The Japan Festival Returns To Athens This April For Its 5th Anniversary

  • by XpatAthens
  • Tuesday, 03 March 2026
The Japan Festival Returns To Athens This April For Its 5th Anniversary
The biggest celebration of Japanese culture is back! Dozens of artists, photographers, calligraphers, cosplayers, academics, writers, mangaka comic artists, gamers, ikebana artists, artisans, athletes, musicians and dancers will transport the Greek audience into the magic of the Land of the Rising Sun on April 4th and 5th, at the Peristeri Exhibition Center. There, aspects of both its contemporary and traditional culture will come together to capture the irresistible charm of Japan.

The ultimate cosplay competition will take over the main stage of the 5th anniversary Japan Festival and charismatic cosplayers will bring our favorite anime and manga characters to life as they compete for the grand prize, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to represent Greece at the Cosplay Contest in Hiroshima! 

JF 2025 cosplay 2 2

At the same time, the festival will zoom in on everything we love about Japan through its photography competition, inviting photographers to capture the beauty and aesthetics of Japan—wherever it manifests itself!

The paper heroes of manga will once again become headliners and manga creators are preparing to sharpen their pencils and cross their pens for the 5th Japan Festival's international Manga competition!

JF 2025 workshop Origami 2 2

The surprises don't stop there! This year the festival expands with additional spaces, offering visitors the chance to discover collectible crafts from 80 crafters, unique products from 40 stores, draw inspiration from art exhibitions featuring 20 artists, immerse themselves in Japanese culture through 65 workshops, deepen their knowledge through 15 talks, enjoy screenings of films, anime and documentaries, sharpen their minds with traditional board games, test their skills on retro consoles, and be moved by the performers on the main stage of the Japan Festival!

JF 2025 Main Stage 7 2

Explore the full program, grab your tickets, and follow our journey on social media, all in one place HERE! 

The Japan Festival renews its support for Be the Miracle.

The Japan Festival is organized by Rising Sun Productions:

  • Panagiotis Agrios (Organizer, Public Relations)
  • Dorita Papadodima (Production Organization & Execution

The Japan Festival is held under the auspices of:

  • The Greek-Japanese Association

  • The Club for UNESCO of Piraeus and Islands

  • The Hellenic Institute of Culture, Art, and Sports






LIFE & CULTURE