Join us for the FREE 5th Kids Japanese Festival – Hello Japan!
Happening on Friday, 23 January 2026, during the school holidays at the Ellen Melville Centre, this fun-filled festival invites children and families to dive into the colourful world of Japanese culture.
Enjoy back-to-back screenings of popular Japanese animation films, including Studio Ghibli’s “My Neighbour Totoro” and the hit movie “Spy X Family CODE: White”.
Plus, explore a fantastic range of hands-on activities:
- Kendama Performance & Workshop
- Kids Taiko Drum Workshop
- Japanese Calligraphy Workshop
- Japanese paper folding (Origami) & Paper cutting (Kirie) Workshop
- Kids Yukata (Summer Casual Kimono) & Happi (Festival Jacket) Dressing
- Yo-Yo Balloon / Bouncy Ball Scoop Game
- UFO Catcher Crane Game
- Traditional Japanese Toys
- Free popcorn & Candy Floss!
Don’t miss the special live collaborative performance combining Taiko Drumming and Japanese Calligraphy — a truly unique cultural experience!
This exciting community event is completely FREE for children and families. Come watch, laugh, create and discover with us.
For more details, please visit the website of the Consulate-General of Japan.
Free Animation Screening Schedule.
(All films are shown in English. No booking required — first come, first served.)
- 10:30am – My Neighbour Totoro (1988 / 86min / G)
- 2:00pm – Spy X Family CODE: White (2023 / 110min / PG)
Presented by: Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland Council, Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland, and The Japan Foundation.
