The art and culture of Japan will take center stage in Albania from October 9 to 15, as part of Japanese Cultural Week, an event included in the International Cultural Weeks series. 

Participants will have the chance to engage in diverse activities such as a film festival, workshops on Japanese cuisine and origami, a traditional tea ceremony, and a karate and judo tournament. Japanese Cultural Week promises an authentic experience for all those eager to explore Japanese traditions. The week will begin with a culinary workshop, where a renowned chef will demonstrate how to prepare iconic Japanese dishes. This event offers a valuable opportunity to delve into the unique techniques and ingredients that define Japanese cuisine.

From October 9 to 15, “Maks Velo” Cinema in Tirana will host the Japanese Film Festival, showcasing five animated films: *Ride Your Wave*, *5 Centimeters per Second*, *Time of EVE the Movie*, *The Wonderland*, and *The Place Promised in Our Early Days*.

On October 12, the Polytechnic University of Tirana will host a traditional tea ceremony. Seven masters of the tea ceremony will introduce attendees to the rituals and traditions of Japanese tea, while also engaging in a Q&A session to address audience curiosities.

October 13 will see the hosting of a workshop titled “The Magical and Millennia-old Art of Origami” at the National Center for Children’s Culture. This workshop will offer a wonderful opportunity to explore the intricate art of paper folding, a time-honored Japanese tradition that has inspired people worldwide for centuries.

The Japanese Cultural Week will conclude with a symposium at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, where attendees will hear firsthand accounts from individuals who have studied or visited Japan, offering rich insights into the culture.

Following Japan, the United States will present its own diverse array of cultural events as part of the ongoing International Cultural Weeks program.

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