Japan Week Marks 160 Years of Italian-Japanese Diplomacy in Palermo
Palermo becomes the center of a week-long cultural exchange from November 20 to 26, 2026, marking the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan. The Sicilian capital will host the 51st edition of Japan Week, following an initial treaty of friendship and commerce signed in Edo on August 25, 1866, as detailed by Custonaciweb.it. The event spans three main venues across the city, offering free public access through online registration.
The International Friendship Foundation organizes the annual showcase, choosing Palermo this year for its historical role as a Mediterranean crossroads. The city government collaborates on the initiative through the tourism department led by Alessandro Anello.
Three Cultural Venues Host Daily Exhibitions and Artisan Demonstrations
Events take place across the Teatro Politeama Garibaldi, the Real Teatro Santa Cecilia, and the ZAC pavilions at the Cantieri Culturali alla Zisa. The ZAC space runs daily exhibitions and workshops from 8:30 AM to 8:00 PM, featuring Japanese crafts, ceramics, and daily demonstrations of the tea ceremony beginning with the Omotesenke school, according to Custonaciweb.it. Visitors can observe artisans working with wisteria fiber, Kumiko Zaiku interlocking wood structures, and Bengara iron-oxide textile dyeing.
The Teatro Politeama Garibaldi opens its stage on November 21 with a street performance by the Chindon-ya band, Sangane Sendensya. Subsequent evenings feature Studio Ghibli compositions played by Gakuso Tocco, performances by the Matsumoto Music School, and appearances by singer Mika Kobayashi alongside Samurai KAMUI swordsmen directed by Tetsuro Shimaguchi.
The Real Teatro Santa Cecilia hosts chamber concerts, shakuhachi flute performances by Doppo Nagata, and traditional Noh theater demonstrations by the Nogaku Performers’ Association. These sessions highlight classical instruments, taiko drums, and martial arts traditions.
Daily schedules and free access require advance sign-ups on the official event portal.
Il Giappone si avvicina attraverso le sue arti, i rituali, i saperi che passano da una generazione all’altra. E incontra Palermo che ospiterà la Japan Weekhttps://t.co/cuI5ECyyDF