The Jornada de la Cultura Japonesa en La Habana concludes its annual program in Cuba’s historical center with martial arts demonstrations, musical performances, and award ceremonies,prensa-latina.cu reported.
Plaza Vieja hosts the closing ceremony
The final event takes place at Plaza Vieja in the historic district of Havana. The schedule features exhibitions of Aikido, Kendo, Judo, and Karate, accompanied by traditional Japanese taiko drumming and dance presentations. Attendees will also watch musical performances by idol artists alongside the winners of the 4-koma comic contest and a cosplay competition, with on-site registration open at the Vitrina de Valonia headquarters.
Exhibitions and workshops fill the capital’s cultural centers
The Embajada de Japón en Cuba sponsored the weeklong program, which launched on October 24 at the Casa Vitier García-Marruz cultural institution. Visitors joined workshops covering Japanese theater, Rakugo storytelling, Origami, Shiiori ningyō paper dolls, Kamishibai illustrated storytelling, and traditional dance.
The Museo Casa de Asia served as an artistic hub during the week. The venue hosted the presentation of the poetry book De bonsáis y huracanes by visual artist, musician, and writer Jesús Lara Sotelo, alongside editor Alberto Marrero. Project Hermercado opened a collective exhibition dedicated to Mount Fuji, and children participated in Shodō calligraphy and Kamishibai workshops.
At the Vitrina de Valonia, the Marca Otaku collective exhibition displayed anime-inspired costume designs alongside entries for the 4-koma comic competition created by local artists.
Volunteers clean the Nikkei Pantheon at Colón Cemetery
Ahead of the festival’s conclusion, Nakamura Kazuhito joined diplomatic staff and volunteers from the Comité Gestor de la Asociación Nikkei de Cuba to clean the Nikkei Pantheon at the Colón Cemetery. The cleanup effort prepares the grounds for the upcoming Festival Peregrino de los Nikkei, scheduled to take place at the cemetery on November 8.
