This prestigious annual event is held in major cities worldwide as part of a wider global initiative to promote cultural exchange and strengthen international relationships.
The event week showcases traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through performances, exhibitions, culinary experiences, and business collaborations.
Hosted at iconic venues across the city, it will give a glimpse into the unique beauty of Japanese arts and traditions. From tea ceremonies to music, arts and grass roots cultural exchange, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate!
What’s on at First Street:
Friday 5th September 15:00-17:00 – Japan Week Opening Ceremony: Outdoor stage at First street with traditional Japanese dance acts and Samurai performances!
📍 Join us at Tony Wilson Place on First Street
🗓️ Friday 5th September, 3:00–5:00pm
Audiences can look forward to an extraordinary afternoon of music, dance, theatre and cultural tradition, brought to Manchester by some of Japan’s most renowned performers and organisations.
🎉 Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:
🍶 Kagami Biraki – the ceremonial opening of a sake barrel, symbolising the unlocking of good fortune and the spirit of celebration.
💃✨ OSK Nippon Revue Company – founded over 100 years ago in Osaka, OSK is one of Japan’s legendary all-female revue troupes. Known for their dazzling blend of Western-style musicals and Japanese artistry, they bring spectacular costumes, high-kicks, and breathtaking dance sequences. In Manchester, they will perform a revue featuring Latin dance, line dancing, and a traditional Japanese dance show in luxurious Osaka-themed kimonos. A once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience this world-class troupe outside Japan.
🪶 Ainu Ancient Dance – a rare opportunity to experience an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan, performed by the Shiranuka Ainu Association.
💃 Tōshō Girls – fusing traditional kagura spirit with high-energy tap dance.
🎭 Noh Theatre – Japan’s oldest performing art form, unchanged for 700 years, presented by the Noh Theatre Association.
🎹 Mika Kobayashi – renowned vocalist and pianist, performing powerful anime and game songs alongside her own international compositions.
🌸 Earth Rainbow – contemporary dance performance “Roots and Wings”, blending tradition with modern expression, set against the elegance of furisode kimono and folding fans.
⚔️ Kenki Shū Kamui – Samurai performance led by Tetsuro Shimaguchi (fight choreographer of Kill Bill), bringing the samurai spirit alive through sword dance and theatre.
👉 If you haven’t managed to get tickets for one of the 5 evening theatre performances at HOME, this is your chance to experience the magic of Japan Week up close — outdoors, free, and open to all.