Japanese Culture Experience Day 2026

Discover, Create and Experience Japan

Date: Saturday 1st August, 2026
Time: 12:00-18:00 (Each workshop has a different timetable)
Venue:JAPANEASY (L1, 183 Exhibition Street)

Learn about and have a try at Japanese arts and crafts, food and dress, in a day of fun workshops by professional Japanese artists.

Featuring Japanese traditional and modern culture.

Class-sizes are limited and bookings are recommended. This is a family friendly event.

Please book through the link to join workshops, the seats for these classes are limited. All bookings will open on July 1st  2026 at 12pm.

You can also walk in on that day and join the workshop without booking, however, we recommend to book online beforehand to secure your seats.

Meet the Creators & Shop Unique Japanese Handmade Works

Discover beautiful handcrafted items, original artworks and specialty products created by talented Japanese artists and makers. Take home something truly unique while supporting independent creators!


✨ We’re Officially Recognised as an Australia–Japan 50th Anniversary Commemorative Event – 日豪友好協力条約締結50周年記念事業として公式に認定されました✨
We’re proud to share some exciting news!

Japanese Culture Experience Day 2026 has officially been recognised as a 50th Anniversary Commemorative Event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Australia–Japan Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation.

Signed in 1976, this treaty has served as the foundation of the strong friendship and cooperation between Japan and Australia, connecting our two countries through people-to-people exchange, culture, trade, and many other areas.

It is a true honour that our event has been recognised as part of this important milestone. We are incredibly proud to contribute to the celebration of the friendship between our two countries.
We believe culture has the power to connect people and hearts.

Now and into the future, we will continue doing our best to build bridges between Australia and Japan by creating meaningful cultural experiences for our community.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to support our journey.

✨嬉しいご報告です✨
このたび Japanese Culture Experience Day 2026 が、日豪友好協力基本条約締結50周年記念事業として公式に承認されました。
1976年に締結されたこの条約は、日本とオーストラリアの友好と協力の礎となり、人と人との交流や文化、経済など幅広い分野で両国をつないできました。
そんな節目の年に、私たちのイベントが周年事業の一つとして認められたことを、大変光栄に、そして誇りに思います。
文化には、人と人、そして心と心をつなぐ力があります。
これからも、日本とオーストラリアを結ぶ架け橋となれるよう、地域の皆さまとともに、心に残る文化交流の場を創り続けてまいります。
イベントを支えてくださる皆さま、いつも本当にありがとうございます。

Japanese Culture Experience Day 2026

Lineup

Japanese ceramic design workshop By Kiku Pottery

Japanese ceramic design workshop :陶芸絵付けデザイン体験 

🏺 Let’s Have Fun Decorating Ceramics! 🏺

Create your own one-of-a-kind ceramic piece while experiencing traditional Japanese design techniques.

In this special workshop, you’ll decorate a ceramic matcha tea bowl, tea cup, or pair of mini bowls using beautiful handmade tissue transfers imported directly from Japan, along with a selection of underglaze colours.

Before decorating, you’ll learn about traditional Japanese approaches to pattern and design, helping you create a piece that feels balanced, elegant and uniquely your own. Even beginners will be guided through the process and can achieve beautiful results.

The pottery itself has been handcrafted using traditional Japanese ceramic techniques. Each piece is carefully made, bisque fired, and prepared for your creative touch.

Once decorated, your work will be professionally glazed and fired, then returned to Japaneasy (or posted directly to your home at the cost of shipping) approximately 4 weeks later, ready to use and enjoy in everyday life or give as a thoughtful handmade gift.

✨ Experience Japanese ceramic traditions
✨ Learn simple Japanese-inspired design techniques
✨ Create a functional piece you’ll treasure for years
✨ Beginner friendly – no experience required
✨ Suitable for children and adults aged 7+

Come and enjoy a relaxing and creative workshop while making something truly special with your own hands.

