The weekend of February 28 and March 1 marks the return to Rome of one of the most eagerly awaited events for lovers of the Far East: Japan Days. The setting for the event will be Atlantico Live (Eur area), ready to transform itself into a corner of the Land of the Rising Sun where tradition and pop culture come together in a unique experience.
What to expect from this new edition
The festival is not just an exhibition, but an opportunity for active participation. Visitors will be able to try their hand at numerous artistic disciplines: repair and embroidery (Kintsugi workshops – the art of repairing with gold – and Sashiko); aesthetics and writing (calligraphy sessions – Shodō –, floral art – Ikebana –, bonsai care and origami) and cooking.
The stage will host leading figures from the cultural and fantasy scene:
- Yosuke Aikawa, the ‘modern samurai’, will enchant the audience with spectacular sword performances.
- Licia Troisi: the famous writer will be the patroness of the Cosplay contest and will present her new book, Saving Lucca.
The audience will be swept away by the rousing rhythm of Taiko drums, Kyogen comedy theater, and modern K-pop choreography. For those looking for action, there will be martial arts demonstrations (karate, kendo, jujitsu) and themed areas such as Ghibli World. A large space is dedicated to stage performances: Grace Karmatek will close Sunday with performances inspired by Japanese folklore and Nō theater (6:00 p.m.). Children will also have dedicated spaces with traditional games such as Japanese fishing and the strategy game Go.
Photo: djedj/Pixabay
Courses and activities
During Japan Days, there will be the opportunity to participate in courses and treatments (for a fee, to be booked on site). This edition offers Namikoshi method shiatsu massages, on a bed or chair.
The program includes various martial arts, from Shotokan Karate (Saturday, 10:30 a.m.) to traditional JuJitsu (Sunday, 10:30 a.m.) and Kendo, the way of the sword (Sunday, 11:00 a.m.).
Food and Wine and Live Cooking
Visitors can take part in cooking classes with Mikachan, Sam Nazionale, and Stefano Guglielmetti. There are also masterclasses dedicated to sake and tastings of fine matcha tea. Reservations required.
What to eat
Photo by M. Ghufanil Muta Ali on Unsplash
The Japan Days food offering provides a total immersion in the flavors of typical Japanese festivals through various specialized areas. Kokoro’s street food offers popular classics such as chewy takoyaki, gyoza, crispy karaage chicken, kakiage don, korokke, and invigorating ramen, not to mention Japanese curry in numerous variations. For those looking for a lighter snack, a selection of freshly made onigiri is prepared on site by Japanese staff, including options for vegetarians and those following a gluten-free diet. The appetizer section also offers edamame and fresh tofu salad.
The sweet side of the event is represented by fish-shaped taiyaki, soft daifuku, dorayaki, and traditional dango skewers . To accompany the food, you can choose from Japanese beers, sake, and the famous ramune drink, or immerse yourself in the ancient art of tea at Ayumi Fujii’s corner, where you can taste freshly prepared matcha tea accompanied by a traditional sweet.
Where: Via dell’Oceano Atlantico 271d Rome, from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Prices: standard tickets online (during the event): €6.00 + booking fee; at the ticket office €6.00. Two-day pass available online starting at around €8.50. Free admission for children under 10 years of age. Disabled visitors: free admission (with 100% disability certification). There are also paid activities inside.