Announcement of Japan Weeks 2025 in Georgia
From April 3rd to April 15th, Embassy of Japan in Georgia will organize and support various cultural events under the title of “Japan Weeks 2025 in Georgia”.
These events will immerse audiences in the tradition and artistry of Japan, offering unique opportunities to experience its cultural heritage.
With beauty of Sakura blossoms marking arrival of spring, Japan Weeks 2025 in Georgia will bring a season of cultural events, introducing various aspects of Japanese cultural heritage to people in Georgia. The detailed information regarding the events is given below.
On April 3, Kyogen Masterclass by a stage actress active in Stockholm, Ms. Komaki Yuu, will be held at the Tbilisi Opera and Ballet Theater, co-organized by the Embassy of Japan and the State Ballet of Georgia. Kyogen, a form of traditional Japanese comic theater, dating back to the 14th century, provides humorous interludes between Noh plays. It is known for its lively, exaggerated style and satirical commentary on human nature. Both Noh and Kyogen were inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List and some of the actors are certified as Japanese Living National Treasures. Ballet dancers will have a chance to take part in the traditional Japanese dance first-hand. Attendance is by invitation only.
On April 5-6 April, the Sakura Blossom Time will be held at the National Botanical Garden of Georgia in Tbilisi. The event is organized by the National Botanical Garden of Georgia and supported by the Tbilisi City Hall and the Embassy of Japan. On April 5, tea master active in Stockholm Ms. Ohner Toshiko (Tea Master name “SOHO”) will demonstrate a Tea Ceremony or “Chanoyu,” A.K.A “Sado,” which is a ritual that embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility and consists of preparation of grounded green tea in front of guests. Over the weekend, Sakura Blossom Time will offer various activities in connection to Japanese culture. For attendance, please contact the National Botanical Garden of Georgia.
On April 7, Tea Ceremony and Kyogen Demonstration and Lecture will be organized and held at Free University Tbilisi, led by a stage actress Ms. Komaki Yuu and tea master Ms. Ohner Toshiko, where students will learn about traditional Japanese tea making and dance. Attendance is by invitation only.
On April 8, Vazha Azarashvili Tribute Concert 2025, a memorial concert marking the first anniversary of his demise will be held at the Grand Hall of Tbilisi State Conservatoire. The concert will feature exceptional musicians from Japan and Georgia, including pianist Usui Toshiki, cellist Niikura Hitomi, and members of the Georgian Sinfonietta, to make a collaborative performance of Azarashvili’s Piano Concerto No.3, never-heard-before music in Georgia and his other popular compositions along with Japanese pieces. The concert is co-organized by the Embassy of Japan in Georgia and the Tbilisi State Conservatoire in cooperation with the Vazha Azarashvili Project in Japan, supervised by Maestro Usui. By invitation only (inquire at the Tbilisi State Conservatory for tickets on the day of the event).
On April 9, Origami and Furoshiki Demonstration and Lecture, organized by the Embassy of Japan in Georgia will be held at the Nikozi Art School, in the village of Nikozi, located in the Gori municipality. The event will be led by Ms. Komaki Yuu and Ms. Ohner Toshiko. Origami is a traditional Japanese art of paper folding, creating intricate designs and figures from a single sheet of paper. Originating in Japan over a thousand years ago, it has evolved into a cultural art form, inspiring creativity, precision and patience. Furoshiki is also a traditional art. It involves folding and tying fabric to wrap and carry items, dating back to the 8th century. Unlike origami, furoshiki employs reusable cloths. Students at the art school will learn about traditional Japanese crafts and gain hands-on experience. Attendance is by invitation only.
On April 10, Kyogen and Furoshiki Demonstration and Lecture will be held at Batumi State University, led by Ms. Komaki Yuu and Ms. Ohner Toshiko. Students at Batumi State University will have a chance to experience Kyogen and Furoshiki first-hand. Attendance is by invitation only.
April 15, Furoshiki Demonstration and Lecture will be held at the Georgian School, where students at the school will have a chance to experience traditional Japanese wrapping techniques first-hand. Attendance is by invitation only.