Monaco is set to welcome a taste of Japan next week as the Principality marks 20 years of diplomatic relations with the country.

Running from 10am to 5pm across the Japanese Garden and the esplanade of the Grimaldi Forum, the day offers something for all ages, from craft exhibitions and taiko drumming to dance and hands-on workshops.

The day kicks off with an exhibition of traditional Japanese craft, including Bizen-yaki ceramics and Kyoto artisanship. Then at 11am, an official ceremony on the Grimaldi Forum esplanade will feature powerful taiko drum performances by Wako Rising Sun, followed by a dance performance by Mimosa Koike, principal dancer with the Ballets de Monte-Carlo, accompanied by live taiko. Drums return at 2:30pm for a second performance.

Hand’s on Washi-Sakura workshop

Visitors can also take part in Washi-Sakura workshops, a traditional Japanese paper art in which participants create miniature cherry blossom bonsai using washi paper arranged on real branches in a glass vessel.

Two sessions are available, at 2pm and 3:30pm, led by floral artist Michiko and created Eiji Tanaka. Each session is limited to five participants aged 10 and over, lasts approximately one hour, and costs €25. Participants take their creation home. Advance booking is required at amfj-monaco.com.

The event is organised by the Embassy of Monaco in Japan, the Embassy of Japan in Monaco, and the Monaco Friends of Japan Association

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Main photo credit: Monaco Friends of Japan Association