Japan Foundation, Sydney

Did you know that our gallery is currently home to a live bonsai tree, as part of the exhibition 'Suddenly This Overview'? 🌳 Composed of Japanese juniper and a stone from Cowra, this bonsai symbolises the cultural interweaving between Australia and Japan in artist Kosuke Nagata's solo exhibition.⁠

Come and see the bonsai in person, along with a video artwork, slide projections and newspaper archives on display in this exhibition.⁠

'Suddenly This Overview' open from 10am-6pm on weekdays, and 11am-4pm on Saturdays. Find out more: https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/suddenlythisoverview/

Photos by Document Photography

Calling all creatives! 📢 Nominations are now open for the Asia Pacific Arts Awards (APAA) 2027, celebrating artists, collectives and organisations driving creative exchange and shaping cultural dialogue across the Asia Pacific region.

The Awards recognise achievement across six categories: Impact, Innovation, Inspire (individual/group/collective), Inspire (organisations), Connect, Legacy. The Awards come with a $25,000 prize for each category.

Nominations close on June 23, 2026 (Tue). Find out more: https://creative.gov.au/investments-opportunities/asia-pacific-arts-awards-2027

Are you interested in learning more about deep-sea mining and its global implications? 🌊 Next week, join us on June 18 (Thur) for a timely and thought‑provoking discussion on DSM's governance challenges and more, presented by Dr Lai-Ha Chan in discussion with Dr Aline Jaeckel.⁠

Free; bookings not required. Networking event from 11:30am AEST at JPF Sydney; talk and online streaming from 12pm AEST.⁠

Find out more: https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/deepsea

Sydney and Melbourne! ✨ Thank you for an amazing weekend of live music, with HUGEN, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and SAICOBAB making their Australian debuts at Rising Melbourne and Vivid Sydney 🤩 We hope you enjoyed it as much as the bands loved performing for you!⁠

If you attended one of the shows, you're eligible to enter our giveaway for exclusive band merch! Simply complete the survey at one of the links below 🔗

Vivid Sydney Survey: https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/vividsurvey
Rising Melbourne Survey: https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/risingsurvey

Please note that The Japan Foundation, Sydney library, office and gallery will be closed on June 8 (Mon) due to the King's Birthday public holiday. Regular hours will resume on June 9 (Tue). We hope you have a fun and safe long weekend!⁠

Visit our website for our centre hours: https://sydney.jpf.go.jp/visit-us/

Discover the captivating world of Japanese artist Takuya Kitashima at A SINGLE PIECE Gallery. Coming from a unique background in science and music before turning to painting, he creates narrative-driven canvas works and paper clay sculptures that feel like a whimsical, modern fairy tale. With soft, textured brushwork and a gentle, comforting atmosphere, his art beautifully draws viewers into a "sense of slowness, like a novel.⁠

Official Opening Day: June 6 (Sat), 11am – 3pm.⁠

It will be a relaxed day where people can freely come and go, enjoy the art, and experience a special Japanese-inspired tea pop-up by Chawu Tea (drinks available for purchase).⁠

Exhibition Run: May 30 – June 20 2026⁠
Where: A SINGLE PIECE Gallery, Sydney

It’s on this long weekend! 🥳 Head down to Tumbalong Park on June 8 (Mon) from 6pm, to catch NIKO NIKO TAN TAN and HUGEN as they perform a FREE concert at Vivid Sydney 🎶⁠

Incorporating wind instruments, bells and saxophone, HUGEN’s electronic folk sound is immensely relaxing yet danceable, with smooth beats guiding tracks underneath.⁠ They’re joined by NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, a collision of music and art that combines disco synths, jazz and J-Pop choruses with a live VJ providing colourful visuals for a true show. ⁠

On June 8 (Mon) from 6pm-10pm at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour. Free event; no bookings required.⁠

Presented by the Japan Foundation, this event is being held in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia.⁠

Learn more: https://www.vividsydney.com/event/music/hugen-niko-niko-tan-tan-tumbalong-nights

Step into a relaxing afternoon of Japanese-inspired creativity, live art, cafe culture, and mindful experiences at Veriu Macquarie Park.⁠

Begin with a live Japanese sumi-e (ink art) performance, then choose from four hands-on creative workshops including wearable art, dried flower styling, and aroma succulent crafting.⁠

Enjoy curated cafe refreshments, artist interaction, a pop-up art showcase, and a calm social atmosphere designed for adults looking to refresh, create, and reconnect.⁠

No artistic experience required. Open to all backgrounds. The event will take place in English.⁠

📅June 27 (Sat), 2026⁠
📍Veriu Macquarie Park Hotel Lounge⁠
🕐1:30pm-4pm ⁠

🎟️Learn more and book tickets: http://www.minimeonthecake.com/ws
Limited to 32 guests.

Exciting news! 🌟 A powerhouse lineup of legendary Japanese voice actors and tokusatsu Supa-Stars are set to appear at Supanova Comic Con & Gaming in Sydney, happening from June 19-21 🤩

Don't miss your chance to see the following icons via autograph sessions, photo opportunities and Q&A panels!⁠

Toshio Furukawa (Piccolo in Dragon Ball Z)⁠
Takeshi Kusao (Hanamichi Sakuragi in Slam Dunk)⁠
Shiro Izumi (Burai / Dragon Ranger from Super Sentai)⁠
Tetsuo Kurata (Kotaro Minami in Kamen Rider Black)⁠

Find out more: https://www.supanova.com.au/