Japan Days at the Capannelle Racecourse

Japan at the Capannelle Racecourse

Japan Days is the event that brings Japanese culture to Rome, set within the expansive green grounds of the Capannelle Racecourse along the Via Appia Nuova in the city's 7th Municipality. Rather than a one-off event, it is a recurring series held several times throughout the year, with spring, summer, and autumn editions, making it one of Italy's most beloved and well-attended J-culture gatherings. The racecourse setting, with its lawns and pavilions, allows for tens of thousands of visitors to enjoy the event in an open-air, family-friendly environment.

Between Tradition and Pop Culture

Each edition of Japan Days showcases the dual soul of Japan: on one hand, its ancient traditions, and on the other, its vibrant contemporary pop culture. Visitors can experience everything from tea ceremonies and kimono dressing to trading card tournaments, traditional theater performances, J-pop and K-pop shows, Taiko drumming, and cosplay. This blend makes the event perfect for long-time enthusiasts, young people, and families alike.

Market Area and Matsuri Street Food

The heart of the event is the large Market Area, where over 100 exhibitors from all over Italy offer kimonos, bonsai, kawaii accessories, manga, nerd gadgets, and traditional crafts. Nearby, the Food Area recreates the atmosphere of Japanese matsuri with the most popular street food: onigiri, gyoza, takoyaki, yakitori, ramen, kare rice, and mochi, alongside matcha tastings and introductory sessions on sake.

Workshops, Martial Arts, and Shows

The program is packed with activities: workshops for all ages dedicated to origami, ikebana, shodō (traditional calligraphy), kintsugi, mizuhiki, bonsai, kokedama, and manga drawing. There are also martial arts demonstrations (kendo, iaido, jodo), cooking shows, talks on Japanese culture, and live performances. Notable performances from recent editions include the Kimono Tales show with master Fumiko Oh, the Ghibli World concert, the Kyogen samurai comedy theater, and the Taiko Trio percussionists.

The 2026 Editions

The event confirms its multi-date format at Capannelle for 2026. The spring edition, Japan Days Fest, took place on May 23rd and 24th, 2026, featuring Kimono Tales with Fumiko Oh, the Ghibli World concert with soprano Erika Nakanishi, and Kyogen theater. The autumn edition is confirmed by the organizers for September 12th and 13th, 2026, once again at the Capannelle Racecourse.

An Event for the Whole Family

Within the context of the Lazio Region and the Metropolitan City of Rome, Japan Days stands out for its free admission and focus on children, featuring dedicated kids' areas, Japanese-style fishing games, vintage consoles, face painting, and recreational activities. The event is pet-friendly and easily accessible by public transport, providing another reason to spend a weekend exploring the encounter between Italian culture and that of the Land of the Rising Sun.