South West Japan Festival

About this event

The South West Japan Festival is a vibrant, multi-day celebration of Japanese culture, creativity, food, and community held annually across Bunbury and the South West of Western Australia, including Busselton, Dunsborough, and Margaret River. The festival brings together residents, visitors, artists, performers, businesses, schools, and community groups to experience the rich traditions and contemporary culture of Japan while celebrating the long-standing friendship between Australia and Japan.

The 2026 festival will also recognise the 50-year Australia–Japan relationship and celebrate the enduring Sister City partnerships between Bunbury and Setagaya, Busselton and Sugito, and Harvey and Moka. These important relationships have fostered decades of cultural exchange, education, tourism, and community connection throughout the region.

The festival features a diverse program of cultural performances, workshops, exhibitions, markets, food experiences, family activities, and community events. Highlights include Matsuri Day, the Floating Lantern Festival, the Japanese Car and Motorbike Matsuri, the CBD Stamp Rally, and hands-on experiences such as calligraphy, origami, tea ceremonies, Taiko drumming, Japanese dance, and cooking workshops.

More than just a cultural festival, the event promotes community connection, cultural understanding, tourism, and international friendship. It provides opportunities for local businesses, artists, volunteers, schools, and community organisations to participate and showcase their talents while attracting visitors from across Western Australia and international exchange groups from Japan.