Hyderabad–Japan Festival 2025: Celebrating 30 Years of Friendship Through Culture and Creativity

Hyderabad, India — The 30th edition of the Hyderabad–Japan Festival, a hallmark of Indo–Japanese cultural exchange and friendship, will be held on October 25–26, 2025, at the State Gallery of Art, Madhapur, Hyderabad. Organized by Na Ra Japan Hub (NRJH), an initiative of the Naga Rama Trust, the festival continues its three-decade-long tradition of strengthening people-to-people ties between India and Japan through art, performance, and education.

Founded by Dr. B. Ramabhadra and Mrs. Naganath, who spent nearly two decades in Japan, the Na Ra Japan Hub has been the driving force behind this cultural bridge that connects Hyderabad’s citizens with Japan’s vibrant traditions and modern innovations.

The festival will open with a formal inauguration ceremony on October 25 at 11:00 a.m., graced by Kenji Miyata, Acting Consul General of Japan in Chennai, as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour include Smt. Harichandana, IAS, Collector of Hyderabad District, Koji Sato, Director General of Japan Foundation, New Delhi, and Mrs. Begum Salwa Khan, Director, NASR Education Society.

Over two days, visitors will experience a vivid blend of Japanese and Indian performances, featuring martial arts, folk dances, Indian percussion, and musical collaborations by J-Hind Band. Highlights include:

• Ikebana, Bonsai, Calligraphy, Sumie, and Origami demonstrations by renowned experts such as Ms. Nirmala Agarwal, Ms. Mocherla, Ms. Suchitra Reddy, Ms. Priya Bhargava, and Mr. Rajender.

• Kids Robotics workshops, green tea ceremonies by Ms. Kazuko Barisic, and exhibits by Nasr School.

• Cultural evenings presenting Kuchipudi, Japanese dance and songs, Kimono–Saree fashion show, Cosplay Parade, Karaoke, and Indian & Japanese folk dance fusion.

The festival will also feature Indian accessory and Japanese grocery stalls, food counters, and school exhibits, creating an immersive cross-cultural bazaar atmosphere.

Dedicated sessions throughout the two days will focus on education, employment, and cultural exchange opportunities between the two nations. Topics include:

• Japanese Language Training – led by Ms. Maki Yoshioka

• Collaboration Between Hamamatsu City and India – by Ms. Katsuno

• Opportunities in Japan – by Mr. Isogai, Consultant on Indo–Japan Relations

• Japanese Productivity Techniques – by Mr. P. Sambamoorthy, Director, NRJH

• Unlock Your Ikigai – by Ms. Faakhra, Facilitator

• Japan–India Relations – by Mr. S. Pulipaka, Chairperson, Polietia

School and college students will participate in Origami, Painting, and Japanese Speech contests, nurturing their global outlook and intercultural creativity.

The 2025 edition is supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Chennai, Japan Foundation New Delhi, JETRO, Hyderabad Japanese Association, and the Hyderabad Anime Club. Japanese art collectives such as the Ohara School of Ikebana (Hyderabad) and Golden Dragons Martial Arts Group will bring authentic performances, while Indian artists and academicians will contribute with traditional dance and music showcases.

Prominent dignitaries attending include Takeshi Suzuki, Director General of JETRO New Delhi; Dr. S. K. Jayachandra, IPS (Retd.), Former DGP; and Furuta, President, Japanese Association, Hyderabad.

Since its inception, the Hyderabad–Japan Festival has embodied the spirit of “Cultural Harmony Through Exchange.” This 30th edition, with its theme of “Learning, Living, and Celebrating Together”, reaffirms the festival’s role as a living bridge between two dynamic societies that continue to collaborate across education, technology, art, and human connections.

The event is free and open to all, running daily from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the State Gallery of Art, Madhapur, Hyderabad.