Session 1 : 12:00 – 13:00 (Yunomi :Japanese style ea cup) $80
Ticket Information Link

Session 2 : 13:30 – 14:30  (Matcha tea bowl)  $88
Ticket Information Link

Session 3 : 15:00 – 16:00 (Mamezara (mini bowl)  x 2) $82 (Not available)

Japanese Pottery Workshop By Kiku Pottery (Sold out)

🏺 Japanese Pottery Workshop 🏺

Experience the joy of creating your own handmade Japanese pottery.

In this workshop, you will learn traditional Japanese hand-building techniques to create a cup and a mini bowl. Guided step-by-step through the process, you will discover techniques rooted in Japanese ceramic traditions while creating functional pieces for everyday use.

All tools and clay are provided, making this workshop perfect for beginners as well as those with some pottery experience. No prior experience is necessary.

Once your pieces are made, they will be professionally trimmed, fired and glazed for you. You will be able to choose from a beautiful selection of glaze colours, ranging from traditional Japanese finishes to contemporary colours, allowing you to create a piece that reflects your own style.

Your cup and mini bowl will be delivered back to Japaneasy (or posted directly to your home at the cost of shipping) approximately 4 weeks later.

✨ Learn traditional Japanese pottery techniques
✨ Beginner friendly – no experience required
✨ Create your own cup and mini bowl
✨ Choose from a range of traditional and contemporary glaze colours
✨ Professionally fired and glazed
✨ Dishwasher-safe, durable and practical for everyday use
✨ A handmade piece to enjoy in your daily life or give as a special gift

There is something truly special about eating, drinking and sharing moments with family and friends using pottery you have made with your own hands. Create beautiful, functional ceramics that will become part of your everyday life for years to come.

Age: 15+

16:30 – 17:50  (Making teacup and mini bowl)  $98

Ticket Information

Kokedama Workshop By Kokezo

MAKE YOUR JAPANESE MOSS BALL

Discover KOKEDAMA
A beautiful Japanese planting style where roots are wrapped in moss to create a living “moss ball”.
It’s a simple, cute and low-maintenance way to enjoy greenery — perfect for beginners and plant lovers alike!

🟢Date and Time:
Saturday, 1st August 2026
Afternoon

🟢Location:
Japaneasy, CBD Melbourne

🟢Price:
$100 per person (all materials included)

🟢What You’ll Do:
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own Kokedama, guided step-by-step by the instructor.

🟢 What You’ll Take Home:
Your own handmade Kokedama and a Kokedama plate made by Yuka (KoKeZo Japan)

🟢Workshop Details:

  • All materials included
  • Live plant provided
  • Gloves provided
  • Suitable for beginners
  • Ages 10+ (8+ with a parent or guardian)

Limited to 8 people per session – bookings essential!

Slow down, create, and connect with nature through this peaceful Japanese Kokedama experience

🟢 苔玉ワークショップ 🟢

日本の伝統的な「苔玉」を作ってみませんか?根を苔で包んで作る、かわいくておしゃれな“グリーンアート”
講師のガイドで小さな苔玉を一緒に手作りします。初心者さん大歓迎!

Ticket Information

Everlasting Lavender Workshop  By Anna Japana

Create your own everlasting lavender arrangement using traditional Japanese Mizuhiki paper cords.

In this beginner-friendly 60-minute workshop, you’ll learn simple knotting techniques and create delicate lavender stems to display at home all year round.

As a special bonus, you’ll also take home a beautiful handmade ceramic vase created by Melbourne ceramic artist Naoko Coghlan — the perfect finishing touch for your arrangement.

No experience needed. A relaxing and creative introduction to the traditional Japanese art of Mizuhiki.

Workshop includes:
• All materials provided
• Handmade ceramic vase by Naoko Coghlan
• Beginner-friendly instruction
• Your completed everlasting lavender arrangement to take home

水引で作る、枯れないラベンダーアレンジメント。
初めての方でも楽しめる60分のワークショップです。
完成した作品は、陶芸家 Naoko Coghlanさんの手作り花瓶と一緒にお持ち帰りいただけます。
お部屋にそっと彩りを添える、特別なひとときをお楽しみください。

17:00 – 18:00

$60

Ticket Information

Mizuhiki Jewellery Workshop by ANNA JAPANA

Create a matching necklace and pair of earrings while learning the traditional Japanese art of Mizuhiki knotting.

