From 20 to 26 November 2026, the Sicilian capital will become the world capital of Japanese culture. Palermo has been chosen by the International Friendship Foundation in Tokyo to host the 51st edition of Japan Week, one of the world’s most prestigious travelling festivals dedicated to promoting Japanese art, traditions and way of life.

For a whole week, Palermo’s millennia-old history – which has always been a crossroads and a place of dialogue between peoples – will embrace the charm of the East, filling the city’s iconic landmarks with a rich programme of events, colours and sounds dating back millennia.

Festival Venues: the event map

The event will bring the beating heart of the city’s culture to life, creating an ideal bridge between historic and contemporary Palermo:

• Politeama Theatre: This will provide a prestigious setting for major shows and musical performances.
• Santa Cecilia Theatre: It will host intimate concerts and demonstrations of musical traditions from across the Atlantic.
• Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa: This hub of urban creativity will become the focal point for exhibitions, interactive workshops and craft workshops.

What’s in store for you: a sensory journey to the heart of Japan

Japan Week is not just a trade fair, but a total and authentic immersion. Tourists and locals alike will have the unique opportunity to experience the true spirit of the Land of the Rising Sun first-hand through a packed programme of events:

• Tradition and Entertainment: Live performances of evocative Taiko drumming, melodies played on the legendary stringed instrument, the Koto, and the timeless elegance of kimono dressing.
• Samurai Spirit and Martial Arts: Spectacular live demonstrations by martial arts masters and a focus on the most noble martial disciplines.
• Workshops and Hands-on Sessions: Practical sessions to learn the secrets of calligraphy (Shodo), bonsai care, the floral art of Ikebana and the geometric precision of origami.
• The Tea Ceremony: A spiritual and aesthetic experience, performed according to the strict and fascinating rituals of the Zen tradition.

A cultural bridge that unites the world “Over the centuries, Palermo has forged its identity through dialogue between different cultures. With Japan Week, we will further strengthen this international dimension by showcasing the best of Japanese arts.” > — City of Palermo Department of Tourism

Useful Information

When: 20–26 November 2026.
Where: Palermo (Teatro Politeama, Teatro Santa Cecilia, Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa).
Who it’s for: Enthusiasts of Eastern culture, families, tourists and anyone curious, of all age