The 36th Edition of the “Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria” Kicks Off

Today, September 1, 2025, marks the official opening of the 36th edition of the “Days of Japanese Culture in Bulgaria”, inviting audiences on a journey through Japan’s traditions and modern creativity with a rich program of cultural events.

What to Expect

23 captivating events – from exhibitions and concerts to workshops, performances, and demonstrations that will showcase both the timeless heritage and the contemporary spirit of Japan.
Seven Bulgarian cities will host the program: Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vratsa (for the first time), Pleven, Sofia, Stara Zagora, and Haskovo.
When? From September 1 to November 30, 2025, with most events offering free admission.

Highlights of the Program

Stara Zagora: On the evening of September 1, the Art Gallery opens the exhibition “Kigo – Images and Words from Nature”, accompanied by workshops in sumi-e painting and calligraphy. The exhibition runs until September 14.
Ekiden Marathon: On September 6, the 11th consecutive edition will set off from Vasil Levski National Stadium in Sofia – a fusion of athletics and Japanese inspiration.
Varna: From September 9 to 23, visitors can see an exhibition of calligraphy, ink painting, poetry, and ceramics celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Bulgarian Haiku Union. From September 23 to October 14, Varna will host the first Bulgarian exhibition of Japanese artist Kazu Wakita, followed on September 30 by a group exhibition of contemporary Japanese art.
Music and Contemporary Dance: On October 8, the taiko drum ensemble Ha Ya To will perform in Sofia, and on October 9, they will bring their vibrant energy to Varna. Later, on October 20 and 22, the popular dance group ORIENTARHYTHM returns to the Sofia stage.
Arts and Mastery: On November 5, Mayumi Goto will lead a lecture-workshop on nihonga painting at the National Gallery “Kvadrat 500.” Later in the month, audiences in Sofia and Veliko Tarnovo will have the chance to witness demonstrations of the Japanese art of kintsugi by Kunio Nakamura Sensei.

The Story Behind the Festival

This large-scale cultural platform has been held annually since 1990, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria in partnership with the “Friends of Japan Club – Nihon Tomono Kai.”