In this beginner-friendly 2-hour workshop, you’ll learn two fundamental Mizuhiki knots ( the Awaji knot and the Plum knot )  and discover the meanings behind these beautiful traditional designs.

Choose from a wide range of colours and create a unique jewellery set to take home.

Workshop includes:
• All materials provided
• One necklace and one pair of earrings
• Choice of 20+ colours
• Step-by-step instruction
• A detailed take-home booklet

No experience needed — just come along and enjoy a relaxing and creative experience.

日本の伝統工芸「水引」を使って、ネックレスとイヤリングを作ります。初心者の方でも楽しめる2時間のワークショップです。20色以上の中からお好きな色を選び、自分だけのアクセサリーをお作りいただけます。
水引の基本となる「あわじ結び」と「梅結び」を学びながら、ものづくりの時間をお楽しみください。

12:00 – 14:00
14:30 – 16:30

$95

 

Ticket Information

Sumi-e Japanese ink art By Junko Azukawa

Let’s experience Sumi-e Japanese ink art. Sumi-e is the ancient art of Japanese brush painting. There is much more to creating an image during the process of Sumi-e, it is also a meditative practice to explore and express your inner self.

You will learn to use different ink tones and brush techniques to create some simple but expressive paintings of cherry blossoms and more on Japanese paper, complete with a traditional red stamp, to take home. All the materials will be provided, and all ages are welcome 🙂
12pm – 2pm Sumi-e Japanese ink art (Kookaburra) $115
 
墨絵を体験して自分らしい作品をおもいっきり描いてみましょう。墨絵は日本の伝統芸術の一つで、花や山岳、鳥など自然のものを墨を使って描きます。
墨絵はシンプルな絵画芸術で、自分の心とゆっくり向き合う過程、自分らしさを表現することをとても大切にします。
このワークショップでは様々な墨の濃淡や筆使いを学びながら、桜などのお題をシンプルに、かつ自己表現豊かに和紙に描きます。
道具は全てこちらで用意します。子供から大人まで、初心者の方も大歓迎です。
 

Ticket Information

Hanko stamp carving By Junko Azukawa (Sold Out)

Let’s make your own signature stamp! The red stamps or seals are often seen in traditional Japanese artwork and documents. In this workshop, you will design and carve your own Hanko stamp. You can use it for your artwork, Christmas cards, as your business logo and more. Please bring your reading glasses if you use them. All materials will be provided. Suitable for people aged over 12.
 
3pm – 5pm Hanko stamp carving $120

自分だけのオリジナル篆刻印を作ってみましょう。伝統的な日本の美術や文書によく見られる赤い印は署名の代わりに使用されてきました。このワークショップでは、自分の印をデザインし、篆刻する方法を学びます。でき上がった篆刻印は自分の作品、写真、クリスマスカード、ビジネスのロゴなどに使用できます。

参加される方は、小さな印刀で小さな石を彫ることになりますので、読書用眼鏡をご使用の方は必ず持参してください。篆刻に必要な全ての材料、道具は全てこちらで用意します。12歳以上の方に適しています。

Ticket Information

Origami Art By Chie no Wa Origami Creations

Koi Fish Workshop Create a beautiful framed artwork inspired by Japanese craft traditions.

In this hands on workshop, you’ll learn to fold elegant origami koi using authentic Japanese yuzen washi paper, known for its rich colours and intricate patterns. Chieko will guide you step by step through the folding process and help you arrange your koi in a shadow box frame, ready to display in your home or gift to someone special. A calming, creative session suitable for beginners and experienced makers alike.

What you’ll experience:
• Fold origami koi using premium yuzen washi
• Learn simple, elegant techniques
• Create a finished shadow box artwork to take home
• Enjoy a mindful, relaxing creative session

All materials are provided, just bring your enthusiasm!

