12th Perth Japan Festival
2026/3/18
On March 14 the 12th Perth Japan Festival was held at Langley Park (organized by Japan Festival Inc.). It was attended by a record number of approximately 27,000 people.
At the opening ceremony, Consul-General Karimata expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, and also noted that this year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation between Japan and Australia, and that last year the number of tourists from Australia to Japan exceeded 1 million for the first time, emphasizing that the Perth Japan Festival is a symbol of the Japan-Australia friendship.
The ceremony was attended by the Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; Multicultural Interests (representing the Premier of WA and Minister Buti MLA), The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Mr Bruce Reynolds, CEO of the City of Perth, Ms Michelle Reynolds, sponsors Rio Tinto, Woodside, ANA, INPEX, Mitsui Iron Ore Development, the Chairman of the Japanese Association of Western Australia, and representatives of Nagano Prefecture. A Kagami Biraki ceremony (ceremonial sake barrel opening) was held to wish for friendship between Japan and Western Australia.
A fashion show was held on the main stage, showcasing a wide variety of kimonos, from traditional kimonos to modern kimonos and wedding kimonos. The Sansa Odori group, all the way from Iwate Prefecture in Japan, also gave a captivating performance for the onlookers in the crowd.
There were also a variety of performances by the Japanese School in Perth and other local groups, such as, Okinawan dance, Japanese swordsmanship, Japanese choral groups, cosplay, and J-rock. Demonstrations of martial arts such as Japanese archery, kendo, karate, and kobudo were also held, bringing the venue to life with excitement.
The ceremony was attended by the Hon Dan Caddy MLC, Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General; Minister for Commerce; Tertiary and International Education; Multicultural Interests (representing the Premier of WA and Minister Buti MLA), The Rt Hon the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Mr Bruce Reynolds, CEO of the City of Perth, Ms Michelle Reynolds, sponsors Rio Tinto, Woodside, ANA, INPEX, Mitsui Iron Ore Development, the Chairman of the Japanese Association of Western Australia, and representatives of Nagano Prefecture. A Kagami Biraki ceremony (ceremonial sake barrel opening) was held to wish for friendship between Japan and Western Australia.
A fashion show was held on the main stage, showcasing a wide variety of kimonos, from traditional kimonos to modern kimonos and wedding kimonos. The Sansa Odori group, all the way from Iwate Prefecture in Japan, also gave a captivating performance for the onlookers in the crowd.
There were also a variety of performances by the Japanese School in Perth and other local groups, such as, Okinawan dance, Japanese swordsmanship, Japanese choral groups, cosplay, and J-rock. Demonstrations of martial arts such as Japanese archery, kendo, karate, and kobudo were also held, bringing the venue to life with excitement.
The Consulate-General of Japan collaborated with the CLAIR Sydney office, sharing a booth to provide information about Japan. The booth also showcased an ikebana display commemorating the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Japan-Australia Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, and visitors were invited to write and hang up their wishes for friendship between Japan and Australia on ‘Tanzaku’ (strips of paper). Nagano Prefecture participated in the Japan Festival for the first time, promoting the charm of Nagano Prefecture.
On the special Yagura stage, the Bon dance, performed to Japanese drums and led by Wa Bon Ren, drew the attention of the crowd. Festival-goers participated too, enjoying dancing along to songs such as the ‘Perth Ondo’, further expanding the circle of exchange between Japan and Australia.
On the special Yagura stage, the Bon dance, performed to Japanese drums and led by Wa Bon Ren, drew the attention of the crowd. Festival-goers participated too, enjoying dancing along to songs such as the ‘Perth Ondo’, further expanding the circle of exchange between Japan and Australia.