Ostravské muzeum

Panel 6

Japanese Days in Ostrava

Where Two Cultures Meet

Once a year, Ostrava is transformed for several days into a place where two cultures—Czech and Japanese—come together against the backdrop of an industrial city.

Japanese Days in Ostrava is more than a festival to watch. Like the Czech–Japanese Cultural Centre, it invites visitors to experience Japan firsthand—from traditional ceremonies to contemporary popular culture.

What You Can See and Experience

• Concerts featuring both traditional and contemporary Japanese music
• Theatre performances and film screenings
• Martial arts demonstrations
• Traditional tea ceremonies
• Calligraphy, origami, ikebana, and other traditional arts
• Hands-on workshops
• Lectures and presentations
• Japanese cuisine
• Anime, cosplay, and contemporary Japanese culture

The festival also offers lectures and discussions that provide a deeper understanding of Japanese society, history, and cultural traditions.

Meeting People from Japan

One of the festival's defining features is the participation of guests who travel to Ostrava directly from Japan—including artists, craftspeople, and masters of traditional disciplines.

Their presence transforms the festival from a cultural showcase into a genuine encounter with living Japanese culture.

What began as a small local event has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind in the Czech Republic.

“Culture is a bridge that connects even the most distant shores.”