Session Time: 12:00 – 1:50pm 2:00 – 3:50pm 4:00 – 5:50pm
Age: 12+ Cost: $100 per person

Ticket Information

TSUMAMI-ZAIKU By Moonsy Au

I will be holding 3 Beginners level workshops:

WS1&2: Earrings 2HRS
WS3: flower with dangles 1.5HRS

*I’ll supplies all tools and materials to use on the day (e.g., scissors and tweezers) and instructions text for the workshop.
* If you also require reading glasses, I recommend that you pls bring it as well

Session time/ fee
WS1: 12:00– 13:50(5seats) $80
WS2: 14:00 – 15:50(5seats) $80
WS3: 16:00-17:30 (5seats) $65

I look forward to welcoming you to the workshop!

初心者向けワークショップを2種類開催します!

WS1: イヤリング制作(2時間)
時間: 12:00 – 13:50
定員: 5名
参加費: $80

WS2: イヤリング制作(2時間)
時間: 14:00 – 15:50
定員: 5名
参加費: $80

WS3: 揺れる下がり付、花飾り制作(1.5時間)
時間: 16:00 – 17:30
定員: 5名
参加費: $65

 

ワークショップについて
当日使用する道具・材料(はさみ、ピンセットなど)はすべてこちらでご用意いたします。
ワークショップ用の説明書もお渡しします。細かい作業がありますので、必要な方は眼鏡やリーディンググラスをご持参ください。

皆さまのご参加をお待ちしております! 

Ticket Information

Matcha Cupping Workshop By Cha Haus

Cha Haus invites you to a special matcha-tasting experience featuring a curated selection of our matcha — from all-time classics to limited-batch varieties.
Curious about the differences in quality, origin, and tasting notes?

We’ll guide you through this sensory workshop where you’ll explore new flavours by blind-tasting matcha side by side, enjoying the process, and discovering the one that becomes your new favourite.

Hope to see you there!

Time:

Session1 – 12pm-1pm

Session2 – 2pm-3pm

Session3 – 4pm-5pm

Fee: $71.50

What’s Included:

・Tasting of 5 distinctive matcha
・Japanese confectionery
・Gift: Cha Haus Original Matcha Chasen Whisk and 10% discount coupon for shopping

ticket infomation

日本美 – Japanese Calligraphy Canvas Art with Yuki

Discover the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and create a meaningful canvas artwork inspired by Japanese aesthetics.

In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the fundamentals of Japanese brush calligraphy while exploring the beauty and meaning of kanji.

Choose a kanji that reflects your personal intention, practise traditional brush techniques on Japanese calligraphy paper, and create your final artwork on canvas using authentic Japanese ink.

Finish your artwork with a Japanese seal using traditional vermilion ink, then decorate your canvas with a carefully curated selection of authentic Japanese washi, including Awa Washi from Tokushima, Kozo Washi and Abaca Washi.

Inspired by Japanese aesthetics, you’ll create a beautifully finished artwork that reflects your own story and intention.

Take home a unique canvas artwork to display in your home or give as a heartfelt gift.

日本の美意識に触れながら、書道を通して想いを込めたキャンバスアートを製作する体験型ワークショップです。

書道の基本的な筆づかいを学び、漢字が持つ美しさや意味に触れながら、ご自身の想いを表す一文字を選びます。半紙で練習した後、日本の伝統的な墨を使ってキャンバスへ清書します。作品の仕上げには、日本の伝統的な朱肉で落款印を押します。その後、徳島県の伝統和紙「阿波紙」をはじめ、楮紙やアバカ紙など、日本から厳選した本物の和紙を使い、日本の美意識から着想を得たデザインで作品を彩ります。

完成したキャンバスアートは、ご自宅に飾るインテリアとしてはもちろん、大切な方への贈り物としてもお持ち帰りいただけます。

What you’ll experience

  • Learn the basics of Japanese brush calligraphy
  • Explore the beauty and meaning of kanji
  • Choose a meaningful kanji character
  • Practise traditional brush techniques
  • Create your final calligraphy on canvas
  • Finish your artwork with a Japanese seal using traditional vermilion ink
  • Decorate your canvas using authentic Japanese washi
  • Take home your completed artwork

Suitable for beginners and participants of all ages.

All materials are provided.

Session times
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
  • 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
  • 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
  • 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Duration: 60 minutes
Price: $80

Ticket Information