The Paraguay Festival in Tokyo will mark its fifteenth edition in the Japanese capital on Sunday, 25 October 2026. The event has established itself as one of the most important gatherings for the promotion of Paraguayan culture in Asia. This year’s celebration will take place in Hikarigaoka Park, located in the Nerima district.
The festival will bring together the Paraguayan community living in Japan, Japanese citizens, and visitors from other nationalities. Consequently, the day will be dedicated to the country’s traditions, gastronomy, music, and craftsmanship.
A volunteer-led cultural showcase
A dedicated team of volunteers drives the popular event. This team consists of Paraguayans residing in Japan and local citizens with a keen interest in the nation’s culture. Over its previous editions, the festival has attracted more than 10,000 attendees. These have included members of the Paraguayan community, diplomatic representatives, individuals from other Latin American communities, and the general Japanese public.
The programme features a variety of musical and artistic performances as one of its main attractions. Attendees will enjoy performances from Paraguayan harp interpreters, folkloric ensembles, and dance troupes. Furthermore, these groups will showcase traditional expressions such as the bottle dance and display typical embroidered costumes.
A taste of Paraguayan tradition
Paraguayan gastronomy will also have a prominent place at the festival. A range of traditional dishes will be prepared on-site for visitors. These include asado (barbecued meat), empanadas (savoury pastries), sopa paraguaya (a dense cornbread), and chipa (a cheese and manioc flour bread).
In addition, the public will have the opportunity to learn about the intricate process of making ñandutí, a traditional spiderweb-like lace. Artisans will conduct workshops and weaving demonstrations, sharing the techniques and knowledge associated with this unique craft.
Strengthening international ties
The Paraguay Festival in Tokyo also serves as a meeting point for institutions from both countries. Universities, foundations, and non-profit organisations participate in the event to present initiatives related to cooperation, volunteering, and academic exchange. This participation contributes significantly to strengthening the bonds between Paraguay and Japan.
The fifteenth edition is being managed by the Executive Committee, which is chaired by Miryan Megumi Kumagai. The committee aims to celebrate 15 years of an event that successfully keeps Paraguayan culture alive thousands of miles from its origin. The day will offer Japanese and international communities in Tokyo a close look at the diverse expressions of Paraguayan identity through its music, dance, food, and traditional crafts.
Also read how Paraguay’s hеritagе captivatеd Asia at Expo Osaka 2025.
