Welcome to KANAU Japan Festival between July 5 and July 12! The week brings Japan-themed events, workshops, and performances to Lapinlahti. Please note that some of the events have participation fees.

PROGRAM

July 5, Opening Event 3 pm – 6 pm

A performance by Japan Cross Bridge

Artist Talk (Omenapuutalo):
– “Japanese Animism and Finnish Spirituality: A Path to Mindfulness” by Shihomi.
– “Connecting Japan and Finland” by Ayumi.
Gallery Tour (Omenapuutalo)
Guided Exhibition Tour at Omenapuutalo
Activities (Omenapuutalo):
– Create Your Own Wish Dragon Workshop – €15
– Matcha & Japanese Sweets Experience – €6
– Have Your Name Written in Japanese Calligraphy (Kanji) – €10
– Tanabata Wish Tree – Free
– Japanese Handmade Games – Free

July 5–12 – Exhibition (11 am – 6 pm)
Omenapuutalo (Apple Tree House)
The exhibition showcases Jomon pottery, Japanese illustrated books, Japanese photography, Japanese calligraphy, Japanese paintings, Japanese handcrafts, and dragon art.

July 5–11 – Workshops & Activities 11 am – 5 pm
Omenapuutalo (Apple Tree House)
Drop-in experiences available throughout the day:
– Jomon Pottery Workshop by Yae – €15
– Kumade Decorating Workshop by Yae – €15
– Traditional Japanese Good Luck Rake
– Have Your Name Written in Japanese Calligraphy (Kanji) by Ayumi – €10
– Create Your Own Wish Dragon Workshop by Shihomi – €15
– Matcha Experience by Ayumi, Shihomi and Mari – €6
– Tanabata Wish Tree – Free
– Japanese Traditional Games – Free

July 10–11 – Performances 2 pm – 4 pm and 6 pm – 8 pm
Main Entrance Stage (Auditorium if it rains)
Japanese Contemporary Dances:
Performance by Yae, Akiko
– The Legend of Ama-no-Iwato
– The Awakening and Return of Light
Performance by Japan Cross Bridge (Shihomi, Ayumi, Mari)
– The Golden Dance Scroll
– Splendor of Golden Fans and Parasol ~
– The Journey of Life
– Between Stillness and Motion
– The Samurai Spirit
– Ichigo Ichie
– Lost in Translation
– Makudonarudo
Dragon Live Painting Performance
A spontaneous 15-minute live painting accompanied by original spiritual music by Shihomi
BON Dance Festival (with audience participation)
Join us and experience a traditional Japanese summer dance!

July 12, Closing Event 2 pm ~ 5 pm
Main Entrance Stage (Auditorium if it rains)
– Performances by Japan Cross Bridge
– Finnish Sauna Dance
– Ievan Polkka Dance (Finnish dance)
– J-pop Dance
– Japanese Radio Taiso (popular morning radio exercise in Japan!) Come have fun with us!
– Finnish Folk Dance Jenkka. Come dance with us!
– Japanese Bon Dance Festival! (Japanese traditional summer community dance). Come dance with us!