiko and Yatai-bayashi, and audience favorite Monochrome, Maki Ishii’s modern taiko masterpiece. These long-standing classics are coupled with new music created by Kodo’s current members, who breathe new life into the nostalgic repertoire while taking the ensemble forward with creative fresh offerings. In a world with relentless pandemics and wars, Kodo continues its One Earth Tour, hoping the sound of its resonant drums will uplift and connect people, create ripples of hope, and turn darkness into light. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking luminance of Kodo’s performance at a theater near you. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	​BOZAR - Henry Le Boeuf Hall Rue Ravenstein 23, 1000 Brussels Doors: 7 p.m. Concert: 8 p.m. End: 10:15 p.m. More information HERE
3/3		Japan Lecture Café Series 2026 on the occasion of 160 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan   In 2026, Japan and Belgium will celebrate 160 Years of Friendship. Moreover, the city of Ghent will commemorate 55 years of partnership with its twin city Kanazawa. Consequently, the East Asia Platform will contribute to the festivities by organizing this year’s Lecture Café Series focusing on Japan. This lecture series is organized in collaboration with Ghent University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Registration:  https://event.ugent.be/registration/event/77f0bcd7-5899-4968-a286-b64308af4d13 Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	​Sint-Baafshuis Biezekapelstraat 2 – 9000 Ghent
4/3		KODO One Earth Tour 2026: LUMINANCE   Luminance is a new production that embodies the borderless sense of community that Kodo has created, traveling the globe with taiko under the banner “One Earth Tour.” Drawing on almost half a century of touring, it brings the spirit of Kodo and its mission centerstage, showcasing the ensemble here and now. This work features a lineup of numbers honed on stages worldwide, including Kodo’s popular, orthodox pieces like O-daiko and Yatai-bayashi, and audience favorite Monochrome, Maki Ishii’s modern taiko masterpiece. These long-standing classics are coupled with new music created by Kodo’s current members, who breathe new life into the nostalgic repertoire while taking the ensemble forward with creative fresh offerings. In a world with relentless pandemics and wars, Kodo continues its One Earth Tour, hoping the sound of its resonant drums will uplift and connect people, create ripples of hope, and turn darkness into light. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking luminance of Kodo’s performance at a theater near you. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Concertgebouw Brugge ‘t Zand 34, 8000 Bruges Doors: 7 p.m. Concert: 8 p.m. End: 10:15 p.m. More information HERE
12/3		Movie screening  TIME TRAVELLER, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (Audio-Japanese, French subtitles) 122 mins -Story- She travels back in time, only to arrive years too late — and discovers a journey that will change her life. Time Traveller: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is the 4th film adaptation of TSUTSUI Yasutaka's 1967 short novel, exploring generational difference with the excitement and emotion of its original. YOSHIYAMA Akari, played by NAKA Riisa, who also voiced in HOSODA Mamoru’s animated adaptation, is about to graduate from high school and begin a new chapter in her life when her mother YOSHIYAMA Kazuko is suddenly knocked unconscious.  Hearing that Kazuko somehow intends to travel back in time to 1972 to meet someone named FUKAMACHI, Akari decides to go in her place, only to arrive two years too late.	Embassy of Japan in Belgium Japan Information and Cultural Centre (JICC) Rue van Maerlant 1, 1040 Brussels Register from HERE Start 15:00 Doors open at 14:30
13/3		KODO One Earth Tour 2026: LUMINANCE   Luminance is a new production that embodies the borderless sense of community that Kodo has created, traveling the globe with taiko under the banner “One Earth Tour.” Drawing on almost half a century of touring, it brings the spirit of Kodo and its mission centerstage, showcasing the ensemble here and now. This work features a lineup of numbers honed on stages worldwide, including Kodo’s popular, orthodox pieces like O-daiko and Yatai-bayashi, and audience favorite Monochrome, Maki Ishii’s modern taiko masterpiece. These long-standing classics are coupled with new music created by Kodo’s current members, who breathe new life into the nostalgic repertoire while taking the ensemble forward with creative fresh offerings. In a world with relentless pandemics and wars, Kodo continues its One Earth Tour, hoping the sound of its resonant drums will uplift and connect people, create ripples of hope, and turn darkness into light. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking luminance of Kodo’s performance at a theater near you. ​Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Koningin Elisabethzaal Koningin Astridplein 20-26, 2018 Antwerp Doors: 7 p.m. Concert: 8 p.m. End: 10:15 p.m. More information HERE
1/01-15/03		Cat island blues   CAT ISLAND BLUES presents a historical portrait of Aoshima, from its origins and early population to its recent media-driven identity as “the cat island.” This local narrative becomes a lens to observe larger transformations unfolding in contemporary Japan. ​Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	L'Enfant Sauvage gallery Rue de l'Enseignement 23 - 1000 Bruxelles https://www.enfantsauvagebxl.com/ https://www.katherine-longly.net/
21/03		Japanese Musical Instruments trial day - Shinobue, Koto Shamisen     A short-term workshop that allows a wide range of participants—from complete beginners to experienced players—to experience the appeal of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shinobue, koto, and Nagauta shamisen. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Venue: BLA Address: Rue des Aduatiques 15 B-1040 Brussels Contact: contact@kandanozomimusic.com URL: https://www.kandanozomimusic.com/workshop
24/3		Japan Lecture Café Series 2026 on the occasion of 160 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan   In 2026, Japan and Belgium will celebrate 160 Years of Friendship. Moreover, the city of Ghent will commemorate 55 years of partnership with its twin city Kanazawa. Consequently, the East Asia Platform will contribute to the festivities by organizing this year’s Lecture Café Series focusing on Japan. This lecture series is organized in collaboration with Ghent University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Registration:  https://event.ugent.be/registration/event/77f0bcd7-5899-4968-a286-b64308af4d13	Sint-Baafshuis Biezekapelstraat 2 – 9000 Ghent

April 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
4/04		Japanese Musical Instruments trial day - Shinobue, Koto Shamisen     A short-term workshop that allows a wide range of participants—from complete beginners to experienced players—to experience the appeal of traditional Japanese instruments such as the shinobue, koto, and Nagauta shamisen. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Venue: BLA Address: Rue des Aduatiques 15 B-1040 Brussels Contact: contact@kandanozomimusic.com URL: https://www.kandanozomimusic.com/workshop
10-12/4		Stage International Miyamoto Tsuruzo Shihan – 8ème Dan aïkikaï, Etterbeek Organisation of a three-day course led by Miyamoto sensei, 8th Dan Shihan Aikikai Tokyo. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Complexe sportif Etterbeek Rue des Champs 71, Etterbeek
21/4		Japan Lecture Café Series 2026 on the occasion of 160 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan   In 2026, Japan and Belgium will celebrate 160 Years of Friendship. Moreover, the city of Ghent will commemorate 55 years of partnership with its twin city Kanazawa. Consequently, the East Asia Platform will contribute to the festivities by organizing this year’s Lecture Café Series focusing on Japan. This lecture series is organized in collaboration with Ghent University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Registration:  https://event.ugent.be/registration/event/77f0bcd7-5899-4968-a286-b64308af4d13	Sint-Baafshuis Biezekapelstraat 2 – 9000 Ghent

May 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
5/5		Japan Lecture Café Series 2026 on the occasion of 160 Years of Friendship between Belgium and Japan   In 2026, Japan and Belgium will celebrate 160 Years of Friendship. Moreover, the city of Ghent will commemorate 55 years of partnership with its twin city Kanazawa. Consequently, the East Asia Platform will contribute to the festivities by organizing this year’s Lecture Café Series focusing on Japan. This lecture series is organized in collaboration with Ghent University’s Institute for Japanese Studies, Department of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. Registration:  https://event.ugent.be/registration/event/77f0bcd7-5899-4968-a286-b64308af4d13	Sint-Baafshuis Biezekapelstraat 2 – 9000 Ghent

June 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
5-7/6		Stage International Micheline Vaillant-Tissier Shihan – 7ème Dan Aïkikaï, Waremme Organisation of a three-day course led by Micheline Vaillant Tissier, 7th Dan Shihan Aikikai Tokyo, to raise awareness among women and girls about the practice of Aikido. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Centre Sportif Edmond Leburton Rue des Prés 43, Waremme

July 2026

August 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
8-14/8		Summer Camp 2026 Tsuruzo Miyamoto Organisation of a weekly course led by Tsuruzo Miyamoto, 8th Dan Shihan Aikikai Tokyo. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Centre Adeps « La Fraineuse » Avenue Amédée Hesse 41 4900 Spa

September 2026

Date	Event Information	Title	Venue
11-13/9		Stage International Christian Tissier, Louvain-la-Neuve Organisation of a three-day course led by Christian Tissier, 8th Dan Shihan Aikikai Tokyo. Event Endorsement for the 160 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium in 2026	Complexe Sportif de Blocry Place des Sports 1 1348 Louvain-la-Neuve